S&P Global Stock Price, News & Analysis

S&P Global Ratings reports shared activism targeting rated entities surged to an all-time high in 2020, increasing by 42% to 313 companies compared to 220 in 2019. The report notes that 26 rating actions were directly linked to activist campaigns, with over 80% being negative. ESG-focused campaigns made up 75% of total campaigns but had limited short-term impact on ratings. Notably, Europe saw a rise in downgrades due to activist campaigns, mirroring trends in the U.S. S&P expects activism to continue to rise in 2021, driven by M&A and ESG factors.

S&P Dow Jones Indices and Experian reported an increase in consumer credit defaults through February 2021. The composite default rate rose to 0.53%, up 5 basis points, while the bank card default rate increased by 21 basis points to 2.93%. Conversely, the auto loan default rate decreased to 0.51%. Notably, major metropolitan areas showed higher default rates, with New York at 0.83% and Miami at 1.16%. This data indicates ongoing concerns in consumer credit health.

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) CEO Douglas L. Peterson will present at the Jefferies Virtual Business Services Summit on March 25, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EDT. The event will feature a 'fireside chat' format and will be accessible via a live and replay webcast on the Company's Investor Relations website. Following the presentation, a slide deck will be available for download. S&P Global is a leading provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, and analytics, serving the global capital and commodity markets for over 160 years.

S&P Global Ratings announced that Yorkshire Building Society's (YBS) Social Bond Framework is fully aligned with the Social Bond Principles (SBP). The framework commits to using proceeds for eligible social projects focused on socioeconomic advancement and access to essential services. It includes a social bond working group for project selection and exclusion criteria. YBS will track and report proceeds allocated to these projects, along with their social impacts. This alignment opinion does not constitute a credit rating, as it only evaluates the financing framework based on the SBP.

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) announced that approximately 99% of its shareholders voted in favor of the merger with IHS Markit (NYSE: INFO) during a special meeting. This approval marks a significant milestone for the combination of the two firms, expected to enhance strengths in data science and research. Both companies aim to complete the merger by the second half of 2021, pending regulatory approvals and customary conditions. CEO Douglas Peterson expressed confidence in driving growth and creating value for stakeholders through this strategic initiative.

S&P Global Ratings reported that despite a record global debt-to-GDP ratio of 267%, a debt crisis is unlikely in the near term. The projected global debt will decline to 258% by year-end 2021. The recovery hinges on successful vaccine rollouts and spending adjustments, with real GDP growth forecasted at 5% for 2021. However, elevated debt levels may lead to higher default risks, with speculative-grade defaults predicted to rise to 7% in the U.S. and 6.5% in Europe by year-end. Interest rates are expected to normalize as the recovery progresses.

S&P Global Platts announced further consultation on the transition of the Dated Brent benchmark following extensive industry feedback. Originally set to reflect WTI Midland, changes to the core Dated Brent assessments, including Cash BFOE, have been deferred, maintaining their FOB basis. Platts will focus on incorporating WTI Midland into the CIF Dated Brent assessment for July 2022 deliveries. Additionally, an industry working group will form to consult on the revised terms reflecting WTI Midland's inclusion, ensuring ongoing connectivity between Dated Brent and Cash BFOE.

S&P Global Ratings reports that transition finance could generate up to $1 trillion annually, facilitating capital for hard-to-abate sectors previously absent from sustainable debt markets. The report highlights the growing investor interest in financing climate initiatives to achieve net-zero goals. It emphasizes the need for significant investments in innovative technologies and processes to decarbonize high-carbon industries. Transition finance is expected to expand across various financial products, supporting companies that demonstrate effective climate strategies.