BlackRock unveils six ESG-screened ETFs

Ridhima Sharma
clock • 1 min read

BlackRock has unveiled a new set of sustainable exchange traded funds (ETFs), ESG data disclosures, model portfolios and portfolio analytics to deliver a simplified sustainable investment experience to the growing number of investors seeking to align their values with their long-term financial objectives.

The six new Sustainable Core ETFs build on the success of this range in establishing a new standard of investment access, and complement iShares’ existing 15-strong range of ESG Ucits ETFs.

The Sustainable Core suite consists of six new ESG ETF funds that track MSCI indices that screen out controversial weapons, nuclear weapons, civilian firearms, tobacco, companies implicated in the violation of the United Nations Global Compact principles, thermal coal and oil sands. Investors looking to avoid exposure to these business activities now have an even broader set of simple, accessible tools, at the same price point as Core building blocks.

It will charge between 0.07% and 0.2% in total expenses for the new funds.  

The new funds are:
– iShares MSCI World ESG Screened Ucits ETF
– iShares MSCI Japan ESG Screened Ucits ETF
– iShares MSCI Emerging Markets IMI ESG Screened Ucits ETF
– iShares MSCI Europe ESG Screened Ucits ETF
– iShares MSCI EMU ESG Screened Ucits ETF
– iShares MSCI USA ESG Screened Ucits ETF

Philipp Hildebrand, vice chairman of BlackRock, said: “It is clear that there is a growing movement of investors who want to align their investment decisions with their values and beliefs. Increased transparency on the sustainability profile of their investment portfolios will enable investors to understand the potential ESG-related risks and opportunities they are exposed to. Strong ESG performers are more resilient and this has led to an irreversible move from an era of asking “why?” to “why not?” in sustainable investing.”