Sustainability Matters

How did we get here? Gradually, then suddenly.

Sustainability is BlackRock's new standard for investing.

This could be the leading edge of a huge wave of assets into sustainable funds.

Stewardship is an opportunity for fund providers to connect with sustainability-minded investors, and many large asset managers are using proxy votes to press for better governance of environmental and social risks.

We set some goals for individuals, defined-contribution-plan participants, advisors, asset managers, companies, and regulators.

We examine the developments and consider their implications for 2020.

Eighty-four percent of diversified sustainable funds receive 4 or 5 globes in the enhanced Morningstar Sustainability Rating.

The globe rating now reflects company ESG risks both within and across industry groups.

We've seen record ESG fund flows so far in 2019.

Industry would be wise to adopt sustainable practices from the beginning.

With more than a dozen open-end and exchange-traded offerings launched this year, we examine the ones to consider.

Sustainable funds perform on par with traditional funds, cost about the same, and offer plenty of choice.

The number of resolutions and the increasing levels of support reflect shareholders' growing concerns about the climate-resilience of their portfolios.

Investors voted on 177 shareholder resolutions addressing sustainability issues.

Here are some steps you can take to analyze your exposure to gun manufacturers.

Strong flows, good performance, more funds considering ESG and some intriguing new entrants.

With more funds establishing track records, more passive options, and big players getting into the field, the trend seems likely to continue.

It's possible, but you'll have to pick funds with short track records.

Wouldn't those shares be owned by a different investor?

The fund looks promising, but there's no reason to rush to invest during the subscription period.

The estimated $4.1 billion inflow was easily the best quarter yet for U.S. sustainable funds.

Lower your fossil fuel exposure, invest in the green economy, and urge all companies you own to be more sustainable.

Seventy-three funds added ESG criteria to their prospectuses in the first quarter of 2019.

The new offering, which launches later this year, has a well-conceived approach, a quality subadvisor, and, of course, low fees.

Funds in the ESG integration and impact groups have the most comprehensive take on sustainable investing.

More funds, greater flows, and strong relative performance in 2018.

Passive funds took eight of the 10 largest fund flows.

Sustainable investing continues to grow in importance.

A biennial report says that sustainable investments now account for $12 trillion in the United States.

The arrest of Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn was a shock, but a poor history of corporate governance kept most ESG-focused funds away.

The Morningstar Sustainability Rating now takes into account portfolios over the previous 12 months.

Funds’ reliance on exclusions is a throwback.

Sustainable investing can have an impact on corporate behavior and make you a better investor.

Many investors are doing sustainable investing, and many more want to start.

The new CalSavers plan wanted an ESG option but couldn't find one.

Carbon-risk metrics reveal dozens of choices.

Analyzing ESG risks in a timely manner can pay off for investors.

Offerings from Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, and Fidelity broaden the choices for sustainable investors

Fink's letter, Parkland, Labor Department guidance on retirement plans, new funds, and record flows.

Grantham's 'race of our lives' speech outlined the dire consequences of climate change.

Different terms like ESG, impact, or sustainable are unreliable guides to distinguishing among strategies.

The number of choices varies across Morningstar Categories.

We explore how Morningstar's new metrics go beyond carbon footprinting.

Funds continue to add ESG criteria to their investment processes.

A fuller appreciation of these risks can provide key insights for investors.

And why asset managers should be engaging with gunmakers.

Nearly two thirds of equity funds outperformed their categories.

But investors will pay a bit more than the lowest-cost index funds and must exercise some additional due diligence.

BlackRock's CEO says companies must serve a social purpose to prosper over the long run.

2017 saw 39 new open-end funds and ETFs plus 17 existing funds that have adopted ESG.