Original, independent, thought leadership

GAMCO to launch actively managed sustainable ETF

The Bottom Line: GAMCO Investors is set to launch its first actively managed sustainable ETF, Love Our Planet & People (LOPP), Gabelli’s second ESG fund.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”reg” ihc_mb_template=”4″ ] [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”reg” ihc_mb_template=”-1″ ]

Sustainable investment funds related events: September 2020

The Bottom Line:  32 events were recorded in September, including 25 new sustainable mutual fund types or ETFs, with 19 non-US-based funds and 6 US. September 2020 Events Summary 32 events were recorded in September 2020. 25 new sustainable mutual fund types or ETFs dominate the events listing, with 19 non-US based funds and six […]

Vanguard launches sustainable corporate bond ETF that relies entirely on exclusions

The Bottom Line:  Newest Vanguard sustainable ETF launch, the Vanguard ESG US Corporate Bond ETF, is focused on fixed income and relies entirely on exclusions [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”reg” ihc_mb_template=”-1″ ][ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”reg” ihc_mb_template=”4″ ]

Launch of BlackRock LifePath ESG Index Funds will stimulate growth

The Bottom Line: The launch of BlackRock’s LifePath ESG Index Funds expands sustainable target date funds segment and may stimulate further growth beyond $4.3 billion. Launch of BlackRock LifePath ESG Index Funds expands sustainable target date funds segment and may stimulate further growth With the launch on August 18th of the BlackRock LifePath ESG Index […]

Sustainable investment funds related events: August 2020

The Bottom Line: Twenty-five August 2020 reported events include first time ESG scores released from two notable firms, Bloomberg and ISS covering companies and funds. August 2020 events summary Twenty-five events have been identified for August 2020. o 12 new ESG fund offerings dominate the events listing, with 11 non-US based funds versus one new […]

American Century introduces 2 actively managed sustainable ETFs

The Bottom Line: American Century introduces two actively managed non-transparent sustainable investment ETFs, adding to the now 34 actively managed sustainable funds with $17.1 billion. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”reg” ihc_mb_template=”4″ ]

Sustainable Investment Funds Related Events: June 2020

The Bottom Line:  21 events reported in July, including the launch of two long/short funds.  Direxion’s long-short fund is beating the S&P 500 since inception.  July 2020 Event Summary 21 events are reported in July along with 3 events that are carried forward from June. 13 events or 62% are related to new funds or […]

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