Optimism over artificial intelligence powered the stock market in 2023. It also helped some sustainable funds turn in a surprisingly strong performance. Based on data from Morningstar Direct, the top five sustainable U.S. equity mutual funds in Barron’s annual survey outperformed the S&P 500 index, returning an average 35% against a gain of 26%, including
Do well by doing good? Don’t count on it. Funds that invest using environmental, social, and governance, or ESG, criteria underperformed for a second consecutive year. According to data from Morningstar Direct, sustainable U.S. equity funds were up an average 21.6%, including dividends, through Dec. 31, trailing the S&P 500 total returns index by about
When ChatGPT burst into the public consciousness in early 2023, financial services firms initially reacted by banning their employees from using it. A year later, many executives are heralding generative AI as transformative for their business. AI as a key theme for 2024 may seem obvious. But what are the other trends that will affect
Walt Disney is caught in a contentious battle with multiple activist investors. Shareholders should come out ahead no matter who the winner is. Right now, there are no fewer than four activists taking aim at the House of Mouse. That should come as no surprise given that Disney stock has lost more than half its