All Briefs

Is a recession on the horizon in the UK? The short answer to this question is: yes. The probability of a recession in the near term has risen substantially. The UK business cycle is maturing and the lack of certainty around Brexit makes it difficult for consumers and businesses to make plans about the future. These are the ingredients that recessions are made of. The long answer requires an in-depth (and wonkish) analysis of The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the UK.

In this piece, corporate culture is defined as an intangible asset driving company value. A culture of trust and support is found to be the best way to foster success in the workplace. To create this environment, boards and executives must focus on engagement, financial success, recruiting, and retention.

“Let the sun shine” could have been the slogan for the The Conference Board’s 2018 Corporate Communications Conference, held June 26-27. More than 150 corporate communicators took home new ideas to effectively get their messages out. Here are a couple quick-hit concepts from our speakers from great companies like Hilton, BASF, Boeing, State Farm, Love’s Travel Stops, Mars, American Express, IBM, Aflac, Seattle City Light, UPS, Bank of America Merchant Services, DuPont, Bridge Consulting.

Whether it’s the 24-hour news cycle, social media, annual reports, internal messages, or stakeholder requests, the need for clear, understandable, and relatable corporate social responsibility (CSR) information from companies is increasing. Some stakeholders want metrics, others want stories. Either way, timeliness and transparency are key. So, which data and disclosures are relevant and/or required?

China’s new Environmental Protection Tax Law (EPT Law) came into effect on January 1. It replaces the old Pollutant Discharge Fees System. Taxation could increase, as more headroom for localities allows to set higher tax rates. Some leveling of the playing field is possible, as non-compliance and tax evasion are addressed. Supply chain costs may be impacted.

A strong culture of innovation can energize and enable a company’s innovation performance. In turn, continuous innovation keeps a brand relevant and refreshed during periods of intensifying competition and frequent market disruptions.

Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, started the year with a provocative challenge to the CEOs of the world’s biggest and most influential companies: What’s your purpose? As Fink framed it in his open letter, companies need to have a compelling long-term vision for how their business will sustainably benefit all of its stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, and the community.

The Bottom Line, a podcast on social progress, spoke to thought leaders associated with The Conference Board on the letter that BlackRock CEO Larry Fink wrote calling for companies to positively contribute to society.

Why voting in dual class shares is a value maximizing result, but empty voting has become a systemic risk. Mutual fund advisors have a lack of economic interest, despite having the voting rights to the associated securities.