How ESG Investing Became a Political Battleground: QuickTake

The strategy known as ESG investing has grown by leaps and bounds – and landed in hot water. Its focus on environmental factors, social issues and questions of corporate governance had always attracted people drawn to progressive causes, as well as fund managers drawn to the above-average returns it’s generated. But in the US, that association with liberalism has triggered a backlashfrom Republican Party politicians, with efforts underway in about 20 states to rein in ESG. At the same time, states led by Democratic Party officials have been pushing the other way, joined by activists who are quick to ...