Featured
Pension funds still too far behind on the ESG criteria
Currently, eight out of ten investors believe that the pursuit of sustainability objectives no longer comes at the expense of financial returns. 81% said their organization is committed to investing more sustainably. In fact, however, there is still a long way to go for some institutional investors. The global sustainable funds universe attracted $45.6 billion in net inflows.
Less than one in two investors carry forward the zero emissions target in their portfolios and only one in three aim to reach net zero by 2050. In contrast, 72% of insurers have made firm commitments: according to data from Aviva Investors research.
Global institutional investors said they are personally committed to the ESG agenda – despite recessions, unemployment, and financial tensions around the world. Low performance is no longer a fear for anyone and even retail investors are now demanding more sustainability. But something is still missing.
If you want to find more details about ESG and sustainability objectives, download for free the Born2Invest mobile app. Our companion app brings you the most important financial headlines in the world, for you to stay informed. Our experienced team of journalists makes sure you don’t miss the latest financial updates and market trends in the world.
What do investors think about sustainability goals
According to Morningstar data in May, Aviva Investors recalled in a report released in early November, in the first quarter of 2020, the global sustainable funds universe attracted $45.6 billion in net inflows compared to outflows of $384.7 billion for the total funds universe.
According to Bny Mellon and the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum, more than 90% of global public investors have specific ESG investment policies in place or are developing them. Currently, eight out of ten investors said that the pursuit of sustainability goals is no longer at the expense of financial returns and 81% stated their organization is committed to investing in a more sustainable way.
According to Aviva Investors’ latest “Real Assets Study”, international institutional investors intend to prioritize investments in real assets over the next 12 months as the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have a lasting impact on global economies and financial markets. The study – based on responses from more than a thousand insurance and pension fund decision-makers representing more than $2.33 trillion (€2 trillion) of assets under management – showed that 49% of insurers and 37% of pension funds plan to increase their allocation to real asset investment strategies.
What is the most important feature to look for in an asset manager
Given the pace at which the integration of ESG criteria is maturing in the markets, both insurers (59%) and pension funds (56%) see transparency of sustainable investment approaches as the most important feature to look for in an asset manager. The study also reveals an increasing focus on social responsibility among real asset investors. The inclusion of healthcare in portfolios was an important factor for 55% of insurers and 45% of pension funds; investments in social housing (51% for the former, 42% for the latter) and education (46% and 42% respectively) were also considered relevant.
Given the increased efforts of investors to align their portfolios with the goal of zero net emissions, investments with a positive environmental impact continued to be supported: in fact, 58% of insurers and 48% of pension funds paid attention to energy-efficient real estate.
__
(Featured image by Huskyherz via Pixabay)
DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.
This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.
First published in WE WEALTH, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.
Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.
-
Impact Investing2 weeks ago
Investment Funds Interest in Italy’s Energy Transition Is Growing
-
Fintech4 days ago
Fintech Company Plataform Helps Finance $800 Billion with Invoice Discounting
-
Biotech1 week ago
What Are the Challenges of Healthcare in the Face of the European AI Regulation
-
Crypto16 hours ago
Ripple Custody: How the XRP Company Wants to Offer Services for Banks