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Exclusive: Vanguard pauses corporate meetings over new ESG guidance

Vanguard, one of the world's largest asset managers, has decided to pause its participation in corporate meetings and voting on shareholder proposals related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. This decision comes in response to new guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor, which has introduced stricter rules on how retirement plan fiduciaries can consider ESG factors in their investment decisions. The guidance, effective from January 30, 2023, aims to ensure that fiduciaries prioritize financial returns over other considerations. Vanguard's move reflects a cautious approach to avoid potential legal risks associated with the new regulations, which could impact how asset managers engage with companies on ESG matters. This pause will allow Vanguard to assess the implications of the new rules and adjust its strategies accordingly, potentially affecting its influence on corporate governance and sustainability practices.

Read the Full Reuters Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/vanguard-pauses-corporate-meetings-over-new-esg-guidance-2025-02-19/ ]