This fund has relatively low exposure to ESG risk compared with its peers in the Global Equity Large Cap category, earning it the second highest Morningstar Sustainability Rating of 4 globes. ESG risk measures the degree to which material environmental, social, and governance issues, such as climate change, biodiversity, human capital, as well as bribery and corruption, could affect valuations. ESG risk differs from impact, which is about driving positive environmental and social outcomes for society’s benefit.
Based on its latest prospectus, sustainability or ESG factors are a focus in the investment process of AGF Global Sustainable Equity Fund. Funds with ESG-focused mandates are more likely to deliver positive sustainability outcomes. One key area of strength for AGF Global Sustainable Equity Fund is its low Morningstar Portfolio Carbon Risk Score of 7.91 and very low fossil fuel exposure over the past 12 months, which earns it the Morningstar Low Carbon Designation. Thus, the companies held in the portfolio are in general alignment with the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Agf Global Sustainable Equity Fund shows 22.6% involvement in carbon solutions. This percentage is high in absolute terms and surpasses the 10.2% average involvement of its peers in the Global Large-stock Growth category. Carbon solutions include products and services related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, green transportation, and so on. The fund has no exposure to high or severe controversies. Controversies are incidents that have a negative impact on stakeholders or the environment, which create some degree of financial risk for the company. Examples of types of controversies include bribery and corruption scandals, workplace discrimination and environmental incidents. Severe and high controversies can have significant financial repercussions, ranging from legal penalties to consumer boycotts. Such controversies can also damage the reputation of both companies themselves and their shareholders.