Vanguard Expands ESG Fund Offerings With Low-Cost ESG ETFs

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Sep 20, 2018, 09:00 ET

VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Sept. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard today added to its current environmental, social, and governance (ESG) fund offering with Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) and Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX). The new ETFs, which are among the lowest-cost ESG ETFs in the industry, can be purchased commission-free from Vanguard and are available on other leading trading platforms.

"Vanguard's new ETFs can serve as core components of a portfolio for individuals, institutions, and advisors who wish to invest in broadly-diversified, low-cost ETFs screened for certain ESG criteria," said Matthew Brancato, head of Vanguard's Portfolio Review Group. "At the same time, investors should recognize that funds with ESG screens may perform differently than the broad market due to the exclusion of stocks of certain companies."

Broad ESG exposure at Vanguard's signature low cost
With estimated expense ratios of 0.12% for Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF and 0.15% for Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF, these funds offer ESG-conscious investors low-cost access to a majority of U.S. and international equity markets. Covering more than 80% of the U.S. equity market capitalization and nearly 70% of the international equity market capitalization, the funds exclude companies involved in the production of alcohol, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, weapons, fossil fuels, and nuclear power. The construction methodology also excludes companies that do not meet certain diversity criteria, as well as the labor, human rights, anti-corruption, and environmental standards defined by the U.N. Global Compact Principles.

Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF seeks to track the FTSE U.S. All Cap Choice Index, an ESG-screened, market-cap-weighted benchmark comprised of large-, mid-, and small-cap U.S. stocks. Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF's target benchmark is the FTSE Global All Cap ex U.S. Choice Index, an ESG-screened, market-cap-weighted benchmark comprised of large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks in developed and emerging international markets (excluding the U.S.).

Expanding ESG offerings for clients across the globe
Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF and Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF complement Vanguard's existing ESG offering for U.S. investors, Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund. Along with Vanguard's addition to its U.S. product offering, the firm launched a suite of ESG funds for Australian investors in late August. Altogether, Vanguard's global ESG product lineup provides options for socially conscious investors across North America, Europe, and Australia.

Index fund management expertise
Vanguard's Equity Index Group, which manages more than $3.1 trillion in assets across the globe, serves as the investment advisor for both ETFs. William Coleman and Gerard O'Reilly, who currently manage Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund, serve as portfolio managers for Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF. Christine Franquin and Scott Geiger are the portfolio managers for Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF. In addition to their broad investment management experience, the portfolio managers draw on the diverse perspectives and knowledge of the broader Equity Index Group to pursue accurate benchmark tracking, prudent risk management, and highly competitive investment performance.

About Vanguard
Vanguard is one of the world's largest investment management companies. As of August 31, 2018, Vanguard managed $5.3 trillion in global assets. The firm, headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, offers more than 408 funds to its more than 20 million investors worldwide. For more information, visit vanguard.com.

Asset figures as of August 31, 2018 unless otherwise noted.

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All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Funds that concentrate on a relatively narrow market sector face the risk of higher share-price volatility.

Investments in stocks issued by non-U.S. companies are subject to risks including country/regional risk and currency risk. These risks are especially high in emerging markets. Prices of mid- and small-cap stocks often fluctuate more than those of large-company stocks.

Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.

SOURCE Vanguard