It has been a tough year for investors who include environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) factors when assembling their portfolios, as well as our picks of companies and funds that are ESG leaders.
The 15 stocks in the Kiplinger ESG 20 returned an average of 4.3% over the past 12 months, compared with 15.9% for the S&P 500. Just six of our stock picks outpaced the index. Of our favorite ESG funds, only one outperformed its respective peer group, and we’re making several changes.
When we looked at the landscape a year ago, the climate for ESG investing was turning hostile. A number of companies, faced with pressure on social media, retreated from policies designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
Large investors…
