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ETF expense ratios for sustainable index funds are on the rise

The Bottom Line: With index tracking sustainable ETF expense ratios rising, investors should closely scrutinize fund expenses and seek alternative lower cost funds if possible. Introduction and summary Expense ratios applicable to passively managed sustainable ETFs launched this year have been on the rise. Based on data applicable to 33 new sustainable ETFs listed this… Continue reading about ETF expense ratios for sustainable index funds are on the rise

Sustainable (SUSTAIN) Equity and Bond Fund Indexes Explained

Sustainable (SUSTAIN) Large Cap Equity Fund Index Explained The index, which was initiated as of June 30, 2017 with data back to December 31, 2016, tracks the total return performance of the ten largest actively managed large cap domestic equity mutual funds that employ a sustainable investing strategy beyond absolute reliance on exclusionary practices for… Continue reading about Sustainable (SUSTAIN) Equity and Bond Fund Indexes Explained

Sustainable Investment Funds Review – Assets Under Management Achieved Limited Gains in 2017

During a year when a number of high profile environmental, social and governance (ESG) related events unfolded, sustainable funds[i] assets under management in the US, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) achieved limited gains.  Net inflows, including new fund launches, are estimated at $2.9 billion or an increase of 1.5% relative to 2016. While… Continue reading about Sustainable Investment Funds Review – Assets Under Management Achieved Limited Gains in 2017

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