BETHESDA, Md., July 1, 2015 /3BL Media/ – Calvert Investments, Inc., a global leader in Responsible Investing, announced today a major new initiative that the firm describes as the next step in the evolution of responsible investing. The firm is building upon its global Responsible Investing research expertise and has launched a suite of Responsible Indexes and related lower cost Index Funds that will track them.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Three distinct U.S. large cap indexes have been created based on style.
- Calvert U.S. Large Cap Growth Responsible Index
- Calvert U.S. Large Cap Core Responsible Index
- Calvert U.S. Large Cap Value Responsible Index
- The existing Calvert Social Index Fund has become the Calvert U.S. Large Cap Core Responsible Index Fund (NASDAQ: CSXAX). Calvert is also launching two additional index funds, the Calvert U.S. Large Cap Growth Responsible Index Fund (NASDAQ: CGJAX) and the Calvert U.S. Large Cap Value Responsible Index Fund (NASDAQ: CFJAX), each based on one of the new indexes. The Funds are all available to the public on Monday, June 22.
- Additional Responsible Indexes and Funds providing coverage of other significant portions of the global equity markets are anticipated later this year, including U.S. mid cap, non-U.S. developed markets and emerging markets.
Calvert’s indexes and investment products are evolving to meet both the growing interest in responsible investing and the increasing demand for lower-cost options. Said John Streur, CEO, Calvert Investments, “Investors want to access companies that are global leaders in ESG and that are capable of producing competitive returns. An index strategy provides a truly cost efficient way to do that.
“Calvert Investments has over 30 years of leadership in defining the environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in the investment context. Combine this with its shareholder engagement and there is no better firm to drive positive change for investors. Calvert is committed to meeting the evolving needs of our institutional and private clients with innovative products that improve on the characteristics of Responsible Investing and passive investing.”
The new index suite reflects the continued evolution of Calvert’s research system and the increasing availability of non-financial data. “Calvert’s process analyzes, scores and ranks every company on material ESG risk and opportunity across all 156 GICS sub-sectors,” said Erica Lasdon, Director, Sustainability Research. “This approach focuses on those ESG factors that are most material in each sector or industry. The way we apply proprietary technology allows us to take a leap forward,” she said.
Calvert has partnered with indexing leader S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. (SNGI) to manage the benchmark universes. Calvert Responsible Index Portfolio Manager Laurie Webster, CFA, said, “S-Net specializes in sustainable and impact investing. The firm has developed several important Impact indexes, including the S-Network Global Water Index and the Ardour Global Alternative Energy Indexes – both of which Calvert uses in long-standing investment products.”
Information about the Calvert Responsible Index Series as well as Calvert’s Principles of Responsible Investing can be found on www.Calvert.com.
About Calvert Investments
Calvert Investments is a global leader in Responsible Investing. Our mission is to deliver superior long-term performance to our clients and enable them to achieve positive impact. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Calvert Investments had more than $13 billion in assets under management as of May 31, 2015. Learn more at www.Calvert.com.
About S-Network
S-Network is a service mark of S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. and has been licensed for use by Calvert Investments. The Calvert Responsible Index Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S‑Network Global Indexes, Inc. and S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in any such Fund.
For more information on any Calvert Fund, please contact Calvert at 800.368.2748 for a free summary prospectus and/or prospectus. An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of an investment carefully before investing. The summary prospectus and prospectus contain this and other information. Read them carefully before you invest or send money.
Calvert mutual funds are underwritten and distributed by Calvert Investment Distributors, Inc., member FINRA and subsidiary of Calvert Investments, Inc. (06/2015) # 14911.
Media Contacts:
Annie M. Cull
Phone: 301.951.4861
Jody Lowe
Phone: 414.322.9311
This post was originally published on Justmeans.com
Visit the Invest With Values - Resource Directory to access leading investor information, opportunities, organizations, events, groups and tools.