ESG

Private equity investor Jay Koh says more than 800 companies in the public markets offer solutions that create financial opportunity.

So-called activist investors in recent years have been pushing for social and environmental goals through shareholder resolutions. As Kimberly Adams reports, even though there's a growing political backlash, these resolutions can change corporate policies.

Morningstar found that 2023 was the first year investors pulled more money out of ESG and sustainability funds than they put into them.

Environmental, social and governance funds, once a bright light in investing, are confronting potential regulation and political heat.

Rich Nuzum of Mercer says ESG funds reflect concern for the planet, but this year they’ve underperformed the overall stock market.

Critics say ESG investments allocate money based on political agendas rather than on earning the best returns for savers.

SoulBranding founder Elsie Maio argues companies must measure effects on "the tangible well-being of humans ... of our planet."

Large banks can't deny services to businesses, like gun-makers and oil drillers, just based on what they do.

Activists were worried investors would abandon investing based on social and environmental goals.

An official recommendation was made to not put retirement plans at risk by investing in stocks that focus on environmental social governance, or ESG.