Climate tech stocks have been underperforming in the public markets for months due to factors like higher interest rates and election uncertainty. The podcast discusses trends in EVs, solar, and lithium, as well as investors moving funds into climate tech stocks. Analysts' expectations for climate tech stocks in the near- and long-term are also explored.
Climate tech stocks have been underperforming due to macroeconomic factors like higher interest rates and global events.
Investors are increasingly moving funds into climate tech stocks with consistent high performance, indicating a growing interest in climate-conscious investments.
Deep dives
Overview of Climate Tech Performance in Public Markets
Climate tech companies have experienced a rollercoaster ride in public equities over the past few years. Initially surging post-COVID, climate tech stocks outperformed the overall market signficantly. However, this trend reversed, leading to a sharp decline in climate tech equities. Various factors like interest rates, regulatory changes, and global events have influenced this volatile performance.
Categorization of Climate Tech Companies in Public Markets
In the public equities space, climate tech companies are broadly categorized into climate solutions providers, sustainability-focused portfolios, and ESG funds. These categories encompass companies offering products and services that impact climate change positively. The market sees a substantial investment, particularly in sustainability-themed funds, indicating a growing interest in climate-conscious investments.
Impact of Interest Rates and Election Uncertainty on Clean Energy Indices
The performance of clean energy indices, especially in a high interest rate environment, has been challenging. Higher interest rates affect consumer purchases of products like electric vehicles and residential solar systems. Election uncertainty further adds to the market's volatility, influencing stock prices and sector-wide growth projections.
Challenges and Opportunities in Solar and EV Markets
The solar and EV markets face contrasting dynamics. While utility-scale solar projects show promise with significant growth potential, the residential solar segment faces challenges like distribution channel de-stocking and regulatory changes impacting adoption in regions like California. EV sector growth rates have moderated, driving a reassessment of market projections and potential headwinds.
Two major indicators of climate tech stocks – the S&P Clean Energy Index and the MAC Global Solar Index – are significantly trailing the overall market. They’ve been declining for months, down from their mid-pandemic highs when they performed far better than the rest of the economy.
So what happened to climate tech investments in the public markets? And what do these investments tell us about the coming year for climate tech?
In this episode, Shayle talks to Shanu Mathew, portfolio manager and research analyst at Lazard. They cover topics like:
The macroeconomic factors behind this underperforming sector, like higher interest rates, election uncertainty, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Trends in specific industries, like EVs, solar, and lithium
Investors moving funds into (and paying more for) climate tech stocks with consistently higher performance
Analysts’ expectations for climate tech stocks in the the near- and long-term
Recommended Resources:
Shanu Mathew: Cleantech FY23 Recap And FY24 Outlook
Catalyst: How has US industrial policy impacted climatetech investment?
Catalyst is supported by Antenna Group. For 25 years, Antenna has partnered with leading clean-economy innovators to build their brands and accelerate business growth. If you’re a startup, investor, enterprise or innovation ecosystem that’s creating positive change, Antenna is ready to power your impact. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.
Catalyst is brought to you by Atmos Financial. Atmos is revolutionizing finance by leveraging your deposits to exclusively fund decarbonization solutions, like solar and electrification. Join in under 2 minutes at joinatmos.com/catalyst.
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