U.S.-focused equity ETF set to reinforce lineup of responsible funds and exchange traded funds
Desjardins Global Asset Management (DGAM) is reaffirming its commitment to advancing ESG in Canada with the launch of a new exchange traded fund that follows a responsible investment policy.
Now trading on the TSX under the ticker DSAE, the Desjardins SocieTerra American Equity ETF complements the scope of Responsible Investment ETFs. ClearBridge Investments has been hired by DGAM to serve as the fund's sub-advisor.
"We're pleased to collaborate with ClearBridge, a leading global investment manager, which has been integrating ESG issues into its analysis of companies since 1987,” Nicolas Richard, Chief Executive Officer of DGAM, said. “The new ETF enhances Desjardins's responsible investment offer, the widest lineup in Canada with over 30 product options including mutual funds, guaranteed investment funds and exchange traded funds.”
With a management fee of 0.80%, DSAE seeks to achieve its objective of offering long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in American equity and equity-related assets, while taking a cautious approach in selecting holdings for the underlying portfolio.
As the fund’s sub-advisor, ClearBridge invests the assets of the Desjardins ETF in securities that fulfill its financial and non-financial valuation criteria. Environmental, social, and governance factors are all taken into account in the financial analysis of the companies in which it invests.
Over the long run, the sub-advisor endeavours to invest in what it considers to be high-quality firms with long-term competitive advantages demonstrated by good returns on capital, robust balance sheets, and capable management teams.
