Description

The fund is an ESG-focused portfolio of large- and midcap stocks from developed economies around the world. It excludes South Korea and Taiwan, which some providers cover in their developed market exposure. The index scores each security for ESG risk and opportunity management. Holdings must meet a minimum score threshold, and the index also screens out companies involved in severe ESG controversies or specific controversial industries. After this initial screening, the index uses the following process to select securities until it covers 50% of the market cap in each sector: 1) eligible securities in the top 35% of market cap, 2) highly-rated securities in the top 50%, 3) current holdings in the top 65%, 4) other eligible securities. At each step, higher rated firms are selected first. Holdings are market-cap-weighted within their respective sector. The index undergoes reconstitution in May and rebalancing in August, November, and February.