2023 has been an eventful year for impact-focused investors. Following years of increased participation and interest in responsible investing, in recent months there has been some push back on these strategies. Critics have argued that investors should consider only financial factors and metrics when evaluating companies for investment, and should not factor in potential risks … Continued
As Christians — and as U.S. Americans — we are called to restore wealth to the Afro-American and Indigenous peoples from whom it has been taken and long been denied. That’s the core principle behind Restorative Actions, an initiative launched in 2021 by a team of servant leaders within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), with the … Continued
The S&P 500 calmly added +3.11% in July, continuing its new bull market run from the lows of last October. With the exception of a few days around the regional bank failures, it’s been a market rally characterized by markedly subdued volatility. For example, the CBOE VIX index, sometimes referred to as Wall Street’s “Fear … Continued
While the drivers, effects and outlook for a down market tend to engulf investors attention, when markets are marching higher, there are often fewer questions and less consternation. While many investors are not keen to argue with a strong market, and are enjoying the latest bull run, we’d encourage investors not to lose the thread … Continued
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) has published a statement on responsible investing in response to recent news and public discussion about a fiduciary’s responsibilities related to investments and the role of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG). This statement outlines the church’s long history and influential leadership in the … Continued
First Presbyterian Church of Lexington “exists to glorify God by engaging in worship, pursuing justice and nurturing everybody who enters our doors,” says Rev. Mark Davis. From the time he was called to serve as FPC’s pastor in September 2010, Rev. Davis has worked hard to help his congregation fulfill that vision statement. Now, with … Continued
After 248 trading days in bear market territory — the longest bear market since 1948 — the S&P 500 entered a new bull market June 8. Optimism has been driven by softening inflation, a timely deal on the debt ceiling and huge gains in the tech sector, particularly for companies involved in artificial intelligence. According … Continued
New Covenant Trust Company was proud to partner with the Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program and the Presbyterian Foundation on “Assets & Liabilities: Managing Your Church’s Balance Sheet,” a webinar that took a close look at strategies to help churches maximize their finances. This informative, interactive event covered everything from the key elements of a … Continued
Wall Street loves its adages. “Sell in May and go away,” “Don’t catch a falling knife” and “Buy the rumor, sell the news” are just a few examples. Like many sayings, there may be examples of truth in some of these. For example, over the last 25 years, markets have earned on average around +2.10% … Continued
Below is a message from Doug McArthur, Chair of NCTC’s CEO Search Committee and Vice Chair of the NCTC Board of Directors. To our valued clients: Greg Rousos, New Covenant Trust Company’s longtime President & CEO, has announced his plans to retire at the end of 2023. As you can imagine, this news carries mixed … Continued