S&P Global Stock Price, News & Analysis

S&P Dow Jones Indices reports significant growth in U.S. home prices, with the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index showing an 11.2% annual gain for January 2021, up from 10.4% in December 2020. The 10-City Composite rose 10.9% and the 20-City Composite reached 11.1%. Phoenix saw the highest increase at 15.8%, followed by Seattle and San Diego. All 20 cities reported price growth, marking a continued trend of rising home prices driven by shifts in buyer preferences during the pandemic. January's growth represents the highest annual gain since February 2006.

S&P Global Platts and SEA-LNG have announced a collaboration aimed at enhancing the visibility of LNG fuel pricing. Under this agreement, SEA-LNG will feature Platts' daily LNG bunker price assessments on its website, along with fuel oil bunker assessments. This initiative is designed to increase transparency in bunker pricing, particularly in Rotterdam and Singapore. The partnership reflects an ongoing effort to support the transition to LNG as a sustainable marine fuel. S&P Global Platts previously established the first daily LNG bunker valuation in September 2019.

S&P Dow Jones Indices reported that Q4 2020 S&P 500 buybacks totaled $130.5 billion, a 28.2% increase from Q3 2020 but 28.1% lower vs. Q4 2019. The total buybacks for 2020 were $519.7 billion, down 28.7% from 2019. In Q4 2020, 244 companies reported buybacks, with the top 20 companies accounting for 66.3% of the total. Dividends rose 2.9% in Q4 2020 to $118.8 billion, contributing to a total shareholder return of $249.4 billion for the quarter. An increase in buybacks is anticipated in 2021 as companies seek to cover employee stock options.

On March 23, 2021, Fujairah, UAE, announced a partnership with S&P Global Platts to publish monthly bunker fuel and lubricant sales data. This collaboration aims to improve market transparency as Fujairah positions itself as a leading hub in global oil and bunker trading. Starting April 20, 2021, data will be available for sales volumes segmented across categories including low sulfur fuel oil and marine gasoil, with insights on inventory. This initiative enhances the information flow essential for market participants amid evolving economic activities post-COVID-19.

S&P Global Ratings announced on March 22, 2021, a positive outlook for the global economic recovery, driven by favorable fiscal policies and vaccination efforts. The report suggests that rising U.S. Treasury yields indicate confidence in a sustained recovery. While concerns over inflation persist, S&P believes fears are exaggerated and forecasts orderly reflation will support sustainable growth. Risks include potential volatility in credit markets, particularly affecting lower-rated corporate entities and emerging markets.

S&P Global Ratings published a report on March 22, 2021, outlining six significant corporate governance trends for 2021, emphasizing resilience in crisis management amid the pandemic. Key trends include enhanced diversity on boards, increased ESG competency, focus on board effectiveness, integration of ESG metrics with executive pay, growing shareholder activism on environmental issues, and demands for tax transparency. The report highlights the need for companies to prepare for systemic challenges like climate change and improve their governance frameworks.