Eighty-one percent of global investors implement ESG through equities, with 74% noting they prefer active funds, according to asset manager Capital Group’s third annual ‘ESG Global Study’. Further, 40% said their ESG equity strategies have a style bias towards growth stocks, but there is growing demand for multi-thematic ESG funds, with 40% noting these could diversify risks stemming from style bias. Despite a majority preference for equities, the survey noted that investors are looking to allocate more to ESG bonds. Around a third (32%) said they will increase their allocations to ESG bond funds once inflation falls and interest rates peaks. There is, however, a lack of investable fixed income funds aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to 45% of surveyed investors. Respondents identified further opportunity in transitioning companies, with 44% claiming transitioning companies are undervalued by the market and 59% arguing that strategies that prioritise leaders over those in transition will miss out on investment opportunities. Jessica Ground, Global Head of ESG at Capital Group, said: “It is also encouraging to see signs that some longstanding barriers to ESG adoption, like data and definitions, are starting to diminish as the more investors know about ESG, the more they are finding proactive ways of dealing with its challenges.” Capital Group has more than US$2.3 trillion in assets under management.
