Real Natural Assets: The Real Green Investment Alternative

Abstract

The authors present an analysis of green investment performance grouped into two broad categories: non-real green assets and real green assets. They seek to identify which green investment alternatives offer greater financial benefit and are thus more attractive to investors and investigate some of the intrinsic risks associated with this asset class. The performance analysis is based on the study of the expected returns, volatility, diversification potential, downside risk, association with inflation, and exposure to liquidity shocks in stock markets of real and non-real green assets, comparing them with those of traditional asset classes (such as equity, bonds, and real estate) and other non-traditional assets, namely infrastructure. The findings indicate that real green assets, in particular, may represent the appropriate alternative in the adoption of green investments.