Attention UUCEF, LLC Account Holders
Did you know that you can access your monthly and year-to-date statements online? If you’d like to sign up for online access please click on the “Reports” tab and from the dropdown menu select “Forms and Sign up for Online Statements”. Complete the fields requested and hit “Send your request”; you’ll receive your credentials via […]
SRIC Announces New Human Rights Screen
Today, the UUA Socially Responsible Investment Committee (SRIC) is announcing that the UUCEF (Unitarian Universalist Common Endowment Fund) has a new screen that places a spotlight on human rights. Previously, human rights was merged in our screening process with other issues, but is now being considered on a stand-alone basis to allow for focus and […]
March Monthly Commentary
Following a rocky start to the first quarter, stocks rallied in March as global currencies strengthened versus the dollar amid renewed investor confidence, and commodity prices showed signs of stabilization. Emerging market equities led the charge with the MSCI EM Index returning 13.2%; the S&P 500 gained 6.8%, swinging back to positive territory year-to-date as […]
February Monthly Commentary
Global equities recorded modest losses in February as mixed economic data gave investors pause on the heels of January’s sharp drawdown. The S&P 500 was nearly flat, losing 0.1%, as concerns around slowing global growth trumped positive data on US inflation and an upward revision to fourth quarter GDP. International developed equities lost 1.8%, according […]
Investors Raising Heat on Fossil Fuel Companies and Their Strategies for Emerging Low-Carbon Economy
On the heels of a historic global climate agreement in Paris, investors have filed a record number of shareholder resolutions this year with major U.S. energy companies asking them to disclose their strategies for competing in a global economy that is shifting towards clean energy and away from fossil fuels. The resolutions seek clarity on […]
UUA Board of Trustees Approve Decrease in Payment Percentage for UUA Administered Trusts
The Board, acting on the recommendation from the Investment Committee, approved a reduction in the trust payout percentage from the current annual rate of 5% to 4.75% effective for fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017) and then a second reduction to 4.5% for fiscal year 2018. The Investment Committee based their […]
A Blueprint For ESG Implementation
As environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors gain steam among asset owners, how they incorporate ESG factors in their investment decisions is taking an increasing import. FEMM questioned several funds to better understand these asset owner’s journeys to incorporate an ESG philosophy in their portfolio’s. A consultant was also asked to provide general views. Reporter […]
January Monthly Commentary
Equities started the year sharply lower as investors shunned risk amid concerns of a global slowdown in growth. The continued weakness in oil prices added to this risk aversion as oil hit a decade low of $26 before ending the month at $33. At home, economic reports were largely underwhelming, including the tepid estimated GDP […]
December Monthly Commentary
Global equities ended 2015 with a whimper as investors stayed on the sidelines while central banks in Europe and the US provided guidance on monetary policy. At home, the Federal Reserve raised rates, putting its target rate from 25-to-50 basis points. The anticipated move was well received by US markets which received a modest mid-month […]
Shareholder Activism Succeeds at American Electric Power
In 2014, the UUA co-filed a resolution with American Electric Power (AEP) requesting a review of the company’s public policy advocacy efforts on energy and climate change policy. In March of this year, Tim Brennan, CFO and Treasurer of the UUA, wrote an op-ed piece using the UUA’s moral and financial power to continue the […]