Original, independent, thought leadership

Credit impacts due to ESG factors can vary considerably

The Bottom Line:  Moody’s latest report shows the varying credit impacts of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations applicable to more than 10,400 rated entities. Distribution of Moody’s credit impact scores and issuer profile scores as of March 31, 2023 Notes of Explanation:  Based on ESG scores of 10,467 rated entities, as of 31 March […]

Sustainable funds expense ratio comparisons

The Bottom Line:  Expense ratio comparisons between conventional and sustainable funds are difficult due to lack of homogeneity but low-cost options for investors are available. Conventional and sustainable mutual funds and ETFs asset-weighted expense ratios Notes of Explanation:  Expense ratios applicable to conventional mutual funds and ETFs are based on ICI reporting as of December […]

Sustainable funds post average gain of 5.05% in Q1 2023

The Bottom Line:  Sustainable funds recorded an average gain of 5.05% in Q1 2023, while top performing funds gained 7.2% and bottom funds dropped 5.09%. 0:00 / 0:00 Listen to this article Top and bottom performing sustainable mutual funds and ETFs – Q1 2023 Observations: Sustainable mutual funds and ETFs, a total of 1,401 funds/share […]

Sustainable indices in Q1 2023 registered improved results

The Bottom Line:  After a challenging year in 2022 the relative total returns of sustainable indices in the first quarter of 2023 recorded improved results. 0:00 / 0:00 Listen to this article now Selected MSCI ESG indices relative performance results to 3-31-2023 Notes of Explanation:  Positive or negative ESG performance results are for the selected […]

The three faces of sustainable assets under management in the US

The Bottom Line: The absence of widely accepted definitions and standards in sustainable finance is illustrated in the wide variations of referenced assets under management. 0:00 / 0:00 Listen to this article now Sustainable assets under management Observations: The absence of widely accepted definitions and standards in the sustainable finance sphere has contributed to confusion, […]

Two reports on climate change issued last week are required reading

The Bottom Line:  Reports issued last week on climate change and related financial, economic, and social risks are required reading for investors and other stakeholders.   0:00 / 0:00 Listen to this article now Carbon dioxide levels over timeNotes of Explanation:  Source: 2023 Economic Report to the President/Lüthi https://doi.org/10.1038/nature06949et al. 2008. Note: Data come from reconstructions […]

UBS acquires Credit Suisse and its funds

The Bottom Line:  Plans announced yesterday by UBS to acquire Credit Suisse should not result in any immediate impact on the management of investment funds. 0:00 / 0:00 Listen to this article now Mutual funds, ETFs and ETNs managed by UBS and Credit Suisse as of February 28, 2023Notes of Explanation:  Sources:  Morningstar Direct and […]

Sustainable ultra-short bond ETFs offer potential for higher returns

The Bottom Line:  In a rising rate environment, the latest sustainable ultra-short bond ETF listing adds to number of offerings with potential for higher returns. 0:00 / 0:00 Listen to this article now Sustainable ultra-short bond ETFs:  AUM and expense ratios Sources:  Notes of Explanation:  AUM as of February 28, 2023, except CVSB and PULT […]

Research

Research and analysis to keep sustainable investors up to-date on a broad range of topics that include trends and developments in sustainable investing and sustainable finance, regulatory updates, performance results and considerations, investing through index funds and actively managed portfolios, asset allocation updates, expenses, ESG ratings and data, company and product news, green, social and sustainable bonds, green bond funds as well as reporting and disclosure practices, to name just a few.

A continuously updated Funds Directory is also available to investors.  This is intended to become a comprehensive listing of sustainable mutual funds, ETFs and other investment products along with a description of their sustainable investing approaches as set out in fund prospectuses and related regulatory filings.

Getting started

Many questions have surfaced in recent years regarding sustainable and ESG investing.  Here, investors and financial intermediaries will find materials that describe the various approaches to sustainable investing and their implementation.  While sustainable investing approaches vary and they have thus far defied universally accepted definitions, many practitioners agree that they fall into the following broad categories:  Values-based investing, investing via exclusions, impact investing, thematic investments and ESG integration.  In conjunction with each of these approaches, investors may also adopt various issuer engagement procedures and proxy voting practices.  That said, sustainable investing approaches will continue to evolve.

In addition to periodic updates regarding sustainable investing and how this form of investing is evolving, investors and financial intermediaries interested in implementing a sustainable investing approach will also find source materials that cover basic investing themes as well as asset allocation tactics.

Inesting ideas

Thoughts and ideas targeting sustainable investing strategies executed through various registered and non-registered sustainable investment funds and products such as mutual funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs), closed-end funds, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Unit Investment Trusts (UITs). Coverage extends to investment management firms as well as fund groups. 

Independent source for sustainable investment management company research, analysis, opinions and sustainable fund disclosure assessments