This strategy has an above-average Morningstar Sustainability Rating of 4 globes, indicating that the ESG risk of holdings in its portfolio is relatively low compared with those of its peers in the Global Emerging Markets Equity category. ESG risk provides investors with a signal that reflects to what degree their investments are exposed to risks related to material ESG issues, including climate change, biodiversity, product safety, community relations, data privacy and security, bribery and corruption, and corporate governance, that are not sufficiently managed. ESG risk differs from impact, which is about seeking positive environmental and social outcomes.
Based on its latest prospectus, sustainability or ESG factors are a focus in the investment process of Boston Common ESG Impact Em Mkts Fd. Funds with ESG-focused mandates are more likely to deliver positive sustainability outcomes. One key area of strength for Boston Common ESG Impact Em Mkts Fd is its low Morningstar Portfolio Carbon Risk Score of 8.39 and very low fossil fuel exposure over the past 12 months, which earns it the Morningstar Low Carbon Designation. Thus, the companies held in the portfolio are in general alignment with the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Boston Common Esg Impact Em Mkts Fd shows 15.5% involvement in carbon solutions. This percentage surpasses the 9.5% average involvement of its peers in the Diversified Emerging Mkts category. Carbon solutions include products and services related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, green transportation, and so on. The fund exhibits negligible exposure (0.96%) to companies with high or severe controversies. Controversies are incidents that have a negative impact on stakeholders or the environment, which create some degree of financial risk for the company. Examples of types of controversies include bribery and corruption scandals, workplace discrimination and environmental incidents. Severe and high controversies can have significant financial repercussions, ranging from legal penalties to consumer boycotts. Such controversies can also damage the reputation of both companies themselves and their shareholders.
By prospectus, the fund aims to avoid, or limit its exposure to, companies associated with controversial weapons, tobacco, and and small arms. Yet this goal is far from achieved, as the fund exhibits 1.9% exposure to tobacco. This compares with 0.6% for its average peer in the Global Emerging Markets Equity category.
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