Survey: ESG least important factor for private investors in trusts

ESG least important across all demographics

While 65% of private investors said they consider ESG when investing, it is the least important factor when choosing an investment, according to a new survey from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC).

The survey of 454 private investors found that the most important consideration for them was a fund's performance record, followed by fees and charges, the fund manager's reputation, the asset management company's reputation and finally ESG factors. ESG factors were the least important consideration across all demographics, among men, women, investors under 45 and those 45 and older. However, ESG factors were ranked as more important by women and those under 45. Women ranked ESG factors as an average of 3.9 (where five means ‘very important' and one means ‘not at all important'), comp...