‘Gen Xers care more about sustainability than millennials’
People from Generation X – defined as those between 38 and 50 years of age – appear more motivated to invest sustainably than millennials.
New research found 61 per cent of “Generation Xers” always consider sustainability factors when selecting an investment product, compared with 59 per cent of millennials, who are 18 to 37 years old.
Half (50 per cent) of Baby Boomers (51 to 70 years old) said they always considered sustainability factors, while it was 40 per cent for the Silent Generation (over 71 years old). The average for all investors was 57 per cent.
The findings were part of Schroders Global Investor Study (GIS) 2019, which measured the views of more than 25,000 investors in 32 locations around the world. They suggest that while Gen Xers are leading the charge, most investors consider sustainability factors when they invest.
Can my investments make an impact?
The majority of investors said they feel that their individual investments could have a direct impact in contributing to a more sustainable world.
Again, Gen Xers led the way. Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of them believed their investments could have a direct impact, compared with 60 per cent of millennials. It was 57 per cent of Baby Boomers and half (50 per cent) for the Silent Generation. The average overall was 60 per cent.
There was also significant demand for all investment funds to consider sustainability factors, commonly described as ESG – environmental, social and governance factors, not just those specifically designed as “sustainable investment funds”.
- Read more from Schroders GIS: How investors want fund managers to act
Nearly two-thirds of Gen Xers (65 per cent) agree all investment funds should consider sustainability factors, compared with 60 per cent for millennials.
Perhaps surprisingly, Baby Boomers (62 per cent) wanted it more than millennials. It was 56 per cent for the Silent Generation. The Global average was 61 per cent.
‘Gen Xers’ more motivated to invest sustainably
Source: Schroders Global Investor Study 2019
The study also pointed to concern among Gen X about climate change. More than two-thirds (67 per cent) of Gen Xers feel that climate change is having, or will have, an impact on their investments. That’s more than millennials (64 per cent), Baby Boomers (58 per cent) and the Silent Generation (51 per cent). The global average for all investors is (63 per cent).
Why are Gen Xers bucking the trend?
Jessica Ground, Global Head of Stewardship at Schroders, said: “It’s been impossible to miss the outcry about climate change from younger generations in the past year. Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old campaigner, has led the charge on behalf of Generation Y, making headlines around the world for her protests.
“People might easily assume that it’s always the younger generations who are most concerned about investing sustainably.
“Our research challenges that assumption. Among investors, it is actually Generation X that now shows the most concern.
“Perhaps this is due to the publicity generated by Greta and others, with the parents of that generation taking note. Whatever the reason, there is a whole wave of people in their forties saving hard for their future and for their retirements. Fund managers who are investing on behalf of those investors should take note of their concerns and make sure their money is invested the way they want it to be.”
- Read more about how sustainability seeks to deliver long-term value in a fast-changing world.
Schroders commissioned Research Plus Ltd to conduct an independent online survey of 25,743 investors in 32 locations throughout the world, with fieldwork held between 4th April – 7th May 2019. This research defines ‘investors’ as people who will be investing at least €10,000 (or the equivalent) in the next 12 months and who have made changes to their investments within the last 10 years; these individuals represent the views of investors in each country included in the survey.
Important Information: The views and opinions contained herein are of those named in the article and may not necessarily represent views expressed or reflected in other Schroders communications, strategies or funds. The sectors and securities shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be considered a recommendation to buy or sell. This communication is marketing material.
This material is intended to be for information purposes only and is not intended as promotional material in any respect. The material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. The material is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for accounting, legal or tax advice, or investment recommendations. Reliance should not be placed on the views and information in this document when taking individual investment and/or strategic decisions. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and may not be repeated. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amounts originally invested. All investments involve risks including the risk of possible loss of principal. Information herein is believed to be reliable but Schroders does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Reliance should not be placed on the views and information in this document when taking individual investment and/or strategic decisions. The opinions in this document include some forecasted views. We believe we are basing our expectations and beliefs on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of what we currently know. However, there is no guarantee than any forecasts or opinions will be realised. These views and opinions may change. Issued by Schroder Investment Management Limited, 1 London Wall Place, London, EC2Y 5AU. Registration No. 1893220 England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.