Product range
Those who invest sustainably pursue financial goals, want to act in accordance with their own values and make a positive ecological and social contribution. Ethius Invest and its cooperation partner, the CSR Beratungsgesellschaft, offer individual solutions from a single source.
With the Ethius Global Impact equity fund launched in March 2021, Ethius Invest has been setting ambitious standards for ethical and sustainable investments in the equity sector in recent years. The offering of the independent asset manager and fund initiator based in Lucerne can be optimally supplemented with a product in the bond sector: the CSR Bond Focus SDG , which has been available as a UCITS investment fund in accordance with EU guidelines since August 5, 2024 and was launched by CSR Beratungsgesellschaft , Ethius Invest 's cooperation partner, in October 2020. Both products are classified as Article 9 funds according to the EU Disclosure Regulation.
The Ethius Global Impact and the CSR Bond Focus SDG may be flexibly combined as a balanced impact mandate so that individual preferences can be implemented with regard to investment horizon and risk profile. Those who want to invest for the longer term and with a more return-oriented approach should place greater emphasis on the equity fund. Those who want to invest for the shorter term and with a more risk-averse approach should place greater emphasis on the bond fund. Regardless of the individual preference, both funds implement a high-quality sustainability approach.
Sustainability approach with qualitative standards
Strict and comprehensive exclusion criteria form the basis for this (see text box). In order to be included in the investment universe and ultimately in the portfolio, the issuers of both funds also undergo a demanding selection process defined by positive criteria. In addition, the Ethius Global Impact and the CSR Bond Focus SDG each serve different impact channels .
Exclusionary criteria
Violations in the areas of accounting, corruption and money laundering
Controversial environmental behaviour, for example overuse or pollution of water bodies, environmental contamination
Human rights and labour law controversies
The Ethius Global Impact mutual fund
Based on the exclusion criteria, the Ethius Global Impact mutual fund invests worldwide in the listed companies of the Global Challenges Index (GCX), which has been successful since 2007. These cover a broad spectrum of sectors and, according to the GCX methodology, must make a positive contribution to the following global challenges:
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Tackling the causes and consequences of climate change,
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ensuring an adequate supply of water,
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sustainable management of forests,
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the preservation of biodiversity,
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dealing with population growth,
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combating poverty and
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the establishment of responsible management (governance) structures.
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are also included in the selection process. Ways in which companies can contribute to this include energy-efficient technologies, the expansion of renewable energies, healthcare products and sustainable packaging solutions. Examples of CGX companies include Lenzing AG, which produces wood-based cellulose fibers, and Sonova Holding AG, which produces and sells hearing aids. Both the exclusion and positive criteria aim to minimize financial risks and increase earnings opportunities in addition to making positive socio-ecological contributions. An up-to-date overview of all portfolio companies in the Ethius Global Impact fund may be found in the in-house Ethius Factbook.
Ethius Invest therefore uses the sophisticated GCX selection method for the Ethius Global Impact. This creates scope to implement an engagement concept based on this (see engagement guidelines) for all fund titles invested in. In addition, 15 percent of the management fee is donated to programs and projects of the Ethius Foundation under the umbrella of the Arco Foundation.
The CSR Bond Focus SDG mutual fund
Also based on the exclusion criteria, the CSR Bond Focus SDG invests in bonds that have a positive impact on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, which is reviewed and assessed by the ESG rating agency imug rating. The focus is therefore on companies that offer products or services in the areas of energy and climate change, food and nutrition, health, infrastructure, ecosystem protection, water and sanitation or responsible finance, for example.
The fund places broadly diversified investments in companies from various sectors in core Europe and Germany in particular. The portfolio currently contains around 30 issuers. One example is Deutsche Bildung, which offers students in Germany student financing with income-dependent interest and repayment. Another portfolio company is nextbike, an innovative bike rental company with a presence in 300 cities worldwide.
Financial profitability, values and impact
The combination of the Ethius Global Impact and the CSR Bond Focus SDG makes it possible to implement financial preferences on an individualized basis while remaining true to ethical principles and supporting socio-ecological transformation processes at the same time. The impact approach of both products can therefore be classified as above average compared to other sustainable funds in the liquid segment.
At the same time, the return remains a decisive factor. The Ethius Global Impact aims to outperform the MSCI World Net Total Return Index (EUR) financially over the long term, while the CSR Bond Focus SDG focuses on interest rate opportunities. With a customized “Balanced Impact” mandate, different financial goals can be optimally combined at a high ethical and sustainable level with socio-ecological impact goals.
Fund companies in a transparent analysis
Would you like more information about the investment products? Visit the two fund websites.