According to a recent study, the proportion of British investors who prioritise environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters has plummeted in the last two years. Statistics show that more than 50% are now putting pure financial returns ahead of sustainability.
From those seeking green assets to match their ethics to others favouring high yield stocks, UK investors often look to wealth managers for independent financial advice in Shropshire, Hampshire and other affluent counties. Offering unbiased and expert opinions on financial opportunities and investment products, wealth management teams are renowned for providing sound council.
The recent report surveyed 1,000 UK investors to reveal that 47% of respondents were now making sustainability their priority over optimising returns, marking an 8% decrease from 55% in 2021. At the same time, the proportion of respondents accounting for ESG when making brand-new investments dropped from 44% in 2021 to 38% this year.
The survey also uncovered that investors were becoming less sure that sustainability offered superior investments. Back in 2021, 75% stated that companies with stronger ESG credentials were more attractive investment options, a figure which fell to 68% in 2023. Furthermore, just 65% of investors said their ESG funds were yielding better returns, falling from 71% in 2021.
Finally, the study discovered that sustainable investments were most likely to be added to portfolios by younger people from the Gen Z and millennial investor groups.
As concerns regarding the climate and general sustainability increase further, it will be interesting to see whether ESG issues become more of a priority.
