John Hancock Investments has added two new funds focused on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues with fundamental stock research.
John Hancock ESG All Cap Core Fund and John Hancock ESG Large Cap Core Fund are both managed by Trillium Asset Management, the country's oldest investment advisor exclusively focused on sustainable and responsible investing.
"This is an exciting new direction for John Hancock Investments," says Andrew G Arnott, president and CEO. "While younger investors have traditionally been one of the driving forces behind the growth in ESG funds, investors of all ages are now recognising how ESG funds can play an important role in their portfolios. We're proud to be able to offer portfolios that seek to influence positive change by investing in companies that meet a high bar for environmental, social, and governance characteristics. We are also pleased to be working with Trillium Asset Management in this new venture, as the firm has been at the forefront of socially responsible investing for nearly 35 years."
Trillium CEO Matthew W Patsky, CFA, adds: "We are very excited to combine the trusted brand of John Hancock Investments with our history and expertise in ESG investing. John Hancock Investments has one of the most stringent due diligence processes in the industry, and we are proud to have been selected as the manager for these funds."
The new ESG portfolios offer a well-diversified core exposure. John Hancock ESG Large Cap Core Fund invests predominantly in large-capitalisation companies, while John Hancock ESG All Cap Core Fund invests in companies across the market capitalisation spectrum. Trillium seeks out companies with high-quality characteristics from financial, strategic, and ESG points of view, such as strong workplace practices, product safety, and environmental protection. Neither fund will include companies with material exposure to agricultural biotechnology, coal mining, hard rock mining, nuclear power, tar sands, tobacco, or weapons/firearms, nor will they include companies with major recent or ongoing controversies related to animal welfare, the environment, corporate governance, human rights, product safety, or workplace practices.
