As vaccine campaigns roll out and new variants keep the world in suspense, the percentage of COVID-related ESG content has declined from the range of ~25% of total volume to the low 20s.
The COVID-19 Response Signal remains in double digits, continuing a three-month streak during vaccine roll-outs. The Supply Chain Signal rose to the highest level since August, as vaccine distribution has faced challenges getting to those that need them the most.
The SASB category of Access & Affordability continues to lead all others for COVID-19 news in the past four weeks.
Social dimension data still maintains a plurality of ESG data in the past month, with ~40% levels holding after a dip during the early fall, when climate-related policy and severe weather events captured attention.
European and U.S. company-related COVID conversations are declining to levels near lows since Coronavirus emerged. This aligns with sharp drops in new case numbers as the winter wave of infections and deaths has ebbed.
The ratio of COVID-related content to non-COVID content has increased dramatically in the past month for Health Care Distributors and Drug Retailers. That illustrates the distribution of challenges of vaccine distribution up and down the supply chain.
The COVID-19 Response Signal is the highest for vaccine makers, who are now grappling with variable efficacy across countries, and considering next steps as virus variants emerge.
Continuing with a focus on racial equality, we again highlight key recent Spotlight Events. This week, racial justice-related data shows banks stepping up on diversity and racial justice, with HSBC vowing to double its senior Black staff, and TCF Bank promising $1 billion in loans to minority and women-owned small businesses.
