A new Saltus Wealth Index Report has been published surveying respondents' attitudes towards the UK economy, their own wealth and lifestyles.

High net worth individuals are more likely to invest in green and social impact funds now than they were six months ago, according to a new Saltus Wealth Index Report.  
 
The report surveyed attitudes of over 1,000 people in the UK with investable assets of over £250,000 ($286,029) to find out what they felt about the UK economy, their own wealth and lifestyles. 

It shows that 73 per cent of respondents invest in ESG, up from 64 per cent six months ago.
 
Saltus’ data found that those respondents with the highest net worth were the most likely to invest in ESG. Of those with assets of £3 million or more, 84 per cent invest in ESG, up from 71 per cent previously, while those with assets of between £250,000 and £500,000 were the least likely to invest in ESG (63 per cent) – the same as six months ago, the report shows.
 
The research also revealed that the age group with the highest increase in the percentage that invest in ESG is the over 65s. Six months ago, 24 per cent said they invest in ESG funds or stocks, now this figure is 42 per cent.
 
The research also found that there has been an increase in the perceived impact that investing in ESG has, with 74 per cent of respondents’ feeling that responsible investments make a tangible difference to the environment or society in general, up from less than half six months ago.  

Almost one in five say they think ESG makes a ‘big impact’, up from 15 per cent.
 
However, while ‘insufficient returns’ is the top reason why respondents do not have any ESG funds, or are yet to invest, some are sceptical of the impact and robustness of ESG. 

Nevertheless, Michael Stimpson, partner at Saltus said: “It is really encouraging to see a marked increase in the number of respondents investing in ESG.” 

“In the current energy crisis, green alternatives are high on the agenda, and from an investment point of view more investors choosing ESGs as part of a diversified portfolio can be very impactful,” he said.
 
Saltus is a wealth management company, looking after over £2 billion for its clients.