Ethical investing now mainstream, study shows

Recent research conducted by Australian Ethical shows that six million working Australians are highly ethically active, which will result in more products launched that have a closer relationship with ESG. 

The researchers offer ideas about ethical investment trends, including that the current growth in ethical investing is because the 'new economy' favours funds that shy away from environmentally unsound products (coal, for example), and err towards industries that care more about their impact on people, animals, and the earth. 

The researchers discuss the idea that ethical investments provide better returns, which is backed up by other research - Australian Ethical funds have outperformed their less ESG-conscious peers relentlessly over the past decade.

At a Sydney briefing, the managing director and chief executive of Australian Ethical, Phil Vernon, said that investment markets and corporate markets should aim to be zero emissions by 2050.