Sustainable investment strategies consider environmental, social and governance characteristics of companies in a way that can allow investors to align their values and beliefs with their investment objectives. objectives.
What is sustainable investing?
Sustainable investing, also known as ESG investing, is an approach to investing that incorporates environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in the research process to complement traditional financial analysis.
Understanding ESG factors
ESG factors are important drivers of change and can affect the environment in which companies operate, creating both risks and opportunities.
Sustainable investments
Looking for sustainable investments to add to your portfolio? Fidelity has a lineup of mutual funds and an ETF for Canadian investors seeking ESG-related products to diversify their investments accounts.
Fidelity Sustainable World ETF Fund
A global quantitative multi-factor equity strategy that invests primarily in companies with favourable ESG characteristics as defined by MSCI.
Sustainable investing approach:
- ESG integration
- Best-in-class screening and
- Exclusionary screening.
Fidelity Climate Leadership® Funds
A suite of climate-focused investment funds (equity, fixed income and balanced) designed to capture the opportunities created by the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
Sustainable investing approach:
- Exclusionary screening
- Best-in-class screening
- ESG integration
- Thematic investing
Fidelity Women’s Leadership Fund
A core U.S. equity strategy that invests primarily in companies that prioritize and advance women’s leadership and development across their organization.
Sustainable investing approach:
- ESG integration
- Thematic investing
The benefits of sustainable investing
How can I invest sustainably?
There are different ways to invest sustainably. Evaluating ESG factors in addition to financial factors when analyzing companies is one example. Excluding companies based on ESG performance and attributes is another. Regardless of the approach, evidence has shown that incorporating ESG factors in the investment process of sustainable investment funds can help mitigate risk and uncover new opportunities.
Approaches to sustainable investing
Exclusionary or negative screening
The fund applies rules based on undesirable ESG-related criteria to determine whether an investment is not permitted, including the exclusion of certain types of investments, sectors, or companies from a fund’s portfolio based on certain ESG-related criteria.
Best-in-class or positive screening
The fund applies rules based on desirable ESG-related criteria that determine whether an investment is permitted.
ESG integration
The fund considers ESG-related factors within an investment analysis or decision-making process with the aim of improving risk-adjusted returns.
Thematic investing
The fund selects assets to access specified ESG-related trends.
Impact investing
The fund invests with the intention of generating a positive, measurable social and/or environmental impact alongside a financial return. The aim is to contribute to, or catalyze, environmental or social improvements.
Stewardship or active ownership
The fund uses investor rights and influence (such as proxy voting and shareholder engagement) to protect and enhance overall long-term value for clients and beneficiaries. This includes influencing the activities or behaviour of underlying portfolio companies on ESG-related matters. Active ownership can be used as an additional investment overlay to complement one of the many ESG approaches.
Why invest with Fidelity?
Fidelity Investments Canada ULC is committed to offering sustainable investment funds to help our clients achieve their financial goals. We believe that strong research can help drive the long-term performance that our clients demand. Supported by a strong global research platform, we believe we have a competitive edge and the intelligent insights needed to create strong investment opportunities for Canadian investors.
