Many Ardent clients and their guests recently enjoyed an afternoon of good company and a fascinating glimpse into the world of investing when they attended a talk by a leading City fund manager.
We arranged the event so that clients could learn first-hand how fund managers are dealing with the events of 2022, and the stock market uncertainty they have created.
Furthermore, it was an opportunity to hear how fund managers used this volatility to create long-term potential growth. While the team at Ardent are always here to answer your questions, we understand that you may also be interested in hearing from fund managers directly.
Ardent also helps many clients to invest in sustainable funds – which today are better known as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) funds – so we were also keen to provide clients with an update on the latest developments within this sector.
Thoughtful insights about the current global uncertainty
To provide some useful insight, we invited Damien Lardoux, head of impact investing at our preferred London-based fund manager, EQ Investors, to share his thoughts on 2022 and ESG funds.
As the company is staff owned and has focused on sustainable investing since 2008, it shares our belief that investing can be a force for good.
Against this backdrop, Damien joined the Ardent team, clients and guests at York’s beautiful Middletons Hotel. Thanks to his infectious enthusiasm and relaxed presentation style, he kept everyone captivated as he shared an enlightening glimpse into being a fund manager.
With the ongoing Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and soaring inflation, and the effects of these on the world economy, there was plenty for Damien to talk to the audience about. While these may have been obvious subjects for a fund manager to cover, his focus on responsible investing also saw him discuss less obvious ones too.
ESG investing can benefit investors, society and the planet
Damien’s presentation covered thought-provoking topics such as water scarcity, global warming and obesity in UK children. As part of this, Damien provided an inspiring explanation of how investing in environmentally and socially responsible companies could benefit investors, society and the planet.
One comment that many clients and guests picked up on was Damien’s belief that ESG funds were more likely to drive environmental and social change than governments were.
“Dealing with companies is much more effective than dealing with governments,” he told the audience, “because companies can make changes and a big difference very quickly when compared to governments.”
Damien also talked about the EQ Investors’ Positive impact Portfolios and Future Leaders Portfolios. If you are a client of Ardent you may already know we have adopted both of these investment portfolios.
He explained how the Positive Impact Portfolios targeted companies that delivered measurable social and environmental benefits while also looking to maximise potential returns. As part of this, Damien explained how EQ Investors identified companies to invest in, providing examples that included healthcare firms, plastic waste businesses and companies that reduce inequality in education.
He also provided an explanation of how these companies tie into the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
As the Future Leaders Portfolios are designed to promote sustainable themes while maximising potential returns in a cost-effective way, Damien provided an example of one of its funds that invests in companies that help deliver clean water.
An enjoyable and informative afternoon
Business director here at Ardent, Elain Hughes, said the event had been as enjoyable as it was informative.
“The feedback for the event was extremely positive, with many who attended saying it was nice to be able to attend such a friendly gathering,” she explains.
“We would like to thank Damien for joining us and giving such an excellent presentation. We would also like to thank all the clients who made the effort to join us and made the afternoon such a pleasure. We hope to see them and their guests again.”
Get in touch
If you would like to discuss any of the points raised by Damien during his presentation or would like to discuss your wealth or investing, please contact us on hello@ardentuk.com or call 01904 655 330.
As an award-winning financial advice company that was a 2022 VouchedFor Top Rated firm, you can have peace of mind that you will receive excellent advice and the highest quality service.
Please note
This article is for information only. Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.
