ESGU invests in large- and midcap companies with strong ESG traits, while maintaining an overall market-like portfolio. Companies in the broad MSCI USA Index are rated based on ESG factors and are narrowed down by excluding companies involved in: tobacco, controversial weapons, civilian firearms, thermal coal, and oil sands. Portfolio optimization software is then used to maximize the funds stake in highly-rated companies while staying true to a market-like exposure. In addition, the fund also removes companies that are experiencing severe business controversies. The index is rebalanced quarterly. Note: Prior to June 1, 2018 the fund tracked the MSCI USA ESG Focus Indexa pioneer index that does not remove firms related to the civilian firearms industry.
