A stand out year for the ‘Social’ in ESG investing

24th May 2022

The end of the last decade brought with it one of the most difficult years for investors of all hues, but it marked a watershed moment for ESG investing, which moved firmly from the periphery to centre stage.

The E (environmental) has been prominent for several years, but it was the S (social) which had the stand out year, also resulting indirectly in greater focus being given to the G (governance).

The pandemic has clearly highlighted the social inequities and injustice that exist within the current global financial and economic system. For example there has been no shortage of scrutiny on global supply chains, with several industries rocked by high profile cases of labour exploitation, including within the fast fashion, FinTech and industrial materials sectors.

  1. It’s time to put people at the heart of investment decisions

The rise in prominence of social issues has meant that investors are now putting more difficult questions to companies on important issues such as labour and business relations, minimum wage, employee training and development and welfare. Human capital, long absent from balance sheets, is now being recognised on par with other more tangible items such as plant equipment and machinery. This will prove vital as the global economy rapidly moves into its next phase; increased digitalisation, which in no small part has been accelerated by the pandemic. The need to recruit, develop, train and retain human capital will be at the core of resilient business models. This augurs well for ESG investors who give such focus to social issues over the next decade and beyond, where the human capital will not only be a key innovator, but also an important driver of consumer behaviour.

  1. Engagement with companies remains key

As the pandemic has changed the way we eat, drink, socialise, exercise, travel, learn and work in a profound and lasting way, this same impact has been felt by many companies; businesses have had to perform a dramatic shift in how they engage with their employers, suppliers, customers and investors. For the latter group, it has provided an opportunity for responsible and sustainable investors to reinforce the benefits of using an ESG criteria; when making key decisions on investing in companies, but also importantly when engaging with companies on ESG issues and on divesting from unsuitable names. Investors have never had such opportunity to engage with company management on a wide variety of ESG issues, and this new and improved alignment of both stakeholders should help to deliver long-term investment returns to shareholders over the coming decade.

  1. Could this be the next ‘roaring 20s’?

Rapid digitalisation across a wide range of industries, from traditional cyclical parts of the economy to the newly emerging sub-sectors remains a key catalyst for ESG investors to watch. The “roaring” 1920s were spurred on by the rapid uptake of electrification in then newly emerging industries and there is every possibility that rapid digitisation by all parts of the current economy will lead to another “roaring 20s” in this next decade. A more engaged consumer has led to greater changes in consumption patterns, driven in large part by these digital tailwinds. There are now a diverse range of providers in the market place allowing investors a greater choice in terms of investment style and philosophy. It also brings about increased awareness of responsible and sustainable investing, and adds further momentum to ESG investing in the medium to long-term.

  1. You don’t need to give up performance to keep your values

The performance of ESG funds during the pandemic was another highlight for the sector, with 1 in 5 of all 1st quartile funds in the UK All Companies sector being screened. The performance story is also strong over the longer time horizon, which will help to fight off the age old misguided criticism levelled against ESG funds, where investors were forced to give up performance to keep their values. That whole myth has well and truly been debunked.

  1. The future looks bright for ESG investors

Suffice to say, 2022 heralds the start of an exciting new era for the industry, driven by more active and engaged participants entering the market.

About Eden Tree

EdenTree are proud to be part of the Benefact Group – a charity owned, international family of specialist financial services companies that give all available profits to charity and good causes. We are a responsible and sustainable investment manager with a strong heritage of delivering Performance with Principles. Read more about Eden Tree.

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About the Community Foundation for Surrey

The Community Foundation for Surrey is a philanthropic charity, who for over 15 years has been bringing together local donors and those acting to provide positive solutions in our communities for local people.

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