American Century Balanced Fund has a number of positive attributes that may appeal to sustainability-focused investors.
This fund has relatively low exposure to ESG risk compared with its peers in the Moderate Allocation 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 and inequalities, could affect valuations. ESG risk differs from impact, which is about driving positive environmental and social outcomes for society’s benefit.
American Century Balanced Fund has a sustainability or 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. One key area of strength for American Century Balanced Fund is its low Morningstar Portfolio Carbon Risk Score of 5.86 and low fossil fuel exposure of 5.16% over the past 12 months, which earns it the Morningstar Low Carbon Designation. The fund is therefore well positioned to transition to a low-carbon economy.
Its 7.92% involvement in carbon solutions is higher than the 6.10% average involvement of its peers in the Allocation--50% To 70% Equity category. Carbon solutions include products and services related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, green transportation, and so on.
The fund exhibits moderate exposure (5.29%) to companies with high or severe controversies. From bribery and corruption to workplace discrimination and environmental incidents, controversies are incidents that may negatively affect stakeholders, the environment, or the company’s operations.