MM S&P 500® Index Fund has an average Morningstar Sustainability Rating of 3 globes, indicating that the ESG risk of holdings in its portfolio is similar to that of its peers in the US Equity Large Cap Blend category. Investors concerned about ESG risk may be better off with funds in the category that receive 4 or 5 globes, as they tend to invest in securities less exposed to ESG risk. ESG risk measures the degree to which material environmental, social, and governance issues, such as climate change and inequalities, could affect valuations. ESG risk differs from impact, which is about driving positive environmental and social outcomes for society’s benefit.
MM S&P 500® Index Fund has a Carbon Risk Score of 7.77, indicating portfolio companies face low carbon-related risks in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
One potential issue for a sustainability-focused investor is that MM S&P 500® Index Fund doesn’t have an ESG-focused mandate. Funds with an ESG-focused mandate are more likely to align with the expectations of an investor who cares about sustainability issues. The fund exhibits relatively high exposure (9.60%) to companies with high or severe controversies. Companies with high or severe controversies may be involved in incidents such as corruption, employee abuses, environmental incidents, and corporate scandals that pose serious business risks to the company.
Currently, the fund has 7.55% involvement in fossil fuels, which is in line with peers in its category. Companies are considered involved in fossil fuels if they derive some revenue from thermal coal, oil, and gas.