Adani Green Energy shares fell 6% on March 2 after Norway's $1.2-trillion sovereign wealth fund, Norges Bank, excluded the company from its portfolio citing concerns over alleged links to financial crime. The decision followed a similar exclusion of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd in May 2024, which the fund attributed to "unacceptable risk" of contributing to serious human rights violations in conflict zones. Norges Bank provided no specific details about the alleged misconduct tied to Adani Green Energy, though it previously excluded other Indian firms like Coal India and ONGC for issues ranging from environmental damage to tobacco production. The exclusion came as Adani Green Energy's shares traded 6.4% lower at Rs 886.65, despite domestic mutual funds having increased their stake in the company 10 times since 2025. Mutual funds now hold 3% of AGEL's shares, up from 0.3%, according to market data. The fund's decision contrasts with its historical performance, as Norges Bank has delivered a 6% annualized return since 1998, one of the lowest in the global investment landscape. Norges Bank's exclusion of Adani Green Energy aligns with its broader strategy of avoiding companies linked to "gross corruption or other serious financial crime." The fund, which manages over $43.9 million in AGEL shares, has also excluded firms like Walmart, Boeing, and Philip Morris for ethical and legal reasons. Meanwhile, Adani Ports, previously excluded in 2024, saw its stock rise 18% since the decision, highlighting the mixed market reaction to such exclusions. The move underscores growing scrutiny of corporate conduct, particularly in sectors like energy and infrastructure.#ongc #coal_india #adani_green_energy #norges_bank #adani_ports
