The CCLA Better World Lectures bring together leaders from across the charity, investment and not-for-profit sectors to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing long-term investors, and the impact of these on local communities and civil society. This year's lecture was chaired by Matthew Beesley, Chief Executive of Jupiter Asset Management, and delivered by Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England.

AI and tech stocks drove market gains in May and oil prices fell despite the continued US-Iran standoff. Further attention on AI is expected with the upcoming IPOs of SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI. We include significant exposure to AI in our portfolios but maintain a balanced approach, including attractively valued non-AI firms.

Each month our investment team provide a macro outlook into global investment markets.

You may think it is not possible to influence a bank without owning shares. But it is still a meaningful avenue. If you place deposits with a bank, you are a client and a source of funding. That gives you a basis for asking questions and pressing them on areas where policy or practice appears weak. This article explores why we look at cash deposits as part of stewardship and what we would like to see institutions adopt over the coming year.

Share prices rose in April, and despite rising inflation, central banks are holding interest rates steady as they assess the impact of the Middle East war. Given ongoing risks in stocks and bonds across Europe and the US, we continue to expand diversifying strategies, first introduced in early 2026.

Each month our investment team provide a macro outlook into global investment markets.

Investors don’t need a perfect transition plan, but they do need an honest one - on Wednesday 15 April 2026, the Local Authority Pension Funds Forum and CCLA joint hosted a seminar focussed on how climate transition plans can provide a mechanism to test corporate ambition against real-world action.

Global share prices fell in March, but the month saw a strengthening of the US dollar against the pound. Not surprisingly, oil prices rose with fears that inflation may spike as a result. We also consider further economic ramifications of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Each month our investment team provide a macro outlook into global investment markets.

Is artificial intelligence really a threat to traditional industries, or merely misunderstood? Discover how a balanced perspective based on fundamental analysis can reveal opportunities and resilience amid the hype and fear.