Our insights

The global economy is entering a new phase shaped by structural rather than cyclical forces, with the investment landscape becoming more fragmented, multi-polar and thematically driven. In this environment, long-term returns are likely to be generated less by broad market exposure and more by targeted positioning in transformative trends, many of which are closely linked to sustainability.

The start of 2025 drew concerns over how sustainability would fare given the Trump administrations opposition towards it. Despite this, clean energy has re-emerged as one of the strongest-performing segments of markets, driven by rising electing demand, accelerating electrification and the urgent need for reliable, low carbon power. Performance has not been driven by sentiment alone; it reflects a fundamental shift in how the world produces and consumes energy.

Defence has long sat outside the remit of sustainable investing, dismissed as incompatible with social good. Yet today’s geopolitical reality is forcing a reassessment. In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine investors, especially across Europe, are beginning to recognise defence as essential to safeguarding sovereignty, democratic institutions, and the stability upon which sustainable societies depend.

As China’s latest economic stimulus package takes shape, one critical question arises: What does this mean for its net-zero ambitions?

While it's the excitement of exploring new places that drives us, we should be mindful of the environment we're travelling to. After all, as visitors, we bring with us a carbon footprint that can affect the local community.

When we invest in companies and funds, we’re committed to active ownership. It’s an approach that not only enhances the investment process but can also have a positive impact on people and the planet.

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years, particularly with the introduction of groundbreaking platforms like ChatGPT, has catalyzed transformative shifts across various sectors, propelling stock markets to unprecedented heights this year.

The way people think about money and investing has changed. Today, your kid’s favorite sneaker brand, in which you might be an investor, must not only produce cool shoes but also use eco-friendly materials and ensure fair wages. That's the ongoing transformation we are witnessing in sustainable finance.

When you invest with Quintet flagship funds, not only do you capture a multi-asset diversified portfolio, but you also encapsulate environmental and social characteristics through positive & negative ESG data driven screening.

ESG characteristics are at the core of our investment philosophy. We believe that understanding material environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors improves the investment decision-making process and can lead to better returns.

From food to financial investments, a small-scale sustainable approach can have a big impact. We talk to Grantley Hall’s Michelin-star chef Shaun Rankin, Phil Harris, executive director at Brown Shipley and AJ Singh, executive director at Quintet who is part of their sustainable investment team, to find out more.

Gold can be recycled with no degradation in quality. It can contribute to a circular economy and is an attractive proposition for sustainable investors.