This Week in ESG and Impact Investing

Die Wahrnehmungen von Kriminalität und Sicherheit sind drängende Themen in den USA. Um den aktuellen Stand zu veranschaulichen, wurde der Real-Time Crime Index (RTCI) erstellt. Der RTCI sammelt in Echtzeit Kriminalitätsdaten, die von Strafverfolgungsbehörden im ganzen Land gemeldet werden. Er soll Trends messen, indem er die Datenerfassung standardisiert. Daten des RTCI zeigen, dass der Diebstahl von Kraftfahrzeugen mit einem Gesamtanstieg von 88% den höchsten Anstieg aus allen Kriminalitätskategorien abbildet. Danach folgen die Kategorien Mord (26%), schwere Körperverletzung (16%), Gewaltkriminalität (5%) und Eigentumskriminalität (2%). In einigen Bereichen ist die Gesamtzahl der Verbrechen jedoch in diesen sechs Jahren auch zurückgegangen. Einbruchdiebstahl zeigt den höchsten Rückgang insgesamt (-22%), gefolgt von Raub (-13%), Vergewaltigung (-11%) und Diebstahl (-7%). Die Analyse dieser Daten ergab, dass landesweit die Kriminalitätsrate im dritten Quartal am höchsten und im ersten Q

Key Trends White Unemployment: Steady Rate : The unemployment rate for white workers has remained largely consistent, fluctuating between 3.1% to 3.8% from April 2023 to August 2024 . This shows stability with no major spikes, indicating that the white workforce has seen fewer disruptions during this period. Recent Increase : There's a slight uptick in July 2024 and August 2024 at 3.8% , but it's  within a stable range. Black/African American Unemployment: Higher Rates : The unemployment rate for Black workers is significantly higher, moving from 4.8% in April 2023 to 6.1% in August 2024 . This continues to reflect the long-standing disparity in unemployment rates compared to white workers. Fluctuations : There’s a notable rise in March 2024 where Black unemployment spiked to 6.4% , followed by slight drops and increases throughout the summer. These fluctuations may be attributed to sector-specific changes that disproportionately affect Black workers. Asian Unemployment: Lo

Real Time Crime Index: Violent Crimes, 2018 to 2024. Perceptions on crime and safety are pressing issues in the US. In an attempt to illustrate the current state, the Real-Time Crime Index  (RTCI) was created. The RTCI samples crime data reported by law enforcement agencies across the country in real time. It purportedly measures trends by standardizing data collection. Data from RTCI shows that the crime category with the highest increase is motor vehicle theft, with an overall rise of 88%. Following this are the categories of murder (26%), aggravated assault (16%), violent crime (5%), and property crime (2%). However, over these six years, the total number of crimes also decreased in some areas. Burglary shows the highest decrease overall at -22%, followed by robbery (-13%), rape (-11%), and theft (-7%). The analysis of this data revealed that nationwide, the crime rate is highest in the third quarter and lowest in the first quarter. Additionally, July statistically sees the most cri

This summer, my partner and I decided to travel across Europe, using only trains to reduce our environmental impact. For several years now, I’ve struggled with flying due to its significant pollution. However, I am a passionate traveler, so I’ve been looking for ways to continue exploring while minimizing my carbon footprint. As we considered more sustainable travel options, we concluded that utilizing the European rail network—superior in quality compared to the American system—was the best solution. The two images below show the American and European rail networks, clearly illustrating that the European network offers far more choices. Here is the itinerary we followed in the summer of 2024. To get to Europe, we had no choice but to fly. Our flight departed from Boston and landed in Amsterdam, with a layover in Iceland. However, once in Europe, we traveled exclusively by train: Amsterdam (Netherlands), Warsaw (Poland), Krakow (Poland), Prague (Czech Republic), Bratislava (Slovakia),

The July 2024 PCE index indicates a 0.2% increase in prices, with a 0.4% rise in real personal consumption expenditures (PCE). The price increase, although modest, could affect minority businesses by reducing profit margins due to higher costs for goods and services. While overall income and spending are growing, the continued increase in spending on essentials like housing and utilities, and motor vehicles may reduce disposable income among minority consumers, potentially leading to decreased demand for non-essential products and services offered by minority businesses. For more detailed information, visit the full release here .

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's August 23, 2024 speech  was a significant announcement forecasting future Fed interest rate policy. With inflation moving closer to the 2% FOMC target, occurring without a sharp rise in unemployment, the statement set the stage for possible rate cuts in September.  Mr. Powell reviewed challenges to the post-pandemic economy, including supply constraints and demand surges. He noted the Fed's commitment to supporting a strong labor market while gradually easing policy restraints. (See: Does Asymmetric Monetary Policy Exacerbate Asymmetric Outcomes? https://www.impactinvesting.online/2024/06/does-asymmetric-monetary-policy.html .) For several reasons, this approach is particularly relevant to minority firms: 1. Access to Capital: Lower inflation and stable interest rates improve borrowing conditions. Minority businesses, often more reliant on external financing, benefit from easier access to affordable credit. 2. Labor Market Stability: Minori