Impact funds getting more attention as investors seek to address climate change, racial equity

Impact funds getting more attention as investors seek to address climate change, racial equity
A survey published by Calvert Impact Capital found that 94% of advisers said they would like to see more impact products on the market.
AUG 02, 2022

More than 60% of investors who use impact funds are planning to increase their allocations to those products over the next year, and financial advisers are showing similar enthusiasm.

That’s according to results of a survey published last week by Calvert Impact Capital, which queried about 800 people who hold the company’s Community Investment Note, as well as advisers with whom the company has a relationship.

Nearly all — 94% — of advisers who responded said they would like to see more impact products on the market, according to Calvert. Eighty-eight percent said they plan to increase the amount of impact investments used in clients’ portfolios; the survey found.

“When asked about barriers, ease of purchase was highlighted as the top challenge, a sentiment echoed by non-adviser respondents,” Calvert Impact Capital officer of investor relations Josh Bay wrote in a summary of the findings.

“As the industry continues to grow and more accessible products are created, our survey data suggests ever increasing demand for impact investing and momentum towards acting upon that demand.”

When asked what their reasons for impact investing were, the top response was environmental sustainability, cited by 57% of investors, followed by racial justice and equity (41%), renewable energy (33%) and gender equity (25%).

Millennials and Gen Xers were the most likely to say they planned to increase their allocations to impact investments over the next year, at nearly 75% for each generation. About half of Baby Boomers, members of the Silent Generation and Gen Zers said the same.

Calvert described the Community Investment Note as a gateway to impact investing, as investments in the fixed-income security can be made for as little as $20. The note, which launched in 1995, has a total balance of more than $588 million and currently has return rates ranging from 0.5% to 3% across maturities from one year to 10 years, according to the firm.

This story was originally published on ESG Clarity.

Latest News

Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams
Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams

Integrated Partners is adding a mother-son tandem to its network in Missouri as Kestra onboards a father-son advisor duo from UBS.

Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases
Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases

Futures indicate stocks will build on Tuesday's rally.

From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier
From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier

Cost of living still tops concerns about negative impacts on personal finances

Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study
Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study

Financial advisors remain vital allies even as DIY investing grows

Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs
Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs

A trade deal would mean significant cut in tariffs but 'it wont be zero'.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.