Head of ESG investments, Saxo Bank.
Summary: Though research shows that companies with more women in leadership positions outperform their peers, women are still largely underrepresented in leadership roles worldwide. The research points to those companies being more innovative, more socially responsible, having higher customer satisfaction and higher employee retention. Empowering women seem to be a win-win benefiting both women and society as a whole. Saxo’s Women in Leadership basket puts the research to the test by focusing on companies that advance women through senior leadership positions.
Women have come a long way, but not that long ago, women could not enjoy many of the rights they now have. For example:
Two of the most important reasons that gender equality matters are that it is good for the economy and reduces poverty. This can save the lives of women and their children in many places around the world.
One way to advance and empower women is by giving them a seat at the table, bringing more women into leadership positions. This is not only beneficial to women but also to companies, in fact, Research shows that companies with more women in leadership positions perform better. Those companies tend to be more innovative, more socially responsible, have higher customer satisfaction and higher employee retention. Having more women simply changes the way companies think and operate.
To put the research to the test, we have put together a basket of global companies that are committed to gender diversity and advancing women through policies, programmes, and leadership positions. Only companies with at least 30% women in senior management and top sustainability ratings are considered for inclusion in this basket.
You can browse through Saxo’s Women in Leadership theme for a list of companies that advance women through leadership positions.
Before making any investments, you should consider your investment objectives, risk tolerance and time horizon, and review the available information about the product on the platform.
2024: The wasted year
Markets are driven by election optimism, overshadowing growing debt and liquidity concerns. The 2024 elections loom large, but economic fundamentals and debt issues warrant cautious investment.
As US economic slowdown hints at a shift away from exceptionalism, USD faces downside with looming Fed cuts. AUD and NZD set to outperform as their rate cuts lag. JPY gains on carry unwind bets and BOJ pivot.
Amid AI and obesity drug excitement, equities see varied prospects: neutral on overvalued US stocks, negative on Japan due to JPY risks, positive on Europe. European defence stocks gain appeal.
With the economic slowdown, quality assets will gain favour, especially sovereign bonds up to 5 years. Central banks' potential rate cuts in Q2 suggest extending duration, despite policy and inflation concerns.
Commodities poised for rebound. The "Year of the Metal" boosts gold and silver, copper awaits rate cuts. Grains may recover, natural gas stabilises. Gold targets $2,300-$2,500/oz, copper's breakout could signal growth.
