This Week in ESG and Impact Investing

The current economic landscape is showing remarkable stability and growth. Key indicators like interest rates, inflation, and unemployment reveal a robust economy that directly impacts individuals and businesses positively. Interest Rates The Federal funds rate has stabilized at 5.25%-5.50%, with a forecasted reduction to 4.75%-5.00% by the end of the year as inflation and economic activity ease. Lower interest rates mean cheaper borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, enabling more investments, expansions, and purchases that drive economic growth and job creation. Personal Impact: Sarah, a small business owner in Dallas, was able to secure a low-interest loan to expand her bakery. With the additional funds, she hired three more employees, boosting the Dallas economy and providing jobs to her community. Inflation The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 3.4% before seasonal adjustment for April. Given the massive economic challenges of recent years, maintaining such a moderate

Estimate: Dollar Value of British Colonialism and Forced Labor Our economic impact estimate considers ingenuity, common law, commerce, trade, and the development of joint-stock companies. Ingenuity and Innovation: British advancements in technology, industrialization, and innovation drove economic growth. Inventions like the steam engine, mechanized manufacturing, and improvements in infrastructure, significantly boosted productivity and economic output. Legal and Institutional Framework: The development of common law and legal institutions provided a stable environment for commerce and trade, since property rights, contract enforcement, and the rule of law facilitated exploitative business transactions. Trade and Commerce: British trade networks, particularly with India, North America and Asia, facilitated the exchange of goods and services, driving economic growth. Financial Innovations: The emergence of joint-stock companies and financial institutions, such as the Bank of England, p