Investing in water in the stock market: stable income?

Water is both a vital element to humanity and an increasingly scarce resource on our planet. Given this reality, investing in water in the stock market may seem like both an environmentally friendly and profitable endeavor.

But how do you do it and what does it involve? That's what we'll talk about in this article.

What is investing in water?

Investing in water is simply investing in companies that manage, distribute, treat and purify water.

These can range from simple local water companies to cutting-edge technology companies developing innovative solutions to conserve and recycle water.

Water is a valuable resource for two main reasons:

•  First, it is essential for life, agriculture and many industrial processes.
•  Second, it is becoming increasingly scarce: According to the UN, by 2025, nearly two-thirds of the world's population could face water scarcity.

Why invest in water?

Investing in water means investing in a resource for which demand is constantly increasing and supply is decreasing. Thus, it is an attractive financial opportunity.

Moreover, investing in water means contributing to the conservation and better management of this resource around the world. Thus, it is an investment that has a positive social and environmental impact.

Moreover, investing in water is not only about financial returns. It is also a way to diversify your investment portfolio and protect yourself from the risks of some of the more volatile markets.

Three ways to invest in water

There are three ways to invest in water:

•  The first is to buy shares in water-related companies. This can range from a large water company to a small startup developing innovative water technologies.
•  The second is to invest in specialized investment funds that focus on water. These funds, managed by professionals, invest in a number of water-related companies, allowing you to diversify your investment.
•  Finally, there are also exchange traded funds (ETFs) that replicate a water-related index. These ETFs allow you to invest in water without having to choose which companies to invest in.

Direct investments in water-related companies

You can invest in water directly by buying shares in companies in the water sector. These companies can be:

•  drinking water suppliers;
•  manufacturers of water treatment equipment;
•  companies specializing in desalination or wastewater management.

Among the giants of this sector are Veolia and Suez, world leaders in water and waste management. These companies, listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, are a good starting point to diversify your portfolio.

Invest in water funds or ETFs

If you prefer a more diversified approach, you can opt for water-focused investment funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

These financial products aggregate stocks from companies in the water sector, allowing you to invest in multiple companies at once.

ETFs such as the iShares Global Water Index ETF or the Invesco Water Resources ETF specialize in this sector and offer diversified exposure to the water industry.

How to get started?

To make your investments a reality, you can open a trading account with an online broker such as XTB, Markets.com or ProRealTime. These platforms offer easy access to financial markets and allow you to buy stocks or ETFs.

Once you open an account, simply search for the name of the company or fund you want to invest in and place a buy order. Be sure to check the terms of the order (price, quantity, etc.) before confirming it.

Investing in water: risks and rewards

Risks associated with investing in water

Like any other investment, water resources are subject to market fluctuations. Demand, supply, environmental regulations, technological advances. All of these factors can have a significant impact on the price of water and therefore your investment.

Moreover, water is a resource that is closely tied to geography. Conflicts over water can affect its price and availability. Therefore, it is very important to understand the geopolitical context of the region in which you intend to invest.

Risks associated with the resource itself

Water is a finite natural resource. Over-exploitation can lead to serious environmental problems such as drought or water pollution, which in turn can affect the value of your investment.

Benefits of investing in water

Despite these risks, there can be significant benefits to investing in water resources. Weigh the pros and cons in your investment strategy.

Financial Benefits

Water is a critical resource, and the demand for it is constantly growing. According to the World Resources Institute, global demand for water will increase by 50% by 2030. This means that investing in water resources can yield significant returns.

Moreover, investing in water can be a great way to diversify your portfolio. Since water resources are not directly correlated to stock markets, they can provide some protection against market fluctuations.

Investing in water: the obvious solution

Investing in water is not without risks, but the potential rewards are significant. Make sure that you are fully aware of them before you make up your mind. It is also advisable to consult a financial advisor to help you assess the opportunities and challenges.

Finally, remember that investing in water is not just a financial choice: it is also a commitment to our planet and our future.