US sustainable fund flows drop to lowest level in 7 years

US sustainable fund flows drop to lowest level in 7 years
A net total of $3.1 billion flowed into the country’s sustainable investments last year, and these funds shed nearly $6.2 billion in the final stretch of 2022.
FEB 24, 2023

Money into U.S. sustainable funds fell to its lowest level in seven years in 2022 after a fossil fuel energy-focused year, according to Morningstar data.

A net total of $3.1 billion flowed into the country’s sustainable investments last year, and these funds shed nearly $6.2 billion in the final stretch of 2022.

Many sustainable funds limit exposure to traditional energy stocks based on concerns for that sector’s long-term growth prospects. But from a return’s perspective, energy was the only place to be in 2022.

Rising oil and natural gas prices contributed to the Morningstar U.S. Energy Index’s more than 60% gain during the year, which outperformed all other stock sectors by incredible margins.

However, while sustainable funds continued to see positive, if lower, inflows, in 2022 their conventional peers endured their first calendar year of net outflows since Morningstar began tracking data in 1993.

Demand for U.S. sustainable funds has fallen steadily since the all-time record $21.5 billion intake in 2021′s first quarter.

Total assets landed at $286 billion last year, a 20% decline from the all-time high of $358 billion at the end of 2021.

FIXED INCOME DEMAND

Passive funds dominated sustainable fund flows again and collected $4.3 billion in flows, while actively managed sustainable funds saw outflows.

For the first time on record, fixed income funds commanded the lion’s share of 2022’s sustainable fund flows with a $2.4 billion intake.

Flows into sustainable bond funds surged to three-fourths of overall flows, up from 16% in 2021.

The number of sustainable open-end and exchange-traded funds available to U.S. investors rose to nearly 600 in 2022, up 12% from 2021.

In 2022, the 87 new sustainable funds topped the number of launches in 2020 but lagged behind the record 121 set in 2021.

Sustainable funds continue to deliver lower levels of ESG risk, compared with peers. At the end of 2022, nearly 70% of sustainable funds received the highest Morningstar Sustainability Ratings, 4 or 5 globes, compared with 27% of funds overall.

The 10 largest sustainable voting funds supported more than 60% of the key ESG resolutions on which they voted in 2022.

This ranged from 100% support (Parnassus Core Equity and Calvert Equity) to 20% (Vanguard FTSE Social Index). 

This story was originally published on ESG Clarity.

180 Capital CEO explains why microcaps are magnificent

Latest News

Advisor moves: RBC swipes $1.7B UBS team, Baird duo departs for LPL's Linsco channel
Advisor moves: RBC swipes $1.7B UBS team, Baird duo departs for LPL's Linsco channel

RBC Wealth Management's latest move in New York adds an elite eight-member team to its recently opened Westchester office.

Stifel star broker, Chuck Roberts, leaves firm under cloud of investor complaints
Stifel star broker, Chuck Roberts, leaves firm under cloud of investor complaints

Stifel – so far - is on the hook for more than $166 million in damages, legal fees and settlements in investor complaints involving Roberts, a 35-year industry veteran.

iCapital secures $820M in latest funding, hits $7.5B
iCapital secures $820M in latest funding, hits $7.5B

The giant alt investments platform's latest financing led by T. Rowe Price and SurgoCap Partners, along with State Street, UBS, and BNY, will fuel additional growth on multiple fronts.

Merrill Lynch on the hook for $3.7M after clients claimed sale of unsuitable private equity
Merrill Lynch on the hook for $3.7M after clients claimed sale of unsuitable private equity

Some investors recently have seen million dollar plus decisions by FINRA arbitration panels involving complex products decisions go their way.

What does it take to feel 'financially comfortable' or 'wealthy' in 2025?
What does it take to feel 'financially comfortable' or 'wealthy' in 2025?

New report shines a light on how Americans view wealth today.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.