Environmental, Social, and Governance investing is one of the hottest topics in finance. Scott O'Reilly, VP of Investment Product at Fidelity, sat with us to discuss how to evaluate ESG investment options.
O'Reilly said ESG used to be seen as a way to eliminate sin stocks. Now, the strategy has become a more innovative way to consider a company's risks, he added.
One major concern for the investment approach has been the idea of sacrificing portfolio returns. O'Reilly said research has shown that fear, so far, hasn't turned into reality. He sees ESG investing as a way to avoiding the kinds of risks a company could have that would impact their performance
In Wednesday's business headlines, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is due in court to defend the company's takeover of Activision Blizzard and United Airlines is under fire over its recent cancellations with CEO Scott Kirby blaming the FAA for the disruptions. Meanwhile, a judge approved Overstock's purchase of Bed Bath & Beyond assets.