LONDON - Xtrackers (IE) PLC, an investment company, announced index and methodology changes to its suite of ESG-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) effective November 26, 2024. The updates include renaming of the reference indices and enhancements to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) exclusion criteria.
The MSCI World ESG UCITS ETF and other related funds will now track newly titled indices such as the MSCI World Low Carbon SRI Selection Index, replacing the former MSCI World Low Carbon SRI Leaders Index. Similar updates apply across the range of Xtrackers ESG ETFs, encompassing the USA, Japan, Europe, EMU, and Emerging Markets funds.
The revision in the index methodology, as stated by MSCI Limited, the index administrator, involves the application of enhanced ESG exclusion criteria. These criteria now include an updated oil & gas screen, excluding companies involved in industries with high potential for negative environmental, health, or social impacts. The exclusions are based on value-based criteria and thresholds from the MSCI SRI Indexes methodology, covering industries such as alcohol, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, genetically modified organisms, and various weapons, among others.
Investors should note that the objectives, policies, risk profiles, and fees of the funds remain unchanged despite these updates. The revised supplement detailing the changes is available on the Xtrackers website and through the company's registered office or its foreign representatives.
The announcement emphasizes that these products are based overseas and are not subject to UK sustainable investment labeling and disclosure requirements. For further details on the index methodology changes, stakeholders can refer to the MSCI website.
This news is based on a press release statement from Xtrackers (IE) PLC. Shareholders seeking clarity on the changes or their implications are advised to consult independent financial advisors.
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