ESG Investing Firmly Planted on U.S. Soil: Lazard's Rossman

The video discusses the focus of investors on traditional and occasional activists, highlighting sectors like technology, consumer, healthcare, and real estate post-COVID. It explores the US as a center for activist activity and the rise of ESG themes, particularly in oil, gas, and heavy industries. The emergence of SPACs is seen as a new opportunity for activists, with potential disruptions in the IPO market. The video emphasizes the need for companies to adapt to these changes and the growing importance of ESG in investment strategies.

Which sectors are activist investors focusing on post-COVID?

• Education, tourism, and hospitality

• Mining, forestry, and fishing

• Automotive, agriculture, and textiles

• Technology, consumer, healthcare, and real estate

Why is the US considered a center of activity for activist investors?

• Because of its high population density

• Owing to its large agricultural sector

• Because of its massive transformation post-COVID

• Due to its stable political environment

What is a significant new theme for activist investors in the US?

• Cryptocurrency

• Artificial Intelligence

• Space Exploration

• ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)

Which industries are potential targets for ESG-focused activism?

• Oil, gas, and heavy industries

• Retail, fashion, and entertainment

• Banking, insurance, and finance

• Telecommunications, media, and technology

What is a major concern regarding ESG themes in the US?

• Absence of a clear referee

• Lack of investment

• Overregulation

• Limited public interest

What are SPACs, and why are they significant for activists?

• Strategic Partnership and Alliance Corporations, enhancing collaborations

• Socially Progressive Action Committees, focusing on social issues

• Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, offering new opportunities

• Sustainable Product and Agriculture Companies, promoting green products

How are SPACs disrupting the market?

• By increasing regulatory scrutiny

• By reducing the number of IPOs

• By decreasing investor interest

• By creating a new generation of public companies