Morgan Stanley Investment Management has announced the launch of an ETF platform with the listing of six Calvert ETFs on NYSE Arca.
The ETF product suite features Calvert Research and Management’s approach to responsible investing and offers investors access to four indexed Environmental Social Governance (“ESG”) strategies and two active ESG strategies across a range of asset classes.
“The launch of MSIM’s ETF platform builds on our world class investment capabilities with a diverse set of investment vehicles that aim to provide strategic value for our clients,” says Dan Simkowitz, Head of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. “This launch is the first step in MSIM’s development of a robust ETF platform that supports products across our businesses, asset classes, jurisdictions, and brands.”
MSIM’s ETF platform is designed to draw on the firm’s comprehensive product offering and client-focused approach, and the initial ETFs will capitalise on an integrated process that combines a principled approach, active engagement, and deep ESG research. The six new ETFs advised by MSIM include:
• Calvert US Large-Cap Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Index ETF (CDEI)
• Calvert Ultra-Short Investment Grade ETF (CVSB)
• Calvert US Large-Cap Core Responsible Index ETF (CVLC)
• Calvert International Responsible Index ETF (CVIE)
• Calvert US-Mid Cap Core Responsible Index ETF (CVMC)
• Calvert US Select Equity ETF (CVSE)
“Throughout Calvert’s forty-year history, its commitment to responsible investing and approach to stewardship has been the foundation of its comprehensive offerings for investors,” says Ted Eliopoulos, CEO and President of Calvert Research and Management. “These new ETFs will resonate strongly with investors who seek competitive investment results while promoting positive change and supporting companies that are leaders in improving long-term shareholder value and societal outcomes.”
The Calvert US Large-Cap Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Index ETF (CDEI) offers investors diversified exposure to US companies that Calvert believes are successful at managing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”) issues. In further support of Morgan Stanley’s commitment to DEI, MSIM has committed to make an annual contribution to DEI initiatives or DEI-focused organizations in an amount equal to 0.02 per cent of CDEI’s net annualised assets under management.
The active equity ETF (CVSE) will focus on US large-cap companies that Calvert believes are addressing global environmental or societal challenges, or are leaders in managing financially material environmental or social factors.
The active fixed income product (CVSB) will focus on investment grade debt issuers and the three index equity ETFs offer exposure to either U.S. large companies (CVLC), U.S. mid-cap companies (CVMC), or international companies (CVIE).
All six ETFs seek to invest in companies that operate their businesses in a manner consistent with the Calvert Principles for Responsible Investment, a framework for considering ESG factors.
“We are excited to introduce MSIM’s comprehensive investment capabilities in an ETF structure with this Calvert product suite,” says Anthony Rochte, Global Head of ETFs at MSIM. “Investors require a range of different product structures within a portfolio to help meet their distinct investment objectives, and ETFs can provide specific advantages including tax efficiency, transparency, value and trading flexibility. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our offering for clients with active and systematic strategies that build on MSIM’s global expertise.”
