Environmental, social and governance (ESG) going mainstream
Date: May 2020
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Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) as a concept has gained wide currency in recent years. As the financial market attaches increasing importance to it, a growing number of companies also consider the inclusion of ESG factors into their operational principles an imperative. Such strategy helps build a better world, reduce damage to the environment and society, and create wonderful opportunities.
ESG violations
Profitability should not be the only thing that companies strive for. Social and environmental responsibilities are just as well important. Overlooking ESG factors not only threatens the supply chain, but also puts a company’s goodwill and stock prices at risk.
Exponential growth in socially responsible investments4
Sales of electric vehicles reach new highsDriven by environmental concerns and significant advancement in battery technology, sales of electric vehicles are expected to increase by 90 times between 2015 and 2040, and account for 35 per cent of total car sales5. 
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Millennials a big driving force behind ESGMillennials are concerned about environmental and social issues. Up to 72 per cent of the survey British respondents aged 21-38 find the concept of Impact Investing appealing6.
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4Source: Global Sustainable Investment Review, 2018.
5Source: BloombergNEF, 25 February 2016.
6Source: American Century Investments, October 2019.
Lower - carbon investment opportunities shine
Companies with good ESG performance tend to have better corporate governance, and hence the advantage of long-term sustainability. Integrating ESG factors into the process of investing not only brings benefits to society, but also effectively manages risks, and creates opportunities for investors.
How does ESG investing work?7
Three advantages of lower-carbon investment strategies7Lower-carbon investing is an important aspect of ESG strategy. 
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Applying lower-carbon strategies does not mean sacrificing investment returns8
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7Source: HSBC Asset Management. For illustrative purposes only.
8Source: Bloomberg, HSBC Investment Management, net total return indices (in USD terms), as of end February 2020.
Investment involves risks. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
Disclaimer
This document is prepared for general information purposes only and does not have any regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Any views and opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This document does not constitute an offering document and should not be construed as a recommendation, an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe to any investment. Any forecast, projection or target where provided is indicative only and is not guaranteed in any way. HSBC Global Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited (“AMHK”) accepts no liability for any failure to meet such forecast, projection or target. AMHK has based this document on information obtained from sources it reasonably believes to be reliable. However, AMHK does not warrant, guarantee or represent, expressly or by implication, the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information. Investment involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Please refer to the offering document for further details including the risk factors. This document has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission.
Copyright © HSBC Global Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited 2021. All rights reserved. This document is issued by HSBC Global Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited.
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