Last year I posted a blog that discussed "Socially Conscious Investing." It detailed the varying levels of investing and the opportunities available to investors. Earlier this month U.S. Securities Exchange Commission Chair, Gary Gensler, made it clear that he’s skeptical that the hundreds of investment funds that tout Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials are as green or socially conscious as advertised.
I've shared, below, a post from Gensler's twitter account where he discusses his latest attempt to clamp down on so-called greenwashing, in which money managers improperly market funds as ESG. He reiterated that the SEC is working on a rule that would force firms to disclose the criteria and underlying data they rely on in labeling funds ESG.
While there is work to be done in this sector of investing, there are ways to make sure you are investing in ways that meet your goals.
Carefully read all of the funds available information, including its prospectus and the most recent shareholder report. You can get this information by looking at the fund’s filings on the SEC’s EDGAR database, or directly from the fund
Understand the fees and expenses you will pay for the fund, and compare them to other investment options
Be sure that the fund’s investment strategy is consistent with your goals
Ask questions if you are ever unsure