News

ESG increasingly important for corporates, Fidelity study finds

ESG fundsCompanies are increasingly focusing on ESG, according to a survey by Fidelity International of its global analysts. Following a pronounced rise in climate change awareness and corporate reform, 90% of Fidelity analysts reported that some or all of the businesses they cover are upping their ESG game this year, 20% more than 2019. While ESG has been on the agenda for some time in Europe, it is now playing more of a role in Asia, the study found. In China, 80% of analysts reported an increase in ESG emphasis at some or all of their companies for 2020. In 2018, this figure was just 33%. ESG – or environmental, social and governance – emphasis is also on the rise in Canada and the US, it was found. Just over 90% of Fidelity’s analysts covering the North American region cited a growing focus on ESG at companies, compared to under 60% last year. Jenn-Hui Tan, global head of stewardship and sustainable investing at the firm, said: “It is encouraging to see an increased focus on ESG from China corporates.” “We believe this is due a combination of factors including the Chinese authorities’ drive to improve governance, a rush among companies to invest in renewables before government subsidies are cut, and calls from investors for greater transparency around supply chains,” he added. © 2020 funds global asia

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