Investors now have a green alternative.
Alternative equity market operator, the National Stock Exchange (NSX) opened a new board in September this year devoted exclusively to clean technology stocks. Attracting former United States vice-president Al Gore to its opening, the sustainable and cleantech investment market is attracting companies that are environmentally friendly to list on the new market.
The FEX Sustainable and Cleantech Investment Market (FEX-SIM) is the first of its kind in the world.
“Part of NSXs strategy is to focus on applying its market capabilities and stock exchange licence to a diverse range of markets, and this includes those markets with an environmental focus. “says Richard Symon, CEO, NSX, “by teaming up with FEX we can focus on companies dedicated to identifying and promoting innovative solutions that support the transition to a clean, secure and sustainable future. “
In another move to show it’s green credentials, NSX recently acquired the
Waterexchange Pty Ltd. Australia’s premier market for the trading of permanent and temporary water entitlements.
“The acquisition of The Waterexchange is an exciting development for NSX. The Waterexchanges’ knowledge of the complex water industry is second to none. Over thirteen years, the Waterexchange has grown into the largest marketplace in Australia for water, servicing more than forty water brokers and twenty thousand clients in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia,” says Symon.
NSXs acquisition of The Waterexchange continues its move into asset markets other than traditional securities markets. “With the Waterexchange, we will be looking to assist not only water users, but also state and federal governments rationalise water trading”, says Symon. “With water security an issue for all Australians, we are pleased to be able to fulfil such an important role.”
Environmental concerns are not something to which the financial markets have long been attuned. However, the ability of NSX to deliver a range of alternative investments is no longer just a vision. Astute investors can now direct their investments to markets that provide opportunities and serve their environmental concerns, through such markets as FEX-SIM, (and all the better that these markets are operated on a regulated and transparent exchange.)
With the opportunity for investors to view a sustainability index, then the future looks good.
