Latest news with #Europe50
Channel Post MEA
2 days ago
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Schneider Electric Named Most Sustainable Corporation In Europe
Schneider Electric has been ranked the Most Sustainable Corporation in Europe by Corporate Knights, a Canadian media and research company focused on corporate sustainability performance. This recognition places Schneider Electric at the top of the inaugural Europe 50 ranking, which evaluated over 600 publicly listed European companies across a comprehensive set of sustainability criteria. It follows the company's earlier distinction in January 2025 as the World's Most Sustainable Corporation, also awarded by Corporate Knights as part of their renowned Global 100. Together, these accolades reaffirm Schneider Electric's unwavering commitment to sustainability and its leadership in driving meaningful change across industries and geographies. 'At Schneider Electric, sustainability is not just a priority among others —it is embedded in our purpose and mission,' said Esther Finidori, recently appointed Chief Sustainability Officer at Schneider Electric. 'Being named the Most Sustainable Corporation in Europe is a powerful recognition of our efforts to drive positive impact through innovation, transparency, and collaboration. We are proud to lead by example and remain committed to accelerating our contribution to a more sustainable and inclusive world.' The Europe 50 ranking builds on the same rigorous methodology used for the Global 100, evaluating companies on a wide range of ESG performance indicators such as carbon productivity, clean revenue, board diversity, and sustainability-linked investments. Its scope encompasses constituents of the STOXX Europe 600 Index as well as the top 100 publicly traded companies headquartered in Europe by market capitalization. This dual recognition—both globally and regionally—highlights the positive impact Schneider Electric is making. Through its innovative technologies and solutions, the company supports customers and partners in reducing their environmental footprint, improving energy efficiency, and advancing their sustainability goals.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Prediction: This Vanguard Index Fund Will Continue to Beat the S&P 500 in 2025
The Trump administration has unnerved investors with its departure from traditional trade policy. The average tax on U.S. imports fell to 2.5% under the previous administration, but the tariffs Trump has imposed or plans to impose would raise that figure to 8.4%, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation. That would be the highest level since 1946. Fearing the impact of a trade war on the U.S. economy, investors have rotated away from domestic equities and into international stocks. The three major U.S. market indexes have declined year to date, including a 4% slide in the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC). Meanwhile, several international indexes have generated robust returns, as detailed below: The European STOXX Europe 50 index has advanced 8%. The British FTSE 100 index has advanced 4%. The French CAC 40 index has advanced 9%. The German DAX has advanced 15%. Importantly, the returns above are shown in local currencies. But the U.S. dollar index has fallen over 4% year to date, meaning U.S. currency has become less valuable versus a basket of foreign currencies. Consequently, the STOXX Europe 50 has advanced 13% year to date as measured in U.S. dollars. Investors seeking international exposure should consider the Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (NYSEMKT: VGK), the best-performing Vanguard index fund year to date. Read on to learn more. The Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF measures the performance of more than 1,200 European stocks. It is heavily weighted toward equities in the United Kingdom (24%), France (16%), and Germany (14%), the three largest economies in Europe. The 10 largest holdings in the Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF are listed by weight below: SAP: 2.4% ASML Holding: 2.3% Novo Nordisk: 2.1% Nestlé: 1.8% Roche Holding: 1.8% AstraZeneca: 1.7% Novartis: 1.7% HSBC Holdings: 1.5% Shell: 1.5% LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton: 1.5% American stocks crushed European stocks in the last decade, but that trend has reversed course in 2025 due to uncertainty surrounding the health of the U.S. economy. Consumer sentiment in the U.S. has plummeted since December as the Trump administration has implemented tariffs on imports from several countries. Consequently, the Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF has returned 14% year to date, while the S&P 500 has declined 4%. And that outperformance could continue in the remaining months of the year due to discrepancies in economic growth, looser monetary policy, and cheaper stock market valuations. Euro area gross domestic product (GDP) growth is forecast to accelerate into 2027, while U.S. GDP growth is forecast to decelerate through 2026. Also, the European Central Bank has cut its benchmark rate by 185 basis points and has yet to pause. But the Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark rate by only 100 basis points and has paused its cutting cycle. Finally, European equities are relatively cheap compared to U.S. equities. The Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF trades at 14 times earnings, and earnings are forecast to increase at 10% annually in the next few years. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 trades at 22 times earnings, which are forecast to increase at 9% annually in the next few years. The last item of consequence is the expense ratio. The Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF carries a below-average expense ratio of 0.06%. That means shareholders will pay just $6 annually on every $10,000 invested in the fund. Here's the bottom line: The Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF is a sensible way for investors to get exposure to stock markets across Europe. The index has handily outperformed the S&P 500 year to date, and I think that trend will persist through the end of the year, especially if the Trump administration's trade policy continues to weigh on the U.S. economy. However, even if I am incorrect about the Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF outperforming the S&P 500, Lisa Shalett at Morgan Stanley says such investments are an "inexpensive way to hedge portfolios against a potential U.S. stock market pullback." I agree wholeheartedly. Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you'll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a 'Double Down' stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you're worried you've already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it's too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you'd have $315,521!* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you'd have $40,476!* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you'd have $495,070!* Right now, we're issuing 'Double Down' alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.*Stock Advisor returns as of March 14, 2025 HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Trevor Jennewine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends ASML. The Motley Fool recommends AstraZeneca Plc, HSBC Holdings, Nestlé, Novo Nordisk, and Roche Holding AG. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Prediction: This Vanguard Index Fund Will Continue to Beat the S&P 500 in 2025 was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
