Invest sustainably

Investing based on sustainability criteria is currently on everyone's lips. In the case of financial products, for example, it must be made clear whether they are pursuing sustainable goals, and investment advisors must ask their customers whether they would like to invest sustainably. But even investors who want to invest directly in companies, be it via shares or bonds, are increasingly looking at sustainability aspects in addition to yield aspects.

However, sustainability can mean many things when it comes to investing, so ESG is often referred to in this context. This is about the interaction of environment (environment), social (social) and good corporate governance (governance). Due to climate change, the focus - also in investment advice - is currently on the topic of the environment (E). From the shareholders' perspective, the issue of climate change is primarily about understanding, measuring and reducing risks. Unfortunately, companies do not yet have sufficient sustainability data, which makes it difficult for private investors, but also for analysts or rating agencies to compare companies or financial products. Also it increases the risk of greenwashing, i.e. the misleading marketing of a "green" image or product.

DSW therefore offers investors assistance in the sustainability jungle.

• In this video you can find out what greenwashing actually is.
• A checklist for sustainable investing in funds or ETFs can be found here. This should be read together with the DSW questionnaire 'False investment advice' and the DSW checklist for investment funds.
• We have also put together a questionnaire for shareholders that investors can use to question the current status or progress of companies in their climate strategy and the implementation of regulatory requirements (Sustainable Engagement Guide).

Please see also an interview on German TV: https://www.zdf.de/dokumentation/zdfzoom/zdfzoom-gruenes-geld-100.html