Fund Product Update

First Sentier launches carbon-focused property fund

First Sentier Investors has launched the Global Property Securities Fund which has been signed off by the Responsible Investment Association of Australiasia (RIAA). The fund features comprehensive carbon measurement and reporting. The fund has built a carbon overlay into the process with an analysis of both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions of assets. The fund is set to reach net-zero emissions by 2040.

Foord AM enters Australia with single fund

Foord Asset Management has entered Australia, with the Foord Global Equity Australian Feeder Fund investing only in the Foord SICAV- Foord Global Equity Fund (Luxembourg). Equity Trustees are the responsible entity. The fund has diversified global equities designed to beat the MSCI all-country world net total return index (ACWNI) without greater risk. Dave Foord leads the team of managers.

ETF Securities launches US funds

Two new US-based fixed income options are available via ETF Securities: ETFS US Treasury Bond ETF and ETFS USD High Yield ETF, which are both currency hedged. The US Treasury Bond tracks the iBoxx $ Treasuries Total Return Index and is a unique offering to Australian retail investors. It accesses the index with investments in DWS Group’s Xtrackers II US Treasuries UCITS ETF.

The USD High Yield Bond tracks the Solactive USD High Yield Corporates Total Market Index, hedged into Australian dollars. Bonds must be issued by companies in developed market countries and have at least US$1 billion in outstanding face value to qualify for this index. Access to the index is gained by investments in DWS Group’s X trackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF.