Chart of the Week – October 2, 2023

The Bottom Line: Short-term performance results in the volatile renewable energy sector may be poised for gains due to demand surge in the coming years. Top 10 clean energy funds by assets under management and performance to August 31, 2023Notes of Explanation: Funds listed in size order. Top 10 funds by assets under management selected […]
Sustainable index tracking ETFs expense ratios

The Bottom Line: Sustainable index tracking ETF fees range from a low of 0.1% to a 0.75% high, offering investors a range of pricing options. Assets and average expense ratios for top 10 sustainable index tracking ETF investment categories Contact Us for this chart. Notes of Explanation: Assets=total net assets. Expense ratios are average for […]
Carbon credit and voluntary offset funds post declines in August

The Bottom Line: Eight thematic sustainable investment vehicles investing in futures contracts on carbon credits and voluntary offset credits are listed, but volatilities are high. Performance of thematic sustainable investment funds investing in carbon credits and voluntary offset credits, to August 31, 2023Notes of Explanation: Eight funds include, iPath Series B Carbon ETN (GRN), iPath […]
Short duration bond funds dominate top sustainable performers in August

The bottom line: Best performing sustainable funds in August 2023 dominated by short-dated bond funds investing in fixed or floating rate securities and integrating ESG. Sustainable mutual funds and ETFs: Top 10 performers in August 2023Notes of Explanation: Performance results limited to best performing share class, to August 31, 2023. Calvert Ultra-Short Investment Grade ETF […]
ESG interest in DC plans high, but usage remains low

The Bottom Line: Expressions of interest in sustainable investments may be high, but usage remains low in employer-sponsored defined contribution plans, calling for additional education. MFS US Retirement Survey, 2022: Interest in more sustainable (ESG) investments in employer-sponsored retirement plansNotes of Explanation: Percentages represent the sum of respondents that chose somewhat interested, very interested and […]
April 2023 returns highlight variety of sustainable mutual funds

The Bottom Line: April performance results highlight that mutual funds at this time offer sustainable investors a greater variety of investment options relative to ETFs. April 2023 average total return performance for top 10 performing investment categories stratified by actively managed mutual funds and ETFs Observations: Strong earnings registered by several large companies overcame bank […]
Actively managed ETF flows ignores performance track record

The Bottom Line: Outsized flows into actively managed ETFs disregards evidence that most active investment managers tend to underperform their benchmark most of the time. Total net assets of sustainable active and passive ETFs: December 30, 2022 – April 28, 2023Notes of Explanation: Sources: Morningstar Direct and Sustainable Research and Analysis Observations: According to reporting […]
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 […]