River and Mercantile’s James Sym: Will 2022 be the year the industry starts doing ESG properly?

James Sym, Head of European Equities at River and Mercantile says that 2022 will be the year that the industry stops playing at ESG, and starts doing it properly. 

“I see three investment conclusions to be expressed in portfolios in 2022:

• First, two years after the economic nadir we are moving from early-cycle to mid-cycle. This means we are more cautious on early-cycle stocks and those most at risk from an inventory correction, which we view as a distinct possibility in H2 2022 as supply chains normalise. However, cyclicals in the broadest sense should be okay, especially where they are exposed to areas such as tourism which are still depressed through covid policies.
• Secondly, if inflation does prove to be more stubborn and capital more discriminating, which we think is likely, beware excessive valuations – by which we mean the over 10x sales, 50x earnings variety.
• Thirdly, stick with the preeminent theme of this cycle, which is the opportunity afforded by decarbonisation. This is precisely where an investment boom – borderline mandated by governments in Europe, is most likely to take place.”

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