Description

This fund seeks to replicate the performance of the U.S. Dollar-denominated, fixed-rate high-yield corporate bond market. Its commitment to environmental and social attributes is incorporated through the R-Factor scores utilized in its benchmark index's construction. The R-Factor methodology assesses ESG by evaluating a broad range of "financially material" metrics, designed to pinpoint long-term sustainability drivers across environmental impact, human capital, social capital, business model integrity, leadership quality, and corporate governance practices. Furthermore, the index implements strict exclusionary criteria, omitting issuers linked to severe controversies, controversial weapons, violations of United Nations Global Compact principles, civilian firearms, thermal coal extraction, and tobacco production.