BlackRock to launch ESG-screened ETF range

Six ETFs

BlackRock is set to launch an environmental, social and governance (ESG) screened suite of six ETFs, Investment Week understands.

The suite will offer investors access to six different MSCI indices: World, Japan, Emerging Markets, European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), US and Europe. What has been driving the boom in passive ESG product launches? The range will screen-out seven sectors including controversial weapons, nuclear weapons, thermal coal, civilian firearms, tobacco and oil sands while excluding all companies violating the UN Global Compact principles. For example, on the iShares MSCI Europe ESG Screened UCITS ETF EUR, the top five screenings from the parent index are Novartis and Shell, who bot...