In This Edition

Key Takeaways

Manufacturing and services activity in China both contracted in March for the first time in almost two years. Western intelligence assesses that President Putin “massively misjudged” the costs of invading Ukraine due to doctored reports from advisors. Second COVID-19 booster for 50-plus is now available in US. Analysis: Russia-Ukraine War Prompts Shifts in ESG. Analysis: Ukraine War Update: Putin’s Misjudgment, Rouble’s Rejection, NATO’s Reinforcement.

Condition Updates

A rundown of important global risk developments in markets, in business, and region by region.

Analysis: Russia-Ukraine War Prompts Shifts in ESG

Among other market shocks, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted some investors to rethink the parameters and purpose of environmental, social and governance investing (ESG). Invasion-related market disruptions have created new economic pressures, endangering climate pledges that inform ESG ratings, and new geopolitical realities have shifted attitudes around defense investments and the application of ESG standards to sovereign investing.

Analysis: Ukraine War Update: Putin’s Misjudgment, Rouble’s Rejection, NATO’s Reinforcement.

Despite observing some redeployment of Russian units, Western intelligence judges that Russia troops continue to plan for an offensive against the Ukrainian capital and remain dug into positions around Ukraine. Russian President Putin, they assess, has not been fully informed by his advisors on the poor military performance, nor the impact of western sanctions.

Download the Article