ESG

AICHEngineer

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4359282 Also "impact elasticity of brown and green firms", a study of the morningstar ESG ratings and how preferentially allocating to high "esg" funds actually results in negative outcomes for promoting ESG goals, particularly through increasing the cost of capital for firms that are dirty and could improve through investment while unhelpfully reducing cost of capital for already green firms that can barely do anything more as it is to make themselves more green.

SentimentSurfer

Don’t sleep on $CLSK (CleanSpark) - it may soon enter the HPC/AI infrastructure space, and that could send the stock vertical. Here's why: * Operational excellence: CLSK consistently ranks among the most efficient Bitcoin miners - low cost per coin, high uptime, and smart scaling. This efficiency gives them an edge regardless of BTC volatility. * Strong BTC treasury: CLSK has been strategically holding part of its mined Bitcoin, creating a growing treasury. This not only boosts their balance sheet but gives them capital flexibility to expand into HPC/AI. * AI/HPC pivot potential: With robust infrastructure and access to cheap power, CLSK is well-positioned to offer AI/HPC hosting - a massive, high-margin growth sector. Early signs suggest they’re preparing to enter. * Green energy + ESG edge: Their renewable energy usage makes them more sustainable, more scalable, and more attractive to institutional investors. * Valuation still low: The market still values CLSK as a pure-play miner. A shift to include AI/HPC revenue could trigger a major re-rating. If HPC momentum picks up + BTC treasury grows + operational edge holds, CLSK could rip hard. One of the most asymmetric plays out there right now.

Treadmiler

I strongly disagree on your DOJ comment. Carvana is under active SEC investigation for securities fraud, deceptive accounting, and undisclosed related party transactions which is exactly the conduct this Trump-era SEC is focused on. Under Chairman Paul Atkins, the agency has deprioritized ESG and technical violations & is zeroing in on blatant fraud, insider enrichment, and retail investor harm. Carvana checks every box for this SEC priorities. Insiders dumped billions in stock at zero cost basis while allegedly hiding $800M in off-book loan sales to Bridgecrest, a private shadow affiliate. The company misled investors about regulatory sanctions, masked delinquency rates, and is manipulating gain on sale accounting. With a federal class action already moving forward and DOJ scrutiny intensifying, I don’t believe this SEC isn’t going to let it slide. Civil penalties are likely and a criminal referral could now be in play. I will be severely disappointed if the DOJ settles for a fine with Carvana & the Garcia’s.

yakuzaPaalooza

What charade, ESG investing is basically dead. If people want to invest with a conscience they should do their own research and buy accordingly. Forget ETFs or Funds telling you what's right or wrong.

mohityadavx

So, why all this charade around them, might as well as go for the big oil who purportedly has a big hand in defining how ESG norms are defined.

StatisticalMan

ESG are just greenwashing themselves of course they aren't going to try and combat greenwashing.

DaemonTargaryen2024

I wouldn't own single shares of stock of a company I was that opposed to. But I also just hold broad market index funds, so I don't do any of that balancing. You can look at ESG funds but those are imperfect.

Wildbirddog

Save it for your ESG investing...

ctnoxin

Fair enough, if you want to stay misinformed, and gleefully ethically compromised then don't look into ESG To address the OP, you'll avoid Thiel, Nike (slave labor), petroleum (climate change and pollution), coca cola (read about Columbia), and United health (or any health insurance company for that matter), if you filter by ESG, and have better ROI, since petrolum production is tanking, Nike hasn't moved for a year because of some idiotic tariff policies etc.

Stephen_1984

I’m planning on buying SPTM, IDEV and FRDM for my IRA, but the market hasn’t dropped enough to buy much. My only substantial funds are IVV and CSXAX in taxable accounts. SPTM: S&P 1500. IDEV: Developed Markets ex USA. FRDM: Emerging markets ex China-like countries. IVV: S&P 500. CSXAX: S&P 500 ESG.

IronyElSupremo

Probably want companies that are on the cutting edge on technological solutions, which can be risky under certain conditions, .. but a mostly U.S. based growth fund/ETF is the way to start (QQQM) with a smidge of non-US tech. Tech tends to be interest rate dependent, so there may be periods where it’s flat. Still QQQ products have great 10 year returns including rolling averages. Maybe add some international via IDMO to catch some non-US high fliers. There’s ESG (environmental, societal, governance) funds-ETFs, .. but the process has been co-opted. An oil giant with a great HR department can be in those, while a solar company may not make the cut. Thing is 10% of the wealthiest own 90% of the stock market, so think while one can have a basic screen (like limiting fossil fuels by owning techy-growth funds), .. it’s ultimately not going to matter. If small fry, you’re just along for the ride.

Regarded_Regard

ESG investing is dumb. Store your money under a mattress because every company has ESG issues.

IronyElSupremo

Easiest is buy an “ESG” fund. Calvert funds have the longest track record since the 1980s for [iirc] religious objectors but probably “active” management with their “non-vice” approach. Still Calvert are the long term players, but there’s various ESG-screen index ETFs at mostly iShares (too many to list here, but XVV, USXF, and DMXF are relatively low cost) .. but Vanguard released 2 recently. Thing with ESG is the companies have responded to them, so you get big oil companies but not a small solar company that can’t afford the HR. Another idea is direct indexing (Fidelity) where you hold the individual stocks .. screening the holdings of a top 50 (XLG) ETF or even top 100 global (ishares IOO) ETF against the top ESG large cap holdings (use VXX, USXF, DMXF). The late Jack Bogle theorized buying and holding such a DIY index could slightly beat the S&P 500 over time. Another idea is go with momentum index ETFs (Invesco’s SPMO is has the best returns) and rebalance annually. You can say you’re “selling” any problematic stocks; probably pair with something like low cost Vanguard or iShares core bonds for stability (iShares even has an ESG bond index .. basically big bank and Treasury bonds). May even be some green lending. Could combine the last 2 approaches too.

Leroy--Brown

I really shouldn't look into ESG funds unless I want worse ROI.

ctnoxin

You should look into ESG funds if you want to avoid like all that stuff

buried_lede

You asked about more info and resources on the topic. Check out Engine No 1, which is an activist investment fund that had sone success influencing Exxon. If you google that, you will see lots of info about it.  You might also read up on ESG, short for Environment, social, governance. It is an attempt to analyze companies based on their environmental and social values and good governance.  That’s one approach. You may find you see companies differently but it gives you a quick picture using a set of criteria

DaemonTargaryen2024

I don't do anything in this regard. My investments are broadly, globally diversified. I donate time and money to causes I care about If you're interested in doing any sort of "ethical investing", ESG funds are the closest thing you're looking for. But ESG is far from perfect and not obviously your values may not perfectly align with the fund's framework.

RepsandRiot

The really crazy part is they just bought an existing bitcoin mining company Gryphon Digital Mining. On the homepage they list themselves as “ESG driven mining”. Wonder why the people who have single handedly sued ESG out of the English lexicon bought an ESG BTC miner?

Pepeshpe

The same people who buy ESG ETFs

Technical_Cry_5878

Interesting thread, great to see so many different takes on positioning right now. One point that stands out: it’s not always the flashy sectors (like AI or mega-cap tech) that deliver the most sustainable returns. Increasingly, investment resilience comes down to operational integrity...solid governance, risk management, and protecting downside in turbulent markets. That’s something Andrew Zatlin reviews (from Banyan Hill) often emphasizes. In his recent commentary, Zatlin highlights how companies with robust financial discipline, conservative debt levels, and proactive ESG measures, especially around data security and supply chains can outperform during uncertain times. He argues that these “quiet winners” often deliver compounding value where the flashy names stumble. So even amid moves toward high-growth areas, it might make sense to tilt a portion of your portfolio toward fundamentally stable companies - those disciplined, well-managed businesses that aren’t headline-buzz'd, but quietly build value over time. Would love to hear: for anyone here shifting capital, how are you weighting quality and defensibility vs. chasing growth narratives in the current environment?

WonkiDonki

You want ESG screened ETFs. They do as well as unscreened ETFs because they still hold almost all the market cap, & have broad sector diversification. Might find this JustETF primer helpful: [https://www.justetf.com/uk/news/etf/an-introduction-to-social-responsibility-investing-with-etfs.html](https://www.justetf.com/uk/news/etf/an-introduction-to-social-responsibility-investing-with-etfs.html)

LonelyFox18

As others have mentioned, there's plenty of ESG funds that apply these types of screens. However, I would note that some funds in Europe are re-thinking those screens. It's easy to sit up there in an ivory tower saying that people shouldn't invest in weapons manufacturers, but then when Russia decides to mount a full on invasion, suddenly people are changing their beliefs. Link to an article discussing this topic: [https://global.morningstar.com/en-gb/sustainable-investing/how-esg-funds-learned-love-weapons](https://global.morningstar.com/en-gb/sustainable-investing/how-esg-funds-learned-love-weapons)

TheKubesStore

ESG usually excludes firearms as well

Ok_Paramedic_5914

Oh OP, I assume you are young and still have an idealistic view of the world, which is sooo cute to see. However, you’ll soon realize that whatever stock, ETF, whether ESG or not, is contributing to human suffering. Sadly, that’s called capitalism my friend, and you can choose to listen to your convictions and not to partake in it and watch the sail ship before your eyes…or you can choose to put your beliefs to the side and join the depraved, morally corrupt party which is called investing, and make money like everybody else. You may think this is pessimistic, but I prefer the term realistic. No highly profitable business was ever built on morally sound, respectful or ethical values. IMO ESGs are a gimmick by funds companies to lure in younger folks into so called sustainable and ethical investments, which have sky high MERs.

clairesheffield420

You can buy some ESG fund

Skydance98

There absolutely are, though you may have to look around some. There's plenty of information on ESG Investing, and various funds out there, like ESGV, XVV, or EFIV and others such that make some attempts at ESG investing [https://global.morningstar.com/en-gb/sustainable-investing/how-to-exclude-weapons-from-your-portfolio](https://global.morningstar.com/en-gb/sustainable-investing/how-to-exclude-weapons-from-your-portfolio) [https://weaponfreefunds.org/](https://weaponfreefunds.org/) [https://etfdb.com/esg-investing/social-issues/weapons-involvement/](https://etfdb.com/esg-investing/social-issues/weapons-involvement/) [https://fossilfreefunds.org/blog/2025/05/22/bankrolling-bombs-how-your-401k-funds-war-machine-what-you-can-do-about-it.html](https://fossilfreefunds.org/blog/2025/05/22/bankrolling-bombs-how-your-401k-funds-war-machine-what-you-can-do-about-it.html) [https://fossilfreefunds.org/fund/spdr-sp-500-esg-etf/EFIV/investment-profile/FS0000G0NA/F0000156AN](https://fossilfreefunds.org/fund/spdr-sp-500-esg-etf/EFIV/investment-profile/FS0000G0NA/F0000156AN)

ShortTheVix4

Buddy, this is investing, not religion. You can make money or you can cling on to your beliefs, you can’t do both. Almost every company worth investing in will either directly or indirectly fund either war effort or some other unethical terrible thing. There are ESG etfs you can invest in that will try and limit the “bad” companies but those tend to underperform.

IronyElSupremo

Yr looking for what’s called an ESG screen ETF. Besides weapons, “ESG” will include no to low fossil fuels, tobacco, and likely nuclear activity too. SPDR has a version called EFIV which is a total ESG screened version of their S&P 500 ETFs (their SPLG having a 0.02% er), .. along with iShares XVV which is an ESG version (at 0.08% er) of their IVV S&P 500 etf at 0.03% er. What remain tends to have more tech, healthcare, etc..

Ferrari-murakami

Lol fuck your morals. Go invest in those ESG companies with all the transformers

Ancient_Bobcat_9150

I will delete this thread. I mainly invest in index funds, I have AI and tech stocks. Me asking a simple fucking question about other areas like agritech or industrial that can improve human condition does not mean I will go full SRI or ESG. If i directly asked for agritech or medical devices suggestion I would not have had so much dumb answers

Ancient_Bobcat_9150

Ok, maybe I am mistaken, but I thought that ESG mainly cares about how a company functions. How does it implement equality in its workforce, care for environmental impact, and have a transparent corporate structure? It is not SRI. I am not sure that companies like EssilorLuxottica (eyesight), Deere & co (agricultural modernization, Stantec (infrastructure resilience), Zimmer Biomet (prosthetics), ... are considered pure ESG companies

Oh_he_steal

You said you're looking for companies that make the world a better place. That's what ESG was all about.

Ancient_Bobcat_9150

I am not looking at ESG focused companies

Oh_he_steal

Oh man, you would have loved the ESG boom in \~2015.

notapersonaltrainer

It terms of actual [subsidies](https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/fossil-fuels/renewable-energy-still-dominates-energy-subsidies-in-fy-2022/) solar and other renewable energy sources receive about $15.6 billion in federal subsidies compared to just $3.2 billion in subsidies for coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear...combined. >Renewable subsidies more than doubled between FY 2016 and FY 2022, increasing to $15.6 billion in fiscal year 2022 from $7.4 billion in fiscal year 2016 (both in 2022 dollars). Federal subsidies and incentives to support renewable energy in fiscal year 2022 were almost 5 times higher than those for fossil energy, which totaled $3.2 billion in subsidies. And those meager subsidies to shore up production in the face of relentless ESG attacks turned out to be extremely important when we had to bail Europe out of its [Russian driven](https://foreignpolicy.com/2014/06/20/russias-quiet-war-against-european-fracking/) de-fracking, de-nuclearization, intermittent dependent campaign with a flotilla of fossil fuels.

think_up

Sure but my point is OP underperformed the market. Looks like they had the funds invested in a total world stock index and some “social index” which is probably an ESG fund with high fees and low performance that dragged their returns down.

NorthGuide9605

* OPTT memes often surface in “penny stock gambling” forums — it’s a **cult ticker** more than a serious investment. * Meme energy = **explosive but short-lived.** * When memes resurface, it usually signals a liquidity event incoming. * **Analytic Value:** Meme chatter precedes institutional distribution → If memes re-ignite, be early and be gone. * Accumulate small when OPTT is ignored (low volume, low chatter, low search interest). * Sell into *the moment of maximum meme hype + ESG/policy news*. * Never marry the stock — just extract and leave. OPTT is not an investment. It’s a recurring harvest cycle.

InterestingFee885

ESG funds have historically performed quite poorly in comparison to the broad market. You’re far better off making the most you can and donating to causes that actually try to do some good. You’re accomplishing absolutely nothing with the choice you’re making.

xiongchiamiov

Things like that fundamentally misunderstand the role of Vanguard. Vanguard doesn't choose what companies are invested in - investors do. What you need to do is convince a large proportion of investors to change from simple indexing strategies like "buy the entire US market" to ones that divest in one way or another from fossil fuels. That changes the investment risk significantly, but the other big problem is that with the interleaved nature of markets today it's difficult-to-impossible to filter these out. There are ESG funds but they over- and under-include companies depending on how you define your restrictions.

DaemonTargaryen2024

There’s really no such thing as an ethical *brokerage*. You can seek out ethical *funds*, but a brokerage is pretty much by definition unethical in the way you’re talking about. A single brokerage can have both ESG funds and regular funds which own shares in fossil fuels

330d

I've followed your DDs and successful plays on WSB, congrats on your success and rational approach. I too read the morningstar report, IMHO they stroke ESG risk with a broad brush briefly. With the current US admin being US first, they can tariff the fuck out of outsiders, yes, TACO so far, but... Remember Trump rambling about taking over Greenland, well that's Danish turf. NVO is carrying the whole DK sector alone, and Trump has negative views on them through this shenanigan alone, it may sound dumb but that's my reasoning. US being a single big market with strong IP laws carries outsized weight if lost, yes in theory you have RoW as your market but goodluck fighting copycats of your drugs and enforcing it in India, China or 20 EU countries IMHO.

BlueSonjo

That's  a valid opinion to have, I am just saying for Buffet is seems quite clear how he sees it and why to him there is no contradiction. I don't know how it is in the US, but at least in Europe, especially the Nordics, the asset management industry has a large variety of ESG oriented investment funds that are curated specifically to only invest in more moral, sustainable businesses and wouldn't include any company involved in scandals, military industry, big CO2 emmiters, etc. Maybe something like that would be good for you, they are basicaly ETFs that remove the companies they think have a negative impact. This is an example, there are several; https://www.nordeafunds.com/en/sustainablility/esg

AICHEngineer

ESG thinking like youre doing just creates a higher discount rate for someone else, who will take that free increased return while you over-allocate to something more aligned with your moral tastes. This is pure business, I bought UNH on the drop as well. Just because the US gov is cutting healthcare now doesnt mean its going to be in the future. My healthcare provider *is United*. I know how shitty Optum (their subsidiary) is, how shitty their claims approval is. Thats a clear sign to me how good they will be at driving profits, so its a good investment. I think it was and is oversold.

TurnstyledJunkpiled

Geely is not a shining example of ESG. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/10/human-rights-ranking-electric-vehicle-industry/#:~:text=“Mining%20for%20the%20minerals%20used,these%20operations%20affect%20nearby%20communities.

TurnstyledJunkpiled

ESG evaluations are not standardized.

Illustrious-Run3591

as of 2022, 25% of all assets being traded were ESG. valued over $30 trillion. It is predicted to be over $40 trillion by 2030.

-Johnny_Utah-

And what EV company are you in that has come anywhere near PLTR gains over the past 8 months? Point being, PLTR was an obvious Trump trade as soon as he got re-elected. Point being, in this market there are a lot easier plays than chasing ESG trades. But by all means go buy some wind energy stocks after Trump’s fatwa against windmills last week.

Illustrious-Run3591

And yet, the majority of new vehicles are EV and the fastest energy growth on the planet is renewables... There is shitloads of money in ESG.

Illustrious-Run3591

Not really, ESG investing is a thing.

jnas_19

You a goofy ass investor, dont tell me you take ESG scores into consideration too.

mikestorm

You have to go up one level. The index funds absolutely have to track the index. It's the indices themselves that need to kick Tesla to the curb. Obviously the ones based on market cap can't really do that, but indices that are ESG centric should dropkick Tesla into the Sun?. They are not environmentally friendly at all and even if you made the case that they were because of their meme stock status, there's just too much noise. Making Tesla a part of any index that's focused on ESG related themes just completely randomizes returns. If you really want to keep a focused mandate, it is in your best interest to remove Tesla.

1UpUrBum

ESG - Essentially Stupid Garbage? There is no 'free' he's getting paid somehow.

taxotere

Home bias is not a bad thing; ESG is dogshit.

Landed_port

Don't the ESG scores include things like employee happiness (pay, benefits, PTO), that you aren't polluting all of Ohio, and that your COO isn't a nepo baby who eats human noses? We need a gay score for companies.

xiongchiamiov

Typically VXUS is the easy choice: it gets you everything other than the US. You can go picking certain geographies if you think you can predict that way; keep in mind that exchange rates are a major driver in fund performance, not just the stocks themselves. I haven't seen as many ESG funds outside of the US but I'm sure there are some.

Straight-Annual8687

...and have been sent to counter Russia for over 6 decades in the same fashion, sans the DEI and ESG until lately!

WeaknessEmergency

Submarines sent to rusia have DEI Crew with strict priority on ESG scores

IlIIllIIlllI

Company Snapshot What they do: Canadian-listed miner (TSXV: NEXM, Nasdaq: NEXM) focused on redeveloping Selebi and Selkirk nickel‑copper‑cobalt (+PGM) projects in Botswana. Currently pre‑revenue and entirely reliant on capital markets for funding Barchart.com +15 Finimize +15 AAII +15 . 🔎 Financial Fragility & Cash Burn No revenue; trailing‑12‑month free cash flow was –C$35.4M as of March 2025. Net loss: –C$48.3M Sahm +2 StockAnalysis +2 Simply Wall St +2 . Ended Q1/2025 with roughly C$45M cash, implying only ~15 months runway without new capital—unlikely given no current cash generation Simply Wall St +1 Sahm +1 . Burn rates improved slightly (~6.7% decline year-over-year), but at similar spending pace, dilution or debt remains necessary Sahm . 🧩 Financing & Dilution Risks Exposure: must secure final project underwriting—such as final agreement with EXIM for up to US$150M letter of interest, but it remains non-binding as of July 2025 NexMetals Mining Corp. +9 Junior Mining Network +9 Finimize +9 . Likely to raise via equity or structured loans, triggering significant share dilution—market cap is ~C$160M; a single year’s funding need is ~20% of that value Sahm . ⏳ Execution & Permitting Challenges Transitioning from exploration to mining in Botswana faces technical, social, and regulatory hurdles. Permits, ESG approvals, and local partner frameworks can stretch timelines or stall outright. Any delay compounds holding costs and capital needs Finimize +1 Junior Mining Network +1 . ↔️ Commodity Market Volatility Highly levered to nickel and cobalt prices—both of which could suffer from oversupply (e.g. increased Indonesian output), substitution trends (like LFP batteries), or shifting EV demand patterns Finimize . ⚠️ High Market Sensitivity Shares have high beta (~2.3), meaning price-sensitive to broader risk-off swings. Despite recent Nasdaq listing, drilling updates, and financing interest, stock remains off ~40–45% from prior highs near C$10, trading around C$5.8 Finimize . No clear insider buying or institutional commitment signaling broad confidence Finimize . 🪨 Project Execution Levers Drill results so far are encouraging (e.g. 5.59 % CuEq over 3.95 m, or 13.5 m at 3.68 % CuEq), but translating that into NI 43‑101 resources and eventual feasibility is anything but guaranteed Finimize +1 Junior Mining Network +1 . 📉 Bear Case Summary Table Risk Category Bear Thesis Implication Funding risk Potential equity dilution or onerous debt if EXIM funding doesn’t materialize Execution risk Permitting delays or cost overruns in Botswana drive timelines—and cash burn—higher Commodity risk A prolonged downturn in nickel/cobalt prices undermines project economics No revenue Entire company valuation depends on optionality, which is inherently binary Market sensitivity High beta means any macro shock or negative news could trigger sharp re-rating 📰 Catalysts That Could Break the Case August 2025 Q2 financials expected Aug. 12: will reveal updated cash balance, burn rate, any new funding info. Delays or negative surprises could be bearish NexMetals Mining Corp. +3 Finimize +3 Junior Mining Network +3 . Drill assay releases (Selebi/Selkirk) — sub‑100m, sub‑50m intercepts matter; lacklustre results may reinforce downside, but exceptional grades could take the stock higher. Binding EXIM financing or alternate funding secured by Q4 2025 could derisk—and sharply re‑rate—the story. 💬 TL;DR $NEXM is a classic high‑risk, high‑optional return junior miner: pre‑production, burning cash, reliant on volatile commodities, and pending decisive funding & execution wins. If EXIM financing falls through, permitting drags, or commodities decline, the stock could easily fall another 30–50%. If you’re not patient, or prefer cash flow visibility, equity dilution risk, spades of red risk, this is not your jam.

st_nks

How about copy paste: Based on the latest market analysis and upcoming catalysts, these **high-potential growth stocks** show strong potential for significant gains by late August 2025: --- ### 🚀 **Top 3 Explosive Growth Stocks for August 2025** #### **1. Core Scientific (NASDAQ: CORZ)**   - **Catalyst**: $9B AI infrastructure deal with CoreWeave (Nvidia-backed) generating **75-80% margins**; Q2 earnings (Aug 14) expected to confirm revenue acceleration .   - **Growth Trigger**: Transition from Bitcoin mining to AI data centers – 500MW capacity dwarfs competitors (e.g., NextDC's 173MW) .   - **Upside Potential**: Trading at **~6x FY2025 EBITDA** vs. peers at 40-50x; projected 230% revenue surge post-earnings .   - **Risk**: High debt ($1.4B), but mitigated by 12-year contracted revenue .   #### **2. Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX)**   - **Catalyst**: Phase 2 data for **oral obesity drug VK2735** (due late August); potential blockbuster in $100B obesity market .   - **Competitive Edge**: Dual injectable/oral formulations could challenge Eli Lilly/Novo Nordisk .   - **Financial Safety**: $852M cash runway covers trials through 2026 – no dilution risk near-term .   - **Analyst Target**: $90 median PT (**230% upside**) .   #### **3. Aeva Technologies (NYSE: AEVA)**   - **Catalyst**: Lidar/AI sensor demand surge; **90% revenue growth** expected in 2025, with 160% in 2026 .   - **Market Position**: Key supplier for autonomous vehicles and industrial AI; partnerships with top automakers pending announcement .   - **Technical Signal**: 514% YTD surge suggests momentum; breakout likely post-August auto industry events .   --- ### ⚡ **2 High-Risk, High-Reward Wildcards**   | **Stock** | **Catalyst** | **Upside Driver** | **Risk** |   |-----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|   | **Diginex (DGNX)** | ESG regulatory tech expansion in Europe; +1,087% YTD | Acquisition of AI data firm Resulticks (July 2025) | Pre-revenue status; regulatory dependence |   | **The Metals Co (TMC)** | Deep-sea mining permits (Aug 15 decision); 568% YTD surge | Cobalt/nickel for EV batteries; $3.6B valuation | Environmental litigation uncertainty |   --- ### ⚠️ **Critical Risks to Monitor**   - **Tariff Volatility**: Trade policy shifts (e.g., Trump admin tariffs) could disrupt tech/mining stocks .   - **Earnings Sensitivity**: CORZ/VKTX require flawless reports; misses could trigger 30%+ selloffs .   - **Liquidity Crunch**: Small caps like DGNX/TMC have high bid-ask spreads – use limit orders .   --- ### 💡 **Strategic Playbook**   - **Top Pick**: **CORZ** – AI infrastructure boom + Aug 14 earnings = 40-60% short-term spike potential .   - **Biotech Hedge**: **VKTX** – Buy pre-Aug 20 for data-release momentum; pair with CORZ for sector diversification .   - **Exit Timing**: Sell 50% at 30% gains; hold balance for CoreWeave IPO ripple effects (Sept) .   > 💎 **Bottom Line**: For August explosions, **CORZ** offers the strongest catalyst-reward balance. Monitor tariff headlines and FDA calendars daily – these stocks move on microseconds. Backup watchlist: **NVDA** (AI leadership) and **PLTR** (government contracts) for stability.

AverageAngling

I don’t have ESG limits, but won’t invest in individual companies if I don’t believe in their business model from a purely subjective standpoint. Like I don’t own tesla (outside of ETFs where I don’t have a choice) because I think their business model is flawed and the cars are objectively mediocre at best while being priced far too high. I don’t care if everyone suddenly said it was a massive “buy”, I don’t think they’re a well run company and it feels like watching intel in an industry with horrible margins by comparison. I’m just a guy but I’d say trust your gut and don’t force yourself to pull the trigger if you feel strongly against the company as a concept

Cool_Flamingo6779

What does a "heavily ESG based" portfolio look like?  What does that even mean?

Suspended-Again

You forgot Hunter Biden’s laptop and the CEOs of DEI, ESG, CRT, BLM, WHO, UNESCO, and ANTIFA 

argie1976world

Believe AEVA is recent quants putting on shorts in a name that has had a good run. More of a mean reversion, rather than a fundamental view For pct it’s been a very long journey, unprofitable de spac tech, taken longer to get the plant up and running (covid, supply issues, challenges with construction and process), but they are the rough that now. The tech works, it can scale and purchase orders are starting to come through. Waiting for the big one with P&G and or a large car company like Toyota, but the plant should be sold out by year end and likely futures lines / plants with off take agreements globally (Antwerp, Thailand, Japan). The types of shorts are likely broader in this name - some hedges versus the bonds / warrants on issue, others include fundamental and quant. While SI has dropped the past 2 weeks, when a large PO drops, everyone will be running for the gates at the same time. A lot of the long holders have been in thai name for 4 years and are not going to be selling. Then you get new names in there like Duquesne (smart money investors), it’s ripe for other new institutional money to come in as well. It’s pure ESG, monopoly, great margins and global. The short squeeze in this will be huge, given the short interest out there.

Horror-Elevator-9311

Das Problem sind doch die Ersteller der ESG- Reports, denn meist sind es doch irgendwelche Werkstudies (Geld für Fachleute will keiner auspacken), die so gar keine Ahnung haben von dem was sie tun. Was noch hinzukommt, es lassen sich z.B. die Daten der Heizung oder anderer Medien oft erst mit Fertigstellung der Abrechnung liefern, z.B. Heizkostenverteilung über EHKVs. Im Gewerbe sind in D die Fristen für die Erstellung der Abrechnung bei bis zu 3 Jahren, dann kommt ein ESGler daher und will 3 Monate nach dem letzten Wirtschaftsjahr die Zahlen. Gleiches gilt übrigens auch bei gemeinschaftlicher Wasserversorgung bzw. Abfallentsorgung wenn man in einem Multitenant- Objekt sitzt. Von daher sollten die Ideengeber für ESG erstmal die Rahmenbedingungen kennen bevor sie Daten fordern. Schöne Grüße

micha_allemagne

You're basically building a nicotine ETF ;) Might feel defensible short-term (dividends, known brands), but you're also betting heavy on one sector in structural decline with major regulatory and ESG headwinds. Not exactly diversified. Here’s a breakdown of your allocation: https://www.insightfol.io/en/portfolios/report/270f904f9c

Beautiful_Bag_6942

I just don’t think tobacco stocks are gonna keep beating the S&P forever. Gov’s cracking down fewer people are smoking, and big money’s pulling out cause of all that ESG stuff. Young folks ain’t really into smoking like that anymore either. That’s why I threw some cash into other plays stuff like tech and clean energy. Gotta stay sharp and think long game.

Fearful-Cow

a company whos main product is ESG data visualization? CANT FAIL!

mohawkbulbul

Well, because after the last few years I see trying to be “ethical” in investing as a bit of a fabrication. Most major ESG funds might not have holdings in fossil fuels, for instance, but I wouldn’t call Amazon etc. all that more ethical. To some extent it’s turtles all the way down.

therealjerseytom

> not ESG; I don’t really see the point anymore Why did you buy it in the first place, and why is your old rationale no longer valid?

thetreece

VOO- there is no compelling reason to buy VOO rather than VTI QQQM- there is no compelling reason to buy a fund that is only the top 100 companies listed specifically on the NASDAQ exchange. It's tech heavy. Tech has done well recently. That is literally the only reason people talk about QQQM. Tech will not always be the big winner. I say this as somebody that owns 30k of QQQM that I bought before I read more books. SMH and ITA- sector funds are not a wise investment, and they do not offer a risk premium. Watch Ben Felix's video on thematic funds. EMXF- ESG funds are a meme. The criteria from one organization to another for what counts as ESG is highly variable, and often doesn't make any sense. Don't mix your investing and charity. Invest well, and give to causes you care about. I recommend heading to r/bogleheads and making yourself a nice 3-fund portfolio (total US, total international, and bond).

Pristine-Still4457

If you’re asking how much of investing is gambling, the answer is simple: It depends how you’re doing it. If you’re punting single stocks based on TikTok tips or chasing the latest CNBC flavor-of-the-month, then yes...that’s gambling. No different than blackjack in Vegas, just with more jargon and worse odds. But investing doesn’t have to be gambling. It becomes intentional...and skill-based...when you flip the game on its head. Here’s how we do that: We don’t buy stories. We buy asymmetry...setups where the downside is limited, but the upside is many multiples. We stack the deck in our favor. For example: * We buy into unloved sectors where capital has fled and the herd thinks it’s all over...uranium in 2020, offshore oil in 2021, coal in 2019. Argentina, Greece in 2023, 2024...etc... * We find profitable companies with low or no debt, trading at huge discounts to intrinsic value. * We spread our bets across 70+ positions in multiple themes, each sized small, so one big winner can carry the whole portfolio...and a few losers won’t matter. Now, is there luck involved? Of course. You can do everything right and still get kneecapped by an earthquake, a new law, or some ESG muppet running the company into the ground. That’s why we don’t go “all in” on anything. But if you build a portfolio full of low-risk, high-reward bets... where even one pays off 30x... then luck doesn’t hurt you. It helps you. So if you're just buying the S&P 500 and hoping for the best, you’re not gambling... but you’re also not investing. You’re just buying the average. And the average today is bloated, over-owned, and filled with zombie companies. If you want real wealth creation, you need to be willing to think independently, stomach volatility, and position for asymmetric outcomes. That’s not gambling. That’s how fortunes are made. [Learn about asymmetric Investing](https://substack.capitalistexploits.at/p/1-welcome-to-asymmetric-investing).

TopGuide8971

It's called "The Great Reset". Klaus Schwab, who used to be WEF chairman, described three core components of the Great Reset: creating conditions for a "stakeholder economy"; building in a more "resilient, equitable, and sustainable" way, utilising environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics; and "harnessing the innovations of the Fourth Industrial Revolution." In a speech introducing the initiative, International Monetary Fund director Kristalina Georgieva listed three key aspects of a sustainable response to COVID-19: green growth, smarter growth, and fairer growth. That was a small clip from Wikipedia. The US is destined to break apart like the Soviet Union did. One of the key benefits of hiring for entry-level positions is being able to train the next generation of corporate leaders. The experience they gain from their first job is invaluable. You are absolutely right to be worried! What happens 30 years down the line when a new generation of leaders is supposed to take charge? They end up being incompetent at best. We not only threaten lose t7US needs to pass a wide-ranging law that prevents AI from completely taki

TokiWart00th88

Accounting involves a combination of offshoring + H1bs + automation, I think the big firms bet quite a bit on ESG reporting being the next SOX t. Guy that got the shaft in the fall :(

Alarming_Award5575

I get it. Butits not like your dollars flow to victimless crimes here ...you are making bad people rich. Listen, I scoff a ESG. Always thought it was indefemsible nonsense. But at some you gotta draw the line

thegr8lexander

Step 1) get out of ESG/DEI, that has lagging returns. Step 2) index into 4 funds Step 3) DCA Step 4) set and forget

CC-5576-05

It's dead simple they have a few index funds, for example with or without ESG, domestic and foreign, as well as bond funds. You answer a couple questions about your risk tolerance and morals and they make an allocation from that. If you know or care to learn even the slightest bit about investing you can do it yourself very easily. Usually fees are high over 1%, but you pay for the convenience if you know nothing about investing.

cannythecat

So does PLTR, LMT, RTX. All of them are in the s&p 500 but everybody still buys them. Some people may choose to buy ESG etfs but those will also still invest in companies like META that also do evil things. You can't participate in a capitalist system and have 100 percent clean hands. It's best to do good with your profits instead.

VegetableBowl9258

Really solid write-up love how you approached this from both macro and micro angles. Totally agree on SMR’s regulatory edge being a double-edged sword. The NRC license gives it a legit moat, but the execution risk and past delays are hard to ignore. Also think you nailed the “delicate” part in nuclear, every piece of news (good or bad) gets outsized reactions because the industry still runs more on narrative than revenue. For me, the Romania deal was interesting, but I’m watching how the DOE plays its funding cards in the next few quarters. If SMRs get real domestic traction or tax incentives through ESG reclassification, the risk/reward could shift fast. Curious how are you weighing uranium prices in your thesis? Spot has been strong, but would love to know if you think supply constraints or demand spikes are baked into your view long term.

Tomieez

Did Jeff invite Mr. Environment Leo to his wedding to score high on ESG?

DaniDaniDa

Inverse ESG

DaemonTargaryen2024

The closest thing your looking for is an ESG fund

PeterParkerUber

Isn’t P&G the owner of the patent, and they gave the global license to PCT to produce the recycled plastics, so they can achieve their ESG goal of 100% recycled packaging by 2030. So aren’t P&G almost a guaranteed customer.

Pale-Manufacturer278

TMC – Iceberg Research Is Getting Mined 🔥🧊🦍 Picture this: 🚨 A lone ape in a scuba suit, diving deep beneath the waves… 💣 Planting explosive mines on a massive iceberg labeled “Iceberg Research”… 🌊 Because those clowns decided to short $TMC, a literal deep sea mining company. You can’t make this stuff up. Iceberg Research — the same jokers who have made a living trying to torpedo small-cap plays with hit pieces — decided to come after The Metals Company, which just so happens to be holding the keys to the planet’s next resource boom. We’re talking billions in metals critical for EVs, energy storage, and every green initiative Uncle Sam wants to throw money at. And their bear case? “Mining the ocean sounds hard 😢” No sh*t, Sherlock. That’s why it’ll be worth trillions when they pull it off. Let’s be real — Iceberg is shorting progress. They’re shorting innovation. They’re shorting apes going deep sea for generational wealth. Meanwhile $TMC has: ✅ Actual contracts with the International Seabed Authority ✅ A mapped resource estimate worth more than the GDP of half the world ✅ Tech and vessels already operational ✅ The only viable plan to mine battery metals without wrecking ecosystems This isn’t some ESG-friendly word salad — it’s industrial revolution 2.0 and the shorts are still clinging to surface-level research. So grab your scuba gear, apes. We’re not just going to the moon anymore — we’re going to the ocean floor to blow the lid off this iceberg. $TMC 💣🧊🌊🦍💎

Fit-Weather7748

I mean I personally don't think you can have it both ways. Either you let someone else control your investments via ETFs and you get stuck with morally ambiguous companies but you're relatively safe or you choose your own investments and risk losing money but you have companies you trust. On the other hand, you can find more ESG related ETF but then you run into the issue that you might not gain the return that you'd prefer. It may not be the answer you want to hear but the thing is, so many companies do morally ambiguous acts. If you're so keen on this being an issue then choose your own stocks and do your own research that way you can sleep at night. That's my take

FatHedgehog__

Look up ESG etfs. I think its all fugazi, but you may find something that gives you a little piece of mind.

IslesFanInNH

Returns may not be as good as others, but you can look for ESG funds or ETF’s.

raggajar

My money is on OXY! Occidental Petroleum (OXY) stands out as a top bet if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could disrupt up to 20% of global oil supply and send prices soaring. Unlike majors with exposure to the Middle East, OXY’s production is almost entirely U.S.-based, especially in the Permian Basin, shielding it from regional instability. As an upstream-focused company, OXY is highly leveraged to oil prices—any spike translates directly into increased cash flow and profits. The company has significantly improved its balance sheet and is committed to shareholder returns through aggressive buybacks and dividends, a strategy that would accelerate with higher crude prices. Additionally, OXY’s investment in carbon capture positions it uniquely among oil producers, offering a green narrative that may attract ESG-minded investors even during an oil rally. Backed by Berkshire Hathaway, OXY combines operational safety, upside potential, and capital discipline—making it a strong tactical play in a high-risk geopolitical scenario.

raggajar

My money is on OXY! Occidental Petroleum (OXY) stands out as a top bet if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could disrupt up to 20% of global oil supply and send prices soaring. Unlike majors with exposure to the Middle East, OXY’s production is almost entirely U.S.-based, especially in the Permian Basin, shielding it from regional instability. As an upstream-focused company, OXY is highly leveraged to oil prices—any spike translates directly into increased cash flow and profits. The company has significantly improved its balance sheet and is committed to shareholder returns through aggressive buybacks and dividends, a strategy that would accelerate with higher crude prices. Additionally, OXY’s investment in carbon capture positions it uniquely among oil producers, offering a green narrative that may attract ESG-minded investors even during an oil rally. Backed by Berkshire Hathaway, OXY combines operational safety, upside potential, and capital discipline—making it a strong tactical play in a high-risk geopolitical scenario.

raggajar

My money is on OXY! Occidental Petroleum (OXY) stands out as a top bet if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could disrupt up to 20% of global oil supply and send prices soaring. Unlike majors with exposure to the Middle East, OXY’s production is almost entirely U.S.-based, especially in the Permian Basin, shielding it from regional instability. As an upstream-focused company, OXY is highly leveraged to oil prices—any spike translates directly into increased cash flow and profits. The company has significantly improved its balance sheet and is committed to shareholder returns through aggressive buybacks and dividends, a strategy that would accelerate with higher crude prices. Additionally, OXY’s investment in carbon capture positions it uniquely among oil producers, offering a green narrative that may attract ESG-minded investors even during an oil rally. Backed by Berkshire Hathaway, OXY combines operational safety, upside potential, and capital discipline—making it a strong tactical play in a high-risk geopolitical scenario.

Ok_Magician5303

You're off to a great start by taking advantage of your 401k, especially with a 4% employer match—that's free money and a solid foundation. Your fund choices show you're aiming for a socially responsible and globally diversified approach. Here's a quick breakdown of your allocation: Parnassus Core Equity (45%): Strong choice for a large-cap, ESG-aligned U.S. fund. It’s actively managed, so fees might be higher, but it has a solid long-term track record. EuroPacific Growth (35%): Good for international exposure, especially in developed markets. Keep in mind it’s also actively managed and can be volatile, but it balances your domestic-heavy IRA. Impax Small Cap (20%): Adds growth potential and diversity. Small caps can be more volatile but offer higher upside over time. Since you're already in Fidelity index funds (FZROX, FZILX) with your IRA, this mix adds active management and sector diversity. You're also staying away from bonds for now, which makes sense with a long time horizon and rising-rate concerns, but consider adding some in the future for stability as your portfolio grows. Overall, this looks like a well-thought-out allocation for a first 401k. Keep an eye on fund fees and re-evaluate annually. Good job getting started.

DoctorBaglioni

Everything's an ESG investment by that definition... Shit's bleak.

cinJESUS

i have a friend like that but he is still pursuing ESG consulting 🤣

AdRoutine8022

Honestly, it’s not that surprising. A lot of funds have strict ESG policies now, and Tesla's been getting more heat over labor issues and governance stuff. I’ve seen other European funds drop companies over things like union problems or environmental concerns too. For example, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund dropped several companies last year for ethical reasons. I still think Tesla has potential long-term, but it’s clear some big investors aren’t willing to overlook certain red flags anymore, especially when there are other EV plays out there that feel "cleaner" from a policy perspective.

PulIthEld

The global bottled water market is projected to grow from $292.6 billion in 2025 to $509 billion by 2030, driven by rising demand for clean water, health-conscious consumers, and sustainability trends. Major players like Nestlé, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Danone dominate, but Primo Water (PRMW) offers a focused investment opportunity with strong growth potential. This DD explores why water stocks are worth considering, with a focus on Primo Water as a high-potential pick, alongside safer options like Coca-Cola and water-focused ETFs. **Why Invest in Bottled Water?** The bottled water market is a stable, growing sector with strong fundamentals: Market Growth: The global bottled water market is expected to grow at a 6.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2030, reaching $509 billion. Still water (74% of the market) and sparkling water (7.9% CAGR) are both expanding, driven by health trends and demand in emerging markets. Consumer Trends: Consumers are shifting from sugary drinks to bottled water, with U.S. per capita consumption rising from 31.6 gallons in 2013 to 46.4 gallons in 2023. Global Demand: Over 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, boosting demand in Asia-Pacific (44.5% market share) and developing regions. Climate and Urbanization: Water scarcity and urban growth are increasing reliance on bottled water, especially in regions with unreliable tap water. **Major Players in the Market** The bottled water market is competitive, with four major companies holding significant shares and a large "others" category including private labels and regional players. Here’s the breakdown: Nestlé (NSRGY): Estimated 20–25% global market share. Brands include Nestlé Pure Life, Perrier, and San Pellegrino. North America accounts for ~56% of its water sales. Nestlé’s planning to spin off its water business in 2025, which could impact its exposure but create a new investment opportunity. Dividend yield: ~3%. Coca-Cola (KO): Estimated 15–20% share, led by Dasani (12% of still water), Smartwater, and Topo Chico. A defensive stock with a 2.86% dividend yield and a $305 billion market cap, backed by Berkshire Hathaway’s $27.6 billion stake. PepsiCo (PEP): Estimated 10–15% share with Aquafina and LIFEWTR. Water is a smaller part of its portfolio (58% of revenue from snacks), but innovations like carbon capture bottling add upside. Dividend yield: ~3%. Danone (DANOY): Estimated 10–15% share, with premium brands like Evian and Volvic. Strong in Europe and focused on sustainable packaging. Dividend yield: ~3.5%. Others (~35%): Includes private labels (25–30% of the market), Nongfu Spring (China), Bisleri (India), and smaller players like Primo Water. **Investment Pick: Primo Water (PRMW)** For a targeted bet on the bottled water market, Primo Water (PRMW) stands out as a high-growth, pure-play option: Overview: Primo Water is a North American company focused on bottled water and dispensers, with $1.77 billion in 2023 revenue (5% growth) and 20% adjusted EBITDA margins. Why Invest: Unlike diversified giants like Coca-Cola or PepsiCo, Primo is 100% focused on water, making it a direct play on market growth. Its stock price is ~$27 (June 2025), up 50% year-to-date, with analyst targets of $30–$35 by end of 2026. Growth is driven by acquisitions, office reopenings, and demand for reusable water jugs. Catalysts: Rising health consciousness and corporate demand for water coolers are boosting sales. Primo’s focus on sustainability (e.g., reusable containers) aligns with consumer and regulatory trends. Risks: High debt from acquisitions could be a concern if interest rates remain elevated. Private labels (25% market share) are also a competitive threat, but Primo’s brand loyalty and B2B contracts provide stability. **Alternative Investment Options ** Large-Cap Stocks: Coca-Cola (KO) and PepsiCo (PEP) offer stability, dividends, and exposure to water alongside broader portfolios. Coca-Cola’s scale and Buffett’s backing make it a safer bet for conservative investors. Water ETFs: Invesco Water Resources ETF (PHO, 0.60% expense ratio) and First Trust Water ETF (FIW) provide diversified exposure to water-related companies, including purification and delivery. Both have outperformed the S&P 500 over the past decade. Utilities: American Water Works (AWK) is the largest U.S. water utility, with $944 million in 2023 net income and a 2.1% dividend yield. Its stock (~$130) has grown 500% since its 2008 IPO, offering low-risk exposure. Options: For higher risk, PRMW January 2026 $30 calls (~$2.50) offer leverage if the stock hits analyst targets. Coca-Cola or PepsiCo options are less volatile but still provide upside. **Macro Tailwinds for 2025** Population and Urbanization: The global population is nearing 8.5 billion, with 3–4 billion lacking reliable tap water. Urban growth and tourism (1.3 billion international arrivals in 2023) drive bottled water demand. Sustainability Trends: Companies are shifting to recycled PET and aluminum cans (7% CAGR), addressing environmental concerns and appealing to ESG investors. Economic Resilience: Bottled water is a consumer staple, maintaining demand during economic downturns. Stocks like KO and AWK are defensive plays in volatile markets. **Risks to Consider** Environmental Regulations: Bottled water companies face scrutiny for plastic pollution. Potential bans on single-use plastics could raise costs, though firms are adapting with sustainable packaging. Private Label Competition: Store brands hold 25–30% of the market, pressuring margins for branded players. Nestlé’s Spinoff: The potential sale of Nestlé’s water business (~$5.5 billion valuation) could disrupt its market position or create a new stock to watch. Interest Rates: Higher rates could impact debt-heavy companies like Primo Water or utilities like AWK. Conclusion The bottled water market offers a compelling investment opportunity due to its growth, driven by health trends, water scarcity, and sustainability efforts. Primo Water (PRMW) is a high-potential pick for those seeking focused exposure, while Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and ETFs like PHO provide safer options. With the market set to grow significantly by 2030, now’s a good time to consider water-related investments. Disclaimer: no shit this is generated by AI

number2post

Too bad all of the people waiting in line didn’t care enough to just leave. Guess their ESG scores must be tight.

BidInteresting3775

those are bullshit. an oil company can have a high ESG rating

tamomaha

I love when other people do ESG based investing. The more dumb money in the market the better opportunities are to make money for rational people

ziggy029

I invest for maximum growth and use some of the proceeds to fund my causes and candidates. I wouldn't \*directly\* invest in a company whose business practices and social views absolutely repelled me, but that's not practical in a mutual fund or ETF. Even so-called ESG investing misses that mark because what one person considers "ethical", another might not.

EmployeeMaximum6787

TSLA got delisted from the S&P 500 ESG in 2022. S&P main Is next 

LateralEntry

Don’t invest in Palantir? If you’re interested, they have ESG funds of various sorts that avoid investing in companies that meet certain criteria. What you do with your money is up to you.