Fund news and updates

Six new ETFs, a new mutual fund, and two ETF mergers

* Invesco launches ESG ETF. Invesco Canada Ltd. on March 5 launched its Invesco S&P 500 ESG Index ETF (TSX: ESG), offering exposure to companies that meet S&P DJI’s Environmental, Social and Governance criteria for selection in the S&P 500 ESG Index. Jasmit Bhandal, Invesco’s Vice President, Head of ETF Product Strategy & Development in Canada said in a release, “The launch of the Invesco S&P 500 ESG Index ETF recognizes the demand from Canadian investors for an ETF that screens for ESG but still offers a return profile in line with the US large-cap market.” The ETF is also offered in a Canadian-dollar hedged version (ESG.F).

* National Bank debuts five ETFs. National Bank Investments Inc. on March 4 launched five new exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including three new sustainable ETFs.

NBI Sustainable Canadian Bond ETF (TSX: NSCB) focuses on debt instruments designed to raise funds for projects or businesses that have a positive environmental or social impact. It holds Canadian federal, provincial, or corporate bonds. Subadvisor is AlphaFixe Capital Inc.

NBI Sustainable Canadian Equity ETF (TSX: NSCE) invests directly in, or through other mutual funds, shares of Canadian companies. Subadvisor is Fiera Capital Corporation.

NBI Sustainable Global Equity ETF (TSX: NSGE) holds a portfolio of global stocks, either directly or through other mutual funds. Subadvisor is AllianceBernstein Canada, Inc.

NBI High Yield Bond ETF (TSX: NHYB) invests in a portfolio of high-yield debt securities of developed market issuers. Subadvisor is J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.

NBI Global Private Equity ETF (TSX: NGPE) tracks the Morningstar PitchBook Developed Markets Listed Private Equity Select Index by investing in globally listed private equity companies and investment vehicles, either directly or through other mutual funds. Managed by National Bank Trust Inc.

Annamaria Testani, Vice-President, National Sales at National Bank Investments, said in a release, that the launch of NBI’s sustainable ETFs “…aligns with NBI’s ongoing efforts regarding responsible investing, notably our portfolio management methodology that applies environmental, social and governance criteria.”

* Mackenzie launches new small/mid-cap fund. Mackenzie Investments on Feb. 26 debuted its Mackenzie Global Small-Mid Cap Fund focusing on global small and mid cap companies. Lead manager Phil Taller will focus on the U.S. market, while Dublin-based portfolio manager Kalle Huhdanmaki of Mackenzie Investments Europe Ltd. will manage the fund’s European, Middle Eastern, and African investments. Hong Kong-based Bryan Mattei of Mackenzie Investments Asia Ltd. will manage Asia Pacific investments.

* Horizons merges cannabis ETFs. Horizons ETFs Management (Canada) has completed it merger of Horizons Emerging Marijuana Growers Index ETF into the Horizons US Marijuana Index ETF (NEO: HMUS). In a release, the company said, “As HMUS is substantially larger than HMJR, it is the opinion of the Manager that merging HMJR into HMUS will provide unitholders of HMJR with the opportunity to continue their investment in a marijuana-focused ETF that will have a larger market capitalization and greater exposure to larger-capitalized, North American publicly-listed life sciences companies with significant business activities in, or significant exposure to, the United States marijuana or hemp industries.”

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Disclaimer

The foregoing is for general information purposes only and is the opinion of the writer. No guarantee of investment performance is made or implied. It is not intended to provide specific personalized advice including, without limitation, investment, financial, legal, accounting or tax advice.