Legg Mason launches new fund for Aussie investors
Legg Mason has launched its new QS Investors Global Responsible Fund in response to a growing demand for global equities that factor in environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.
The new fund would aim to outperform the MSCI World ESG Leaders Index and utilise the expertise of the team managing the Legg Mason QS Investors Global Equity Fund which had proven global ESG capabilities in the institutional market, the firm said.
QS Investors’ investment approach blended fundamental and behavioural perspectives through a systematic process.
The requirements for the companies, that the fund would look at, would be two-fold and would include a proprietary model of ESG assessment and, additionally, a strict filter that would aim to remove firms that did not meet ethical criteria, Legg Mason’s head of Australia and New Zealand, Andy Sowerby, said.
“The additional restriction on certain sectors and stocks on ethical grounds makes this investment solution an ideal core holding for investors seeking to align their values and investments without sacrificing the potential for high returns,” he said.
Recommended for you
T. Rowe Price believes Australian growth is successfully managing to shrug off consumer weakness, but the firm’s multi-asset team is not yet positive enough to increase its underweight position.
Iress has issued an update denying the validity of “certain statements” made by an alleged threat actor, following a cyber incident last weekend.
The latest budget papers have outlined a $10 million provision for ASIC greenwashing enforcement activity as well as funds for a sustainable labelling regime to be partially met by industry levies.
Betashares has expanded its fixed income solutions with the launch of a new ETF offering exposure to subordinated bonds issued by the big four Australian banks.
