Money is flowing into ESG strategies; To get a clear understanding of what retail investors really think about sustainable investing, AllianzGI commissioned a large-scale market research study to provide that clarity.
Put these insights to work. Learn more about our sustainable investing.
Key Findings
High Interest 75% of respondents said they were interested in sustainable investments
High Interest Sustainable investing is not a niche topic anymore. European investors are more and more interested in how their investments impact our world. Southern European investors showed the highest interest, with over 80% responding that sustainability-oriented investments were important for them.
Impact on financial returns? 40% of respondents believe that sustainable investing has a positive impact on returns
Impact on financial returns? It is a long-held belief that sustainable investing will result in lower financial returns. Studies have shown, however, that this is not necessarily the case. While a plurality of investors agrees with these, a large segment of investors remains unsure. More education and transparency should help investors get a clearer picture.
Types of sustainable investments 26% of respondents know what they don’t want to invest in, while 25% want their money to “change the world”
Types of sustainable investments There are several ways to invest in a sustainable manner – and different types of investors have different preferences. Younger generations in particular are looking for ways to create impact with their money, with 32% preferring this type. Others (almost 25%) would opt for investments that nudge established companies to change.
Sectors contributing positivelyClean Water, Health and Education were considered the most relevant sectors to contribute positively to Sustainability
Sectors contributing positively Other aspects that resonated positively: Avoidance of Corruption, Fair Pay, Human & Social Rights, Renewable Energy, Data Privacy and Combatting Climate Change.
Companies and practices to exclude Companies engaging in Child Labour, Animal Testing or Weapon Production were the highest rated for exclusion
Companies and practices to exclude Other practices that are perceived negatively: Unconventional oil & gas, Palm oil, GMOs, Coal, Tobacco.
Discussing with financial advisor Only 20% of respondents have ever discussed the topic with their financial advisor
Discussing with financial advisor Of those who did discuss sustainable investing with their financial advisor, 26% were nevertheless offered traditional products. There is clearly scope for more education and awareness-raising in the financial community on the topic of sustainable investing.
About our study
Allianz Global Investors partnered with renowned polling firm Nielsen to conduct a 15 minute online survey across Europe in November and December 2018. 10.000 investors participated – 1.000 in each of the following countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. We ensured that the survey participants represented a demographically diversified population.
