Global conflicts hit short-term sustainable investment returns

Global conflicts hit short-term sustainable investment returns
As well as the war in Ukraine (above), there have been shock events in Israel and Gaza in the past few days. (Image: Getty)
Greg Hurrell
Managed funds in sustainable investments have underperformed one-year benchmarks as the war in Ukraine caused a surge in energy and fossil fuel stock prices, according to a new survey. The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) noted the downturn but found RIAA-certified funds had matched or outperformed benchmarks over three, five and 10-year terms. The one-year results were in a year marked by share price falls across the board. The RIAA this week released its annual New Zealand benchmark report – a state o...

More Sustainable Finance

NZ funds lending to governments scoring low on human rights
Sustainable Finance

NZ funds lending to governments scoring low on human rights

Sovereign bonds don’t get the same level of scrutiny as equity, says Motu Research.

Greg Hurrell 05 Nov 2025
The United States' anti-sustainability drive is here to stay
Sustainable Finance

The United States' anti-sustainability drive is here to stay

Many US investors are keeping their heads down without ditching ESG principles.

Greg Hurrell 22 Sep 2025
Responsible investors defy detractors
Sustainable Finance

Responsible investors defy detractors

The hard gains of sustainable finance need to be defended: Auckland conference.

Greg Hurrell 19 Sep 2025
NZ should welcome Chinese cleantech expertise: Lord Turner
Climate change

NZ should welcome Chinese cleantech expertise: Lord Turner

The election of Donald Trump meant a ‘wrenching change’ in US climate policy.

Greg Hurrell 10 Sep 2025