Responsible finance: the younger generation have their say

Although the average age for investing in the stock market for the first time remains high (34 years old⁽¹⁾), the younger generation is interested in individual share ownership: 79% of 25-40 year olds state that they may invest in a company or that they have already done so⁽²⁾. More importantly, they increasingly consider this investment as a way to take concrete action, by combining profitability with a quest for meaning: almost two thirds of young people say they are prepared to accept a lower return if a company is committed to corporate social responsibility approaches, such as the creation of new jobs or respecting the environment⁽³⁾.

“When we own a share, we have a voice. And when we have a voice, we can act.”

Luidgy B. - ESCP Europe

This rapidly growing desire to combine performance with meaning reflects Air Liquide’s strategy. The Group has always taken a long-term approach and vision, by targeting profitable, sustained and responsible growth.

To mark Investir Day, several students took part in a public speaking contest on the theme “Responsible finance: how to give meaning to your investments”. Discover their opinions on the stock market, individual share ownership and Air Liquide.

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^{(1)Le Parisien - http://www.leparisien.fr/economie/pierre-louette-investir-day-une-journee-pour-battre-en-breche-certains-prejuges-sur-la-bourse-23-09-2019-8157855.php
(2) Survey "Investissement en entreprise: les jeunes Français en quête d'information" carried out by Infopro Digital Etudes and Air Liquide.
(3)Les Echos Start - https://start.lesechos.fr/vie-pratique/budget-conso/comment-investir-responsable-quand-on-est-jeune-15542.php}