What does the emergence of sustainability analysis mean for the current bear market? A lot actually!

Consider first, that dealing with climate change (Environment) is sure to be one of the big ideas that will lead a market recovery. Another (Social) theme will be developments associated with our aging population, the burst of biotechnology solutions and rising living standards in developing countries. In addition, the post-mortems on the 2008 crash (just like others before it) will feature an emphasis on failed business models, together with calls for more regulation and finger-pointing at fund managers that missed obvious structural flaws (Governance).

Meantime, nearly half* of the funds under management held in Australia are now on the path to ESG integration as signatories of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI). The $60 billion Future Fund is also known to be looking into ESG and the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) is promoting draft ESG clauses for investment management agreements.

But let’s get real - how many of these signatories have been doing their ESG homework? Do they have an integration plan? Are their analysts profiting from ESG research and ideas? The answer: not many.

To address this Ethical Investor is hosting a mid-year forum featuring fund managers, trustees and analysts that have done this homework. They will speak to an agenda that will look at this issue from a strategic, theoretical and hands-on analytical perspective.

Delegates should also get some new investment ideas!

That’s why we say that ESG integration is a signpost on the road to recovery.

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