New survey from Co-operators finds that Canadians want to act sustainably but are concerned about the price of going "green"
The findings perpetuate a misconception that sustainable investing – also called ethical or socially responsible investing – equates to financial concessions. According to the survey, despite widespread agreement on the importance of sustainability (73%) and the importance of supporting sustainable companies (62%), less than a quarter of Canadians (23%) say they are willing to pay a premium for sustainable investment products.
"The survey results are enlightening," says
"As an investor, it's important that you're empowered with the information you need to align your investment strategy with your values", says
Some funds with ESG or sustainability mandates perform as well or better than those without the sustainable label and the costs associated with sustainable investing – like any other type of investment strategy – vary based on the fund company, portfolio, asset class and management structure.
"I encourage you, no matter where you are on your financial path, to take advantage of tools and resources to discover how you can realize your financial goals with an approach that doesn't come at the expense of future generations."
This Financial Literacy Month, Co-operators is highlighting the importance of savings and investing education through a sustainability lens. Baker offers the following tips for Canadians who want to invest using a sustainable investment strategy, but aren't sure where to start:
- Review ESG and sustainability reports: Many companies publish stand-alone sustainability reports and disclose ESG information within their corporate filings, which you can find on their websites. Review these documents for companies you want to invest in (or are invested in) to ensure you support those that share your values.
- Seek out sustainability-focused funds: Choose investment products that give you access to pre-vetted companies with strong sustainability track records. This is a simpler approach if you don't have time to review corporate filings. However, it's still a good idea to look at a prospective fund's portfolio holdings, performance history and management expense ratio – the amount an investment manager takes from your returns – to ensure it aligns with both your values and financial goals.
- Consult a financial professional: A trusted financial professional can help you achieve the best balance between supporting companies that share your sustainable views while also achieving your long-term financial goals. If you're looking for an experienced financial representative, visit cooperators.ca to find one in your community.
As a financial services co-operative committed to creating financial security for Canadians and their communities, Co-operators believes that sustainable investing is a pathway to long-term financial growth for their client's portfolios and their corporate holdings. By the end of 2022, nearly 24% (
Additional survey findings – Canadians' attitudes toward sustainable investing
About the survey
The national online survey of 1,500 adult residents of
About Co-operators
Co-operators is a leading Canadian financial services co-operative, offering multi-line insurance and investment products, services, and personalized advice to help Canadians build their financial strength and security. The company has more than
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