Alpha-Centric ESG Research

Kyle Rudden

<p>Whether we call this a SPAC bubble that has burst or a SPAC bull-run "correcting" itself, one thing is clear – the global SPAC market is cooling off. Cooling off... but not dead. SPACs are likely to play a much larger role in global equity markets than they have historically, and Asia is poised to play a larger role within that larger global equity markets role. We are already seeing evidence of this.</p><p>Specifically, the recent increase in SPAC-related interest and activity in Asia by: 1) SPAC sponsors (growing number of Asia-based sponsors and foreign SPACs seeking Asia-based targets), 2) Asia's unicorns (several have announced huge SPAC deals), and 3) Asia's financial exchanges (which are increasingly enabling local SPAC listings, such as Singapore Exchange's new framework).</p><p>It is still too soon to call anything an Asia SPAC "boom," but the growth is tangible and immediate enough for optimism. It motivated me to finally write about a topic I have been meaning to cover – i.e., ESG issues related to the SPAC <em>vehicle</em> itself, as well as to how SPACs are <em>applied</em> in supporting sustainability-related tech startups (e.g., electric vehicles, batteries/storage, clean energy).</p>

Whether we call this a SPAC bubble that has burst or a SPAC bull-run "correcting" itself, one thing is clear – the global SPAC market is cooling off. Cooling off... but not dead. SPACs are likely to play a much larger role in global equity markets than they have historically, and Asia is poised to play a larger role within that larger global equity markets role. We are already seeing evidence of this.Specifically, the recent increase in SPAC-related interest and activity in Asia by: 1) SPAC sponsors (growing number of Asia-based sponsors and foreign SPACs seeking Asia-based targets), 2) Asia's unicorns (several have announced huge SPAC deals), and 3) Asia's financial exchanges (which are increasingly enabling local SPAC listings, such as Singapore Exchange's new framework).It is still too soon to call anything an Asia SPAC "boom," but the growth is tangible and immediate enough for optimism. It motivated me to finally write about a topic I have been meaning to cover – i.e., ESG issues related to the SPAC vehicle itself, as well as to how SPACs are applied in supporting sustainability-related tech startups (e.g., electric vehicles, batteries/storage, clean energy).

SPACs and ESG: Issues Related to the SPAC Vehicle Itself and Sustainability Use Cases

<p>Announcements keep on coming from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/singapore-exchange-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1047:1" rel="noopener">Singapore Exchange (SGX SP)</a> and its SGX FIRST sustainable investing platform. Weeks after launching Climate Impact X – SGX's carbon exchange joint venture with DBS, Standard Chartered, and Temasek – the exchange announced (on 14 June) the launch of the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sgx-nikkei-esg-reit-index-futures" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33480:1" rel="noopener">SGX Nikkei ESG-REIT Index Futures (JRTA INDEX)</a> contract.</p><p>For SGX, the launch further solidifies its position as Asia's leading financial exchange for all things sustainable investing and finance (and of course, REITs). For investors, the ESG-REIT Index futures contract expands the menu of products for REIT-related ESG investing. That is far more significant than it sounds; Real Estate is a sleeping ESG giant of sorts, and investment products are lacking.</p><p>Therein lies the second of two goals for this Insight. The first is, rather obviously, to delve into the SGX Nikkei ESG-REIT product – the underlying index and futures contract. The second is to take it as an opportunity to broach an important, but often underrated, topic – the relationships between ESG and the Real Estate sector, including REITs. Much of it positive, or at least potentially so.</p><p>Think about it. One billion buildings in the world already, and expected to double by 2060.</p>

Announcements keep on coming from Singapore Exchange (SGX SP) and its SGX FIRST sustainable investing platform. Weeks after launching Climate Impact X – SGX's carbon exchange joint venture with DBS, Standard Chartered, and Temasek – the exchange announced (on 14 June) the launch of the SGX Nikkei ESG-REIT Index Futures (JRTA INDEX) contract.For SGX, the launch further solidifies its position as Asia's leading financial exchange for all things sustainable investing and finance (and of course, REITs). For investors, the ESG-REIT Index futures contract expands the menu of products for REIT-related ESG investing. That is far more significant than it sounds; Real Estate is a sleeping ESG giant of sorts, and investment products are lacking.Therein lies the second of two goals for this Insight. The first is, rather obviously, to delve into the SGX Nikkei ESG-REIT product – the underlying index and futures contract. The second is to take it as an opportunity to broach an important, but often underrated, topic – the relationships between ESG and the Real Estate sector, including REITs. Much of it positive, or at least potentially so.Think about it. One billion buildings in the world already, and expected to double by 2060.

SGX Nikkei ESG-REIT Index Futures Launch Is an Ideal Backdrop for an Important Topic: ESG and REITs

<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/asia-exchanges-lead-in-esg-hkex-jpx-sgx" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:34447" rel="noopener">Asia Exchanges Lead in ESG: HKEX, JPX, SGX</a>, I assessed and benchmarked the world's financial exchanges on their contributions to sustainable/ESG investing and finance, and general Corporate Social Responsibility performance. Much has transpired, so it is time for an update... of sorts.</p><p>"Of sorts," because this version focuses exclusively on <em>listed</em> Asian exchange stocks, employs a more robust assessment/benchmarking model, and incorporates additional (previously-unavailable) data points. In short, it is more targeted, substantive, and actionable. Less breadth, more depth.</p><p>The first analysis was based more on aspirations than on accomplishments because few exchanges had accomplished anything at that point. This version reflects real-world progress, and the results are significantly more insightful. The "downside," however, is information-overload.</p><p>Therefore, this Insight addresses methodology and overall results (scores, rankings), and I will dive deeper into specific subjects (e.g., ESG derivatives) and exchanges separately. The Asian exchanges herein are: <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/asx-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:552:1" rel="noopener">ASX Limited (ASX AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bombay-stock-exchange" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23694:1" rel="noopener">BSE Limited (BSE IN)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bursa-malaysia-bhd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17112:1" rel="noopener">Bursa Malaysia (BURSA MK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-exchanges-clearing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:490:1" rel="noopener">HKEX (388 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-exchange-group-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11266:1" rel="noopener">Japan Exchange Group (8697 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nzx-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10696:1" rel="noopener">NZX Limited (NZX NZ)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/singapore-exchange-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1047:1" rel="noopener">Singapore Exchange (SGX SP)</a>.</p>

In Asia Exchanges Lead in ESG: HKEX, JPX, SGX, I assessed and benchmarked the world's financial exchanges on their contributions to sustainable/ESG investing and finance, and general Corporate Social Responsibility performance. Much has transpired, so it is time for an update... of sorts."Of sorts," because this version focuses exclusively on listed Asian exchange stocks, employs a more robust assessment/benchmarking model, and incorporates additional (previously-unavailable) data points. In short, it is more targeted, substantive, and actionable. Less breadth, more depth.The first analysis was based more on aspirations than on accomplishments because few exchanges had accomplished anything at that point. This version reflects real-world progress, and the results are significantly more insightful. The "downside," however, is information-overload.Therefore, this Insight addresses methodology and overall results (scores, rankings), and I will dive deeper into specific subjects (e.g., ESG derivatives) and exchanges separately. The Asian exchanges herein are: ASX Limited (ASX AU), BSE Limited (BSE IN), Bursa Malaysia (BURSA MK), HKEX (388 HK), Japan Exchange Group (8697 JP), NZX Limited (NZX NZ), and Singapore Exchange (SGX SP).

Sustainable Stock Exchanges: SGX, HKEX Are Shaping the Future of Sustainable/ESG Investing in Asia

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist, LightStream Research

Campbell Gunn

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>• BEST &amp; WORST • </strong></p><p>Our best and worst mega-cap pair from Thursday's 135 results and 64 forecasts/revisions announcements is <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-exchange-group-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11266:1" rel="noopener">Japan Exchange (8697 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tokyo-electron-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:280:1" rel="noopener">Tokyo Electron (8035 JP)</a>. Amongst large caps, our picks are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/paltac-corporation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20014:1" rel="noopener">Paltac (8283 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fancl-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15862:1" rel="noopener">Fancl (4921 JP)</a>. 69% of companies had improved Results Scores, and 68% of annual revisions scored positively.  Only 10% of companies posted quarterly losses.</p><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/185/303/original/2021-01-29_05-38-04.png?1611866299" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="185303"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/185/304/original/2021-01-29_05-38-53.png?1611866346" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="185304"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/185/305/original/2021-01-29_05-39-46.png?1611866397" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="185305"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/185/306/original/2021-01-29_05-42-15.png?1611866547" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="185306"></figure></section><div class="content-caption">   Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics</div>

• BEST &amp; WORST • Our best and worst mega-cap pair from Thursday's 135 results and 64 forecasts/revisions announcements is Japan Exchange (8697 JP) and Tokyo Electron (8035 JP). Amongst large caps, our picks are Paltac (8283 JP) and Fancl (4921 JP). 69% of companies had improved Results Scores, and 68% of annual revisions scored positively.  Only 10% of companies posted quarterly losses.   Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​01/​​​​​​​​​​​​28 JPX, TEL, Fancl...

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/162/974/original/File%202020-10-01%2015%2010%2035.jpeg?1601583635" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="162974"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: NHK</div><p><strong>FAILOVER</strong><strong>FAILURE</strong> - The failure of the Fail Over system in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-exchange-group-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11266:1" rel="noopener">Japan Exchange (8697 JP)</a> / <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fujitsu-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16968:1" rel="noopener">Fujitsu (6702 JP)</a> 'arrowhead' trading system on Thursday morning resulted in an unprecedented full-day market suspension. The details and implication will be covered in a separate Insight; however, the embarrassment to Japan's financial system is extreme. The Chief Cabinet Secretary was particularly blunt:-</p><blockquote>
<p> Currently, the Financial Services Agency is instructing the Japan Exchange Group and the Tokyo Stock Exchange to investigate the cause and take measures for recovery, and we are working diligently to recover. I know that the inability to trade on the exchange, which is an important infrastructure of the market, limits the opportunities for trading for investors, and I think it is very regrettable.   </p>
<h3>Katō Katsunobu, Naikaku-kanbō-chōkan</h3>
<p><strong>October 1st, 2020</strong></p>
</blockquote><hr><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>• BEST &amp; WORST •</strong></p><p style="text-align: left;">The release of earnings announcements, forecasts and revisions was unaffected, and our best and worst pair is medical wear manufacturer <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nagaileben-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3165:1" rel="noopener">Nagaileben (7447 JP)</a> and waste management company <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/daiseki-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2330:1" rel="noopener">Daiseki (9793 JP)</a>.</p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/162/977/original/2020-10-02_06-08-02.png?1601586653" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="162977"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/162/976/original/2020-10-02_06-10-05.png?1601586638" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="162976"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source for all charts &amp; tables unless otherwise stated: Japan Analytics</div><p></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>DAILY STATS</strong></p></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 Quarterly Results</strong></p></div><div><ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><p><strong>Results Score:</strong> 67% Positive / 10% Neutral / 33% Negative</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Average Results Score Change:</strong> +3.1 points</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Average % Change in Revenue:</strong> 3.0% Quarter YoY / +1.9% Rolling TTM YoY </p></li>
<li><p><strong>Average Operating Profit Margin Change:</strong> 0.5ppt</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Percentage Making Quarterly Losses:</strong> 0%</p></li>
</ul></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>7 Annual • 5 Interim Forecasts/Revisions</strong></p></div><ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><p>Annual Forecast/Revision Score: 57% Positive / 0% Neutral / 43% Negative</p></li>
<li><p>Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change: 60% Positive / 20% Neutral / 20% Negative</p></li>
<li><p>Average Forecast/Revision Score Change: +4.0 points</p></li>
</ul><div class="content-highlight"><p><strong>Although the sample size is small the 'stats' above are the best since we started this daily series. </strong></p></div>

Source: NHKFAILOVERFAILURE - The failure of the Fail Over system in Japan Exchange (8697 JP) / Fujitsu (6702 JP) 'arrowhead' trading system on Thursday morning resulted in an unprecedented full-day market suspension. The details and implication will be covered in a separate Insight; however, the embarrassment to Japan's financial system is extreme. The Chief Cabinet Secretary was particularly blunt:-
 Currently, the Financial Services Agency is instructing the Japan Exchange Group and the Tokyo Stock Exchange to investigate the cause and take measures for recovery, and we are working diligently to recover. I know that the inability to trade on the exchange, which is an important infrastructure of the market, limits the opportunities for trading for investors, and I think it is very regrettable.   
Katō Katsunobu, Naikaku-kanbō-chōkan
October 1st, 2020
• BEST &amp; WORST •The release of earnings announcements, forecasts and revisions was unaffected, and our best and worst pair is medical wear manufacturer Nagaileben (7447 JP) and waste management company Daiseki (9793 JP).Source for all charts &amp; tables unless otherwise stated: Japan AnalyticsDAILY STATS12 Quarterly Results
Results Score: 67% Positive / 10% Neutral / 33% Negative
Average Results Score Change: +3.1 points
Average % Change in Revenue: 3.0% Quarter YoY / +1.9% Rolling TTM YoY 
Average Operating Profit Margin Change: 0.5ppt
Percentage Making Quarterly Losses: 0%
7 Annual • 5 Interim Forecasts/Revisions
Annual Forecast/Revision Score: 57% Positive / 0% Neutral / 43% Negative
Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change: 60% Positive / 20% Neutral / 20% Negative
Average Forecast/Revision Score Change: +4.0 points
Although the sample size is small the 'stats' above are the best since we started this daily series. 

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/​​​​01 - Fail Over Fail, Nagaileben, Daiseki, Kewpie

Japan

Japan Exchange Group Inc is the holding company created through the merger of Tokyo Stock Exchange Group, Inc and Osaka Securities Exchange Co., Ltd. The group provides and operates a marketplace for the trading of equities, futures, and options. The Group manages the trading, as well as administers listed stocks and registered members.

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Japan Exchange Group (8697 JP)

SGX Nikkei ESG-REIT Index Futures Launch Is an Ideal Backdrop for an Important Topic: ESG and REITs

Singapore Exchange just launched the SGX Nikkei ESG-REIT Index futures contract. A multi-win for SGX, but it also serves as a reminder of how...

Kyle Rudden

Sustainable Stock Exchanges: SGX, HKEX Are Shaping the Future of Sustainable/ESG Investing in Asia

Sustainability is imperative, capital is its cornerstone, and markets move capital. Exchanges, at that vital intersection, are agents of progress...

Kyle Rudden

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 01/28 JPX, TEL, Fancl...

69% of companies had improved Results Scores, and 68% of annual revisions scored positively. Only 10% of companies posted quarterly losses.

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/01 - Fail Over Fail, Nagaileben, Daiseki, Kewpie

FAIL OVER -

Campbell Gunn

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SPACs and ESG: Issues Related to the SPAC Vehicle Itself and Sustainability Use Cases

In Asia there is an undeniable upswell in SPAC activity – by SPAC sponsors, crown-jewel unicorns, and bourses like SGX. This covers ESG issues...

Kyle Rudden

SGX Nikkei ESG-REIT Index Futures Launch Is an Ideal Backdrop for an Important Topic: ESG and REITs

Singapore Exchange just launched the SGX Nikkei ESG-REIT Index futures contract. A multi-win for SGX, but it also serves as a reminder of how...

Kyle Rudden

Sustainable Stock Exchanges: SGX, HKEX Are Shaping the Future of Sustainable/ESG Investing in Asia

Sustainability is imperative, capital is its cornerstone, and markets move capital. Exchanges, at that vital intersection, are agents of progress...

Kyle Rudden

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​01/​​​​​​​​​​​​28 JPX, TEL, Fancl...

69% of companies had improved Results Scores, and 68% of annual revisions scored positively. Only 10% of companies posted quarterly losses.

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/​​​​01 - Fail Over Fail, Nagaileben, Daiseki, Kewpie

FAIL OVER -

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 01/28 JPX, TEL, Fancl...

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/01 - Fail Over Fail, Nagaileben, Daiseki, Kewpie