Insights

Japan – Opportunities Amidst Uncertainty

While Japan might be set to break free from its deflationary shackles, our positive view on a variety of leading Japanese companies derives more from our bottom-up fundamental analysis than from hopes about the country’s economic transformation.

5 minute read

From pigs to cotton – the rise of the shareholder proposal

Shareholder proposals are a growing feature of proxy voting season. While in many ways we welcome this increased shareholder scrutiny, too often what appears a reasonable objective on paper fails to withstand closer inspection.

7 minute read

Making the Grid Smarter

The electrical grid system has been around for more than a century. Investment Analyst Michael Scott explores how the traditional model is having to adapt to new methods of electricity generation and the transition to net zero.

11 minute read

Euro-wobbles

Europe might have had a chequered economic history since the Global Financial Crisis, but for the Walter Scott Research team, it’s not all bad news and it remains home for many great companies that excel on the global stage.

4 minute read

Green Hydrogen – Taking Another Look

Hydrogen has been tipped to play an important role in the global transition to renewable energy. Investment Manager Ashley-Jane Kyle takes another look at hydrogen and assesses recent developments from the perspective of two companies in the industry.

10 minute read

“We’re fiddling while the forests burn”

Focusing on rising temperature while ignoring our emptying natural habitats makes no sense. An approach that takes the hand of nature while forcing climate change to slow down is the best way forward, says Oliver Balch.

15 minute read

Banking Blues II

Banking sector share prices have witnessed a rebound since the latter part of last year, but we still prefer to look elsewhere for sustainable long-term returns.

11 minute read

The New E in ESG

The way companies approach employee wellbeing is a critical test of their culture. Can they come through the current crisis with a strong and more meaningful workplace culture – or will Covid-19 expose it as an empty gesture?

8 minute read

Luxury We Can’t Afford?

When a global crisis hits, what does it mean for the likes of Chanel, Ferrari and Louis Vuitton? We find out how the luxury goods sector is faring as the Covid-19 pandemic turns the world upside down.

11 minute read