ESG funds outperformed during the crash of Q1 and the rebound of Q2. What’s next?
Fund selectors have said the outperformance of ESG investments against comparable conventional peers has “much, much further to run” as the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in behaviour and attitudes towards sustainabilitySustainabilityMeeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, by working towards the attainment of the UN SDGs. read more
Sustainable funds enjoyed significant outperformance during the first quarter of the year amid a backdrop of extreme volatilityVolatilityA statistical measure of the dispersion of returns for a given investment. This is used by investors as a standard measurement of risk i.e. generally higher volatility is viewed as higher risk. read more as the impact of coronavirus unfolded around the world.
Tribe’s Kooij explained ESG-friendly companies are “benefitting from the real or perceived changes in future behaviour and policy direction which have been catalysed or accelerated by the shutdown.” Adding they have earnings resilience but are also benefitting from investors discounting higher growth, which is occurring faster.
“This has been noticeable in technology, for example, as a result of remote working, but also in building efficiency, circular economy and renewable energyRenewable energyEnergy production technology that relies on unlimited natural sources, such as wind and solar. read more as public pressure has been pushing government policy for a clearer, targeted response to build back economies in a more sustainable and resilient fashion”.
