"The alternative markets are famously opaque, as private firms do not have the regulatory duty to disclose such details."
That's the takeaway from Preqin, which on Tuesday announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind set of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) fund performance benchmarks, per a press release.
These benchmarkswhich cover more than 1,000 ESG funds and more than 200 non-ESG funds, including impact, climate, and sustainable development goals fundswill allow clients to easily compare ESG and non-ESG funds and "make informed investment decisions when it comes to ESG and impact investing," Preqin says.
"And yet, in an ever-evolving landscape, investors, fund managers and advisors need to equip themselves with robust tools and reliable data to make informed decisions when it comes to ESG and impact investing," Preqin's executive VP for ESG Solutions and Corporate Responsibility adds.
"Access to these enhanced tools is a means of championing transparency in markets where ESG data is scarce and difficult to collate, helping to establish more widely accepted standards."
The New York Times, which notes Preqin's announcement comes at a time when anti-ESG sentiment is on the rise,
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Weston Mill-based social enterprise Surplus Rescue CIC (Community Interest Company) recycles and finds homes for unwanted furniture. To date, it has received “extensive amounts” of quality second-hand furniture including desks, pedestals, cupboards and office chairs from a former local authority office equipment – and wants to find them a good home.