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Stone Harbor Investment Partners Introduces Emerging Markets Climate Impact Debt Fund
Stone Harbor Investment Partners Introduces Emerging Markets Climate Impact Debt Fund

Business Wire

time18-06-2025

  • Business
  • Business Wire

Stone Harbor Investment Partners Introduces Emerging Markets Climate Impact Debt Fund

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Stone Harbor Investment Partners, an investment manager of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (NYSE: VRTS), has launched the Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Climate Impact Debt (Bloomberg: STHEMDI) (the 'Fund'), a UCITS fund classified as Article 9 under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) that addresses decarbonization efforts occurring in Emerging Markets (EM) while seeking to deliver attractive long-term total returns for investors. The Fund invests in sustainable debt issued with proceeds dedicated to environmental activities, assets, projects or expenditures, with social bonds also permissible, of EM corporate, sovereign, quasi-sovereign and supranational issuers in hard currency. The Fund, with a sustainable objective to promote the transition towards an environmentally and socially sustainable economy, seeks to outperform the J.P Morgan EM Credit Green, Social and Sustainability Bond Diversified Index (GESSIE EM Credit Div USD Hedged). "Stone Harbor has incorporated sustainability factors into the EM debt investment process for well over a decade, and as issuance of emerging markets labelled bonds has grown alongside demand from our clients for sustainable investment solutions, we have responded with a comprehensive platform to cover the full spectrum of emerging markets fixed income exposure,' said James E. Craige, CFA, Stone Harbor's chief investment officer and head of Emerging Markets, who oversees the management of the Fund. 'The new Fund brings together our specialist investment skills in emerging markets with a sustainable investment framework that meets the Article 9 requirements of institutional investors.' In addition to Craige, the Stone Harbor investment team managing the Fund includes Deputy Chief Investment Officer Stuart Slater-Booth and Portfolio Managers Steffen Reichold, Richard Lange and Darin Batchman. 'The market for emerging markets green and sustainable bonds has been developing rapidly and now offers broad diversification in liquid markets as the Fund aims to provide access to measurable, high-impact investments while at the same time offering attractive risk-adjusted returns,' Reichold said. The Fund's investments are identified through the Stone Harbor SFDR sustainable investments framework and complements the firm's Article 8 UCITS fund, the Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Corporate Debt Fund. 'To support our sustainability strategy, Stone Harbor helped transition our portfolio from traditional EM debt investments to a strategy focused on green and sustainable bonds that is managed in line with Article 9 requirements,' said Marius Daheim of BarmeniaGothaer Asset Management, based in Cologne, Germany. About Stone Harbor Investment Partners Stone Harbor Investment Partners is a global credit specialist with three decades of expertise in emerging and developed markets debt. Stone Harbor's investment team – portfolio managers, credit analysts, economists, quantitative analysts, and risk management professionals – engages in disciplined and regular collaboration to carefully construct their global macroeconomic outlook and strategic allocation framework. As a research-driven firm, Stone Harbor drills deeply into the fundamentals to determine the attractiveness of individual credits, currencies, interest rates, and yield curves to find the best investments within select asset classes. About Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. Virtus Investment Partners (NYSE: VRTS) is a distinctive partnership of boutique investment managers singularly committed to the long-term success of individual and institutional investors. We provide investment products and services from our investment managers, each with a distinct investment style and autonomous investment process, as well as select subadvisers. Investment solutions are available across multiple disciplines and product types to meet a wide array of investor needs. Additional information about our firm, investment partners, and strategies is available at Risk Considerations Interest Rate: The values of debt instruments may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced for securities with longer maturities. Currency Rate:Fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may negatively affect the value of the portfolio's shares. Emerging Markets Risk: Investments in emerging markets may involve a higher degree of risk. Assets may not be properly held in custody and, as a result, may be lost. It may be more difficult to sell assets at a fair price in emerging markets. ESG: The interpretation of ESG and sustainability criteria is subjective meaning that the fund may invest in companies which similar funds do not (and thus perform differently) and which do not align with the personal views of any individual investor. The portfolio's consideration of ESG factors could cause the portfolio to perform differently from other portfolios. While Stone Harbor Investment Partners believes that the integration of ESG factors into the portfolio's investment process has the potential to contribute to performance, ESG factors may not be considered for every investment decision and there is no guarantee that the integration of ESG factors will result in better performance. There is no guarantee that ESG integration and engagement will enhance the quality of asset allocation or portfolio construction. ESG characteristics and risks could have a materially positive or negative impact on the performance of a Fund. Credit Risk: The issuers of securities or similar instruments that we buy may not be able to make payments, which could lead to an investment loss. This risk is greater for investments with a medium or low credit There is risk that a party upon whom the portfolio relies to complete a transaction will default. Derivatives Risk: A small movement in the value of the underlying asset may cause a large movement in the value of the derivative which can result in a loss to the Fund. Investment Risk: Investing is subject to risk, including the risk of possible loss of principal. Prospectus: For more information in relation to these and other risks, please refer to the 'Characteristics and Risks of Securities and Investment Techniques' section of the prospectus. The fund described above is a sub-fund of Stone Harbor Investment Funds plc (the 'Fund'), an investment company with variable capital incorporated with limited liability in Ireland and established as an umbrella fund with segregated liability between the funds pursuant to the European Communities (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) Regulations, 2011 (as amended). Please refer to the current prospectus and to the relevant PRIIPS KID/KIID before making any final investment decision. The prospectus for the Fund, the PRIIPS KID/KIID for each of the share classes of the Fund (in an official language of the relevant jurisdiction), and the summary of investor rights (in English) are available online at or may be received upon request via email by contacting legal@ Share classes of certain sub-funds are currently notified for marketing into a number of EU Member States under the UCITS Directive. A decision may be taken at any time to terminate the arrangements made for the marketing of the sub-fund in any Member State in which it is currently marketed. In such circumstances, Shareholders in the affected Member State will be notified of this decision and will be provided with the opportunity to redeem their shareholding in the Fund free of any charges or deductions for at least 30 working days from the date of such notification. The sub-funds have not been registered under the United States Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Fund is not available for sale in the U.S. or to U.S. Persons. This information and material shown on this page are for information only and do not constitute an offering or investment, legal, tax or other advice. The information shown on this page constitutes an advertising document in certain jurisdictions.

Whip City Fiber schedules information for residents on Wednesday to learn about town-owned gigabit internet service
Whip City Fiber schedules information for residents on Wednesday to learn about town-owned gigabit internet service

Yahoo

time14-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Whip City Fiber schedules information for residents on Wednesday to learn about town-owned gigabit internet service

SOUTHWICK — Whip City Fiber is making its final pitch to the town's residents tonight, starting at 6:30 p.m., to support an article on the warrant for the upcoming Town Meeting that will ask voters to support a borrowing authorization to build out a town-owned fiber optic network. 'This meeting presents an important opportunity for Southwick residents to understand how a town-owned fiber network could improve connectivity throughout their community,' said Tom Flaherty, WG&E and Whip City Fiber general manager. 'We encourage all interested residents to attend and bring their questions.' This session aims to educate Southwick community members on how Whip City Fiber can support Southwick with premium high-speed internet service, according to a press release about the meeting. At Town Meeting next Tuesday, May 20, residents will be asked to vote up or down on Article 9, which, if approved, would give the green light for the town to borrow up to $16 million over five years to build out the fiber-optic networks. The town has been taking steps to have the authorization to build over the last several years with two affirmative votes by residents to create a Municipal Light Plant, which was required by the state to build the network. Once the MLP was approved, the Select Board established a High Speed Internet Committee to work out the cost of the project. When the committee first began looking at the dollar amount for the network, they considered going to Town Meeting over five consecutive years to request a borrowing authorization of about $5 million. However, given the town's experience with the funding Phase II of the sewer project, in which Town Meeting voted down a borrowing authorization after approving $600,000 for the systems engineering and design, the committee decided to seek the entire amount to build the network. The most vocal supporter of the network's construction was Select Board member Douglas Moglin, who chaired the committee. Since discussions began about building it, Moglin has stressed if the participation rate of 50% — those who sign up for the service — is reached, the receipts will generate enough income to pay off the borrowing. To make that happen, the business model has subscribers paying $89 per month for the service. If the network reaches a 50% take, or participation, rate — which would be 1,843 connections — annual revenues would be about $1.968 million. That would cover the anticipated annual expenses of $1.934 million and the network would operate at a surplus of about $34,000 annually. The full cost of the network is estimated at $18 million, but the town has already allocated $900,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funds, received $250,000 from a state grant, and had a $3 million authorization approved at Town Meeting in 2023. Whip City Fiber cable already touches Southwick in several areas, including on Tannery Road and Sunnyside Drive, and there is an installed but dormant fiber-optic line that runs along the length of the Southwick Rail Trail. Whip City representatives said those areas where the cable touches homes in Southwick will be able to sign up for the internet service almost immediately if the article passes. The town and Whip City Fiber held an informational meeting in March which over 130 residents attended. After representatives of subsidiary of WG&E finished their presentation, nearly every person in the Town Hall auditorium raised their hands when asked if they would support the borrowing authorization. For those unavailable to attend the meeting it will be available online. To join the Zoom meeting log into The meeting ID is 826 7858 6933, the passcode is 671280, To find your local number visit Read the original article on MassLive.

Sudan Severs Diplomatic Ties with UAE Amidst Escalating Conflict
Sudan Severs Diplomatic Ties with UAE Amidst Escalating Conflict

Leaders

time07-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Leaders

Sudan Severs Diplomatic Ties with UAE Amidst Escalating Conflict

Military-led government in Sudan has severed all diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two nations. The Sudanese defense minister delivered the announcement through a strongly-worded televised address broadcast across the nation yesterday. Defense Minister Yassin Ibrahim forcefully condemned the UAE's alleged interference in Sudan's internal affairs during his emotionally charged speech to the Sudanese people. The minister labeled the wealthy Gulf nation as an 'aggressor state' while announcing the immediate withdrawal of Sudan's ambassador from Abu Dhabi. Sudanese officials have simultaneously ordered the closure of their embassy and consulate in the UAE, effectively ending all formal diplomatic channels between the two nations. This decisive action represents the most serious diplomatic rupture between Sudan and any Arab nation since the devastating civil conflict began in April 2023. Accusations of Proxy Warfare The Sudanese government directly accused the UAE of violating the country's sovereignty by supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group fighting against Sudan's army. Minister Ibrahim claimed that the UAE has been secretly supplying advanced weapons systems to the RSF throughout the prolonged and bloody conflict. The dramatic announcement follows three consecutive days of drone strikes against Port Sudan, the temporary capital where the government relocated. Previously considered relatively secure, Port Sudan has recently experienced unprecedented attacks that have destroyed key infrastructure and killed several civilians. Moreover, Sudan has taken its case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the UAE of complicity in genocide by supporting the RSF. The court, however, ruled that it could not proceed because the UAE had opted out of Article 9 of the Genocide Convention, which means that it cannot be sued by other states over genocide allegations. UAE Denies Involvement The United Arab Emirates has consistently rejected all accusations of interference in the Sudanese conflict despite mounting evidence suggesting otherwise from international observers. The UAE emphasized its substantial humanitarian contributions to Sudan's struggling civilian population throughout the ongoing crisis. The bitter conflict between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces has created the world's largest displacement crisis, forcing over thirteen million people from their homes. International aid organizations report alarming levels of food insecurity affecting nearly twenty million Sudanese citizens across multiple regions. Medical facilities in Sudan have collapsed under the weight of the emergency, with less than thirty percent of hospitals functioning properly. Disease outbreaks have become increasingly common in crowded displacement camps where clean water remains scarce and medical supplies frequently run out. Road to Peace Remains Uncertain International peace initiatives have repeatedly failed to produce lasting ceasefires despite extensive diplomatic efforts led by the United States and African Union. The Jeddah peace process stalled after multiple violations from both warring parties destroyed fragile trust between military leaders. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian access to affected areas. The latest diplomatic crisis further complicates peace prospects by introducing additional international dimensions to an already complex conflict. Short link : Post Views: 76

Sudan severs ties with UAE over alleged paramilitary support
Sudan severs ties with UAE over alleged paramilitary support

Yahoo

time06-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Yahoo

Sudan severs ties with UAE over alleged paramilitary support

Sudan has cut diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after repeatedly accusing the Gulf nation of backing the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country's civil war. The announcement comes after the RSF were blamed for three days of attacks on the usually safe city of Port Sudan. On Tuesday, Sudan's Defence Minister Yassin Ibrahim accused the UAE of violating his country's sovereignty through its "proxy", the RSF. The UAE has repeatedly denied allegations that it is giving financial, military and political support to the paramilitary force. Two years of conflict has killed thousands of people, forced millions from their homes and created the world's worst humanitarian crisis. As a result of the defence minister's announcement, the Sudanese ambassador will be withdrawn from the UAE and Sudan will shut its diplomatic missions in the Gulf nation. Over the past three days, drone strikes have hit an international airport, a major power station and a hotel in Port Sudan. The army has accused the RSF of being behind the assault, but the paramilitary group is yet to comment on the matter. Until now, Port Sudan had avoided bombardment and was regarded as one of the safest places in the war-ravaged nation. During the civil war Sudan's army has accused the UAE of arming the RSF. Both the UK and the US have singled out the UAE in separate appeals for outside countries to stop backing Sudan's warring parties. However, on Monday, the UN's top court dismissed Sudan's case against the UAE, in which it accused the Gulf state of complicity in genocide. The International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled that the case could not proceed because the UAE had opted out Article 9 of the Genocide Convention, which means that it cannot be sued by other states over genocide allegations. Reem Ketait, the UAE's deputy assistant minister for political affairs, said the court's decision was "clear and decisive". "The international community must focus urgently on ending this devastating war and supporting the Sudanese people, and it must demand humanitarian aid reaches all those in need," she said. Both the army and RSF have been accused of war crimes. More BBC stories on the war in Sudan: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts

Top UN court rejects Sudan's bid to sue UAE for genocide
Top UN court rejects Sudan's bid to sue UAE for genocide

Saudi Gazette

time06-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Saudi Gazette

Top UN court rejects Sudan's bid to sue UAE for genocide

THE HAGUE — The UN's top court has dismissed Sudan's case against the UAE accusing the Gulf state of complicity in genocide. Sudan alleged the UAE supported the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Sudanese civil war, in which tens of thousands of people have died, forced millions from their homes and left many facing famine. The UAE categorically denied the accusations, branding the case "political theatre" and "a cynical publicity stunt". The International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled that the case could not proceed because the UAE had opted out Article 9 of the Genocide Convention, which means that it cannot be sued by other states over genocide allegations. The court said that it lacked jurisdiction and was therefore "precluded by its statute from taking any position on the merits of the claims made by Sudan". The case was thrown out in a 14-2 vote. Sudan case had claimed that the UAE's alleged military, financial and logistical backing of the RSF — including weapons shipments and mercenary recruitment — enabled systematic attacks against non-Arab communities, particularly the Masalit, in Darfur. The allegations included mass killings, forced displacement and the use of sexual violence as a weapon. Reem Ketait, the UAE's deputy assistant minister for political affairs, said the court's decision was "clear and decisive". "The international community must focus urgently on ending this devastating war and supporting the Sudanese people, and it must demand humanitarian aid reaches all those in need," she said. Both the Sudanese army and the RSF have been accused of committing atrocities, including ethnically targeted killings, obstruction of humanitarian relief and looting. Sudan's case at the ICJ was unusual because it targeted an alleged sponsor of atrocities, not the direct perpetrators. The case was seen as a test of whether states can be held responsible for fuelling atrocities abroad. While the ICJ's judges found they did not have the power to rule in the case, it nevertheless serves as a powerful illustration of how international courts are becoming diplomatic battlegrounds. — BBC

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