Are sustainable funds recovering? UBS weighs in

High-profile sovereign wealth funds and asset managers are deepening their integration of ESG principles, leading to record-high green bond issuance volumes and recovering fund flows, said analysts at UBS Global Research in a note.

Sustainable investing continues to thrive despite various challenges. “We reiterate that sustainable investing does not hinge on a single theme, market or asset class,” the analysts said.

Global ESG leaders’ equity strategy outperformed both in the first half of 2024 and over the long term, averaging +48bps versus the MSCI ACWI over five years. These companies, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability, have consistently outperformed their traditional counterparts. This trend is particularly evident in Europe and emerging markets.

UBS’s strategy is based on active management. Engaging with companies and carefully selecting investments can enhance an investor’s portfolio’s performance and contribute to a positive environment and social impact.

While the analysts flag the challenges facing the sustainable investing industry, it remains optimistic about its long-term prospects. UBS believes that increased cost alignment, technological scalability, and evolving regulations will continue to drive investments in sustainability.