ESG ratings have emerged as the top factor influencing investment decisions globally in 2023, with varying impacts across regions. In Europe, 27 percent of institutional investors considered ESG ratings as a key driver, followed closely by Canada at 25 percent. In the United States, 17 percent of investors noted influence from this driver, while APAC shows minimal influence at just 2 percent.
Sustainable Development Goals and ESG ETF Investments
Climate action, represented by Goal 13 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), has become the primary focus for ESG ETFs globally. As of 2024, assets worth 75.1 billion U.S. dollars were linked to this goal, with 280 out of 552 ESG ETFs targeting climate action. This emphasis on environmental concerns has aligned with the broader overall trend of investors prioritizing companies with strong ESG practices and ratings.
Regional Variations in Sustainable Fund Demand
While the demand for sustainable funds has remained relatively stable or has been perceived to increase across some regions, differences have been notable. In the United States, 14 percent of investors reported decreased demand for sustainable funds compared to non-sustainable options. However, Canada stands out, with over 95 percent of investors having indicated stable or increasing demand. This regional variation underscores the importance of understanding local market dynamics when developing sustainable investment strategies.
Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) drivers impacting investment decisions worldwide in 2023, by region
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Canada
APAC
United States
Europe
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The survey group was made up of over 110 institutional investors from across the United States, Europe (including the UK), Canada, and the Asia–Pacific (including Australia). The respondents, represent a combined AUM value of 26.3 trillion U.S. dollars.
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RBC Wealth Management. (February 21, 2024). Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) drivers impacting investment decisions worldwide in 2023, by region [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved September 01, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1454565/esg-drivers-impacting-investment-decisions-worldwide/
RBC Wealth Management. "Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) drivers impacting investment decisions worldwide in 2023, by region." Chart. February 21, 2024. Statista. Accessed September 01, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1454565/esg-drivers-impacting-investment-decisions-worldwide/
RBC Wealth Management. (2024). Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) drivers impacting investment decisions worldwide in 2023, by region. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: September 01, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1454565/esg-drivers-impacting-investment-decisions-worldwide/
RBC Wealth Management. "Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (Esg) Drivers Impacting Investment Decisions Worldwide in 2023, by Region." Statista, Statista Inc., 21 Feb 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1454565/esg-drivers-impacting-investment-decisions-worldwide/
RBC Wealth Management, Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) drivers impacting investment decisions worldwide in 2023, by region Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1454565/esg-drivers-impacting-investment-decisions-worldwide/ (last visited September 01, 2024)
Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) drivers impacting investment decisions worldwide in 2023, by region [Graph], RBC Wealth Management, February 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1454565/esg-drivers-impacting-investment-decisions-worldwide/