Displaying items by tag: esg

Donald Trump’s stance on renewable energy has created uncertainty, but investors are still finding opportunities in the sector. Federal permitting delays and funding pauses have caused disruptions, though legal challenges may curb their effects. 

Meanwhile, energy firms such as TotalEnergies see long-term potential in the U.S. market and continue to invest in clean power. Enphase Energy has defied expectations with solid earnings and an expanded domestic manufacturing footprint. 

While offshore wind faces setbacks, onshore projects are set to grow significantly this year. Companies like First Solar and Vestas Wind Systems, despite recent stock declines, could benefit from the ongoing transition to renewables.

Finsum: Renewables aren’t dead, but there is certainly going to be more attention on which firms can withstand the tightening that could come with the new administration. 

President-elect Trump has announced his intention to block new wind energy projects during his upcoming term, arguing that the industry relies heavily on subsidies to function. Known for his support of fossil fuels, Trump has appointed fracking executive Chris Wright as his Energy Secretary and emphasized policies favoring traditional energy sources. 

His opposition to wind power, which he has called unsightly and harmful to marine life, extends to plans for an immediate executive order to halt offshore wind production. Although renewable energy advocates predict that existing projects will continue despite the political shift, companies like RWE acknowledge potential delays in offshore wind timelines. 

Critics, including Sen. Ron Wyden, have warned that abandoning wind energy will raise electricity costs for families and reduce domestic energy output. Clean energy leaders stress the importance of a diversified energy strategy to meet the nation’s rising energy demands.

Finsum: These policy shifts are clearly going to affect market fundmentals over the next term, will there still be enough industry support to prop up ESG? To be determined.

Strive Asset Management has launched direct indexing services on Fidelity and Schwab platforms, reaching a broad retail audience. These services emphasize daily tax-loss harvesting and pro-shareholder governance, avoiding ESG or DEI constraints. 

Powered by Vestmark’s VAST technology, the initiative aligns with Strive’s anti-ESG philosophy, aiming to deliver superior financial outcomes for clients. CEO Matt Cole highlighted the unique value of Strive’s approach, citing frequent drawdowns in large-cap equities that offer tax-harvesting opportunities. 

Founded in 2022 by Vivek Ramaswamy, now a key figure in President-elect Trump’s administration, Strive manages $1.7 billion in assets. Its ETFs focus purely on financial returns, contrasting with ESG-oriented funds by voting against ESG shareholder proposals.

Finsum: ESG and DEI oriented funds will have an uphill battle against the trump administration. 

Renewable energy stocks, once at peak valuations in 2020-21, are struggling with investor pullbacks and face extended uncertainty partly due to U.S. election concerns. Interest in the sector has been eroded by competition from Chinese renewables, strong returns on conventional energy, and issues like supply chain disruptions and grid connection challenges. 

Although the Inflation Reduction Act has supported renewable investments in the U.S., analysts warn that the potential return of Donald Trump to office could redirect funds to fossil fuels, while a win for Democrat Kamala Harris might revive confidence in renewables. 

Even with lower interest rates, a new boom on the scale of 2020-21 is unlikely, as renewable growth has slowed. The sector has seen 17 consecutive months of net outflows, losing over $11 billion in 2024 alone, with major funds like the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF losing 28% in unit numbers. 

Finsum: There could be a serious opportunity to find value in these ETFs at the current price levels. 

According to new research from BNP Paribas and Coalition Greenwich, investors are increasingly focused on strategies that drive both growth and positive societal impact. Thematic investing, which identifies long-term trends related to technology, demographics, and sustainability, has gained popularity, with 63% of respondents prioritizing impact and sustainable outcomes. 

Thematic strategies are especially appealing in areas like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and water management. European investors are leading in the adoption of these strategies, with participation growing from 46% to 61% since 2020. 

Themes like gender diversity, demographic inequalities, and mobility are also gaining attention. As the economic landscape evolves, thematic investments are becoming a preferred way for investors to align their portfolios with future trends.

Finsum: Thematic investing can be a wonderful way to connect with clients, and to dive deep into their interests in the portfolio construction