Bull Runs Are Widely Known, But What Is A Bull Charge?

Although it is uncertain whether investors hoping for a bull run on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) will see their wishes come true, look no further as a SGX Bull Charge is already set to take place in November this year.

However, do not be too disappointed as the SGX Bull Charge does not mean a SGX-wide rally in share prices, it is part of SGX’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. That said, CSR is important, especially to publicly listed companies, in many ways.

SGX Bull Charge

Organised by the SGX every year since 2004, the event is part of SGX’s efforts to rally the financial community and its listed companies together for a common cause. The SGX Bull Charge involves a series of fundraising events to support the needs of underprivileged children and families, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

All funds raised would go to five adopted beneficiaries, namely the AWWA, Autism Association (Singapore), Fei Yue Community Services, Shared Services for Charities and Community Chest, providing them with care and assistance, and more importantly, helping them lead a more positive, meaningful and comfortable life.

This year, SGX Bull Charge aims to raise $3 million with a series of fundraising events, such as the Charity Golf and Charity Futsal, culminating to the annual Charity Run on 17 November 2017.

Although the Charity Golf event was already held on 5 May 2017 at the Tanah Merah Country Club, Futsal enthusiasts are still able to rally their teams as the submission of sponsorship forms is still open till 15 September 2017.

Corporate Social Responsibility

CSR is a corporation’s initiatives to assess and take responsibility for the company’s effects on environmental and social well-being. CSR generally applies to efforts that go beyond what is legally required. Some broad categories of CSR include environmental efforts, philanthropy, ethical labor practices and volunteering.

Given that the primary goal for a company is to increase the wealth of its shareholders through dividends or share price appreciation, how does CSR contribute to this cause apart from increasing operating costs?

Corporate Image

According to a 2015 CSR study by Cone Communications, 91 percent of global consumers expect companies to do more than make a profit but to also act responsibly and address issues. Companies which engage in CSR are also rewarded with loyalty, trust and most importantly a positive image.

By building a positive image, companies could be rewarded with increased revenue from consumers and hence, fulfilling its primary objective of increasing shareholders’ wealth.

With geopolitical tension on the rise, investors are certainly experiencing increasing mounting blood pressure as well. Take a break and find out how you can have some fun at the SGX Bull Charge!