Mutual fund incorporates ESG factors in selecting government and corporate debt securities
Industrial Alliance subsidiary IA Clarington has launched the IA Clarington Inhance Bond SRI Fund, a core plus fixed-income vehicle that will be primarily invested in a diversified basket of government and corporate debt securities, as well as preferred shares.
Sub-advising the fund will be Vancity Investment Management Ltd, led by portfolio manager Jeffrey Lew along with portfolio managers Andrew Simpson and Dermot Foley. Vancity’s unique approach to socially responsible investing, which was cultivated through an integrated in-house investment management process that accounts for ESG factors, will go toward helping the fund meet SRI criteria as well as achieve income and capital preservation.
“We're seeing increased interest in our Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) offerings from investors, who are seeking to combine financial return with making a positive societal impact,” said iA Clarington Senior Vice President for Products and Investments Eric Frape. “One of the unique aspects of the IA Clarington Inhance Bond SRI Fund is that, in addition to adhering to a responsible investment philosophy, the fund will be a fossil fuel free fixed-income solution.”
More than $1 trillion is currently held by Canadian investors in responsible investments, according to the Responsible Investment Association (RIA). The niche’s growing popularity has reportedly been driven by both retail and institutional investors, including major pension funds.
“By providing investors exposure to a responsible investment fixed-income solution, we can help them achieve broader asset diversification that aligns with their values,” said Vancity portfolio manager Jeffrey Lew. “Our 360-degree view of investing allows us to identify unique opportunities and augment traditional risk management practices.”
The IA Clarington Inhance Bond SRI Fund is the latest addition to the firm’s suite of responsible investing funds, which also includes the IA Clarington Inhance Canadian Equity SRI Class, IA Clarington Inhance Global Equity SRI Class, and IA Clarington Inhance Monthly Income SRI Fund.
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Sub-advising the fund will be Vancity Investment Management Ltd, led by portfolio manager Jeffrey Lew along with portfolio managers Andrew Simpson and Dermot Foley. Vancity’s unique approach to socially responsible investing, which was cultivated through an integrated in-house investment management process that accounts for ESG factors, will go toward helping the fund meet SRI criteria as well as achieve income and capital preservation.
“We're seeing increased interest in our Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) offerings from investors, who are seeking to combine financial return with making a positive societal impact,” said iA Clarington Senior Vice President for Products and Investments Eric Frape. “One of the unique aspects of the IA Clarington Inhance Bond SRI Fund is that, in addition to adhering to a responsible investment philosophy, the fund will be a fossil fuel free fixed-income solution.”
More than $1 trillion is currently held by Canadian investors in responsible investments, according to the Responsible Investment Association (RIA). The niche’s growing popularity has reportedly been driven by both retail and institutional investors, including major pension funds.
“By providing investors exposure to a responsible investment fixed-income solution, we can help them achieve broader asset diversification that aligns with their values,” said Vancity portfolio manager Jeffrey Lew. “Our 360-degree view of investing allows us to identify unique opportunities and augment traditional risk management practices.”
The IA Clarington Inhance Bond SRI Fund is the latest addition to the firm’s suite of responsible investing funds, which also includes the IA Clarington Inhance Canadian Equity SRI Class, IA Clarington Inhance Global Equity SRI Class, and IA Clarington Inhance Monthly Income SRI Fund.
Related stories:
ESG ETFs simplify socially responsible investing
SRI offers advantages for advisors
