As we have often pointed out, there is a significant demographic shift in favor of engagement, especially on ESG issues.

Retail investors are increasingly interested in holding companies accountable for environmental, social and governance issues, along with financial issues, and using their shares to do so. This is especially true for younger investors, according to a new survey from active investment platform TulipShare.

Although only 40% of 1,000 U.S. retail investors surveyed last month by TulipShare have voted at company annual meetings or by proxy before, the youngest cohort of retail investors are far more likely to cast votes for AGMs than other age groups. The survey found that 52% of retail investors between the ages of 18 and 24 years old voted at AGMs, compared to 37% of 25- to 34-year-olds, 33% of 35- to 44-year-olds and 41% of those older than 55.

Plus, half of the 18- to 24-year-old group who participate in annual meetings said they could have the most impact on companies by voting at AGMs, compared to just 20% of those older than 55 who said they could make an impact through their votes.

Agenda – Young Retail Investors Showing Muscle on AGM Votes