Earnings still key for investors

Rakuten Vincent Lau cq

KUALA LUMPUR: While environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns are increasingly becoming relevant, the financial performance of companies or industries will still be the primary factor driving investing decisions, according to Rakuten Trade head of equity sales Vincent Lau.(pic)

“Profit is still paramount. The financial picture is still the top driver for investors,” Lau told StarBiz, and pointed out that despite ESG concerns, the share price of oil and gas, as well as plantation companies, have seen strong gains and heavy buying interest as these sectors are benefitting from the high prices of commodities.