ESG ETFs – Investing in sustainability

What are ESG ETFs?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These three pillars of ESG are the bedrock of a new investment consideration in which investors do not solely focus on shareholder returns when investing. They also invest in sustainable companies.

Environmental: climate change, pollution and waste, limiting environmental damage and overuse of natural resources

Social: human capital, community engagement, social opportunities and product liability

Governance: corporate governance, corporate diversity, behavior, transparency, and shareholder alignment

As mentioned, 2020 saw a greater focus on responsible investing and the start of more significant flows of capital from institutional investors toward sustainable investments. And for retail investors, one of the most effective ways to engage in responsible investing is through the use of ESG ETFs.

An ETF is a basket of securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) that trades on a financial exchange, providing a flexible and low-cost method of constructing a diversified portfolio. An ESG ETF focuses on holding securities that are more aligned with ESG principles by screening for various metrics, such as:

On the environmental side, investments can be monitored for GHG emissions, energy use, water use, etc.

On the social side, investments can be monitored for diversity, community engagement, etc.

On the governance side, board diversity and shareholder alignment can be measured

Why invest in ESG ETFs?

Historically, investors have focused on investing in securities that will generate the highest returns. One of the main benefits of adhering to ESG investments is that investors can invest in companies or securities that are involved with making the world a better and more sustainable place. ESG investors can choose to exclude tobacco companies or weapons manufacturers and focus on fossil-fuel-free and socially diverse companies instead.

Another benefit of ESG investing is the potential for improved returns over the longer term. With many forward-thinking companies already adapting their business models for sustainable growth, they are likely to be more resilient over time and able to capitalize on growing investor preferences for sustainable characteristics that are largely overlooked in traditional financial analysis.

Examples of ESG ETFs

ESG ETFs can provide a broad form of diversification since they are not anchored to a single sector or asset class. 

Some examples of popular ESG ETFs include:

ESGU – iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

• AUM: $20.3B
• 1mo Performance: -10.4%
• 1mo Flows: +$29MM

ESGV – Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF

• AUM: $5.4B
• 1mo Performance: -10.2%
• 1mo Flows: -$2MM

ICLN – iShares Global Clean Energy ETF

• AUM: $5B
• 1mo Performance: -13.1%
• 1mo Flows: +$22MM

Data for this article is as of September 28, 2022.

Please note this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.