This fund has relatively low exposure to ESG risk compared with its peers in the Energy Sector Equity category, earning it the second highest Morningstar Sustainability Rating of 4 globes. ESG risk provides investors with a signal that reflects to what degree their investments are exposed to risks related to material ESG issues, including climate change, biodiversity, product safety, community relations, data privacy and security, bribery and corruption, and corporate governance, that are not sufficiently managed. ESG risk differs from impact, which is about seeking positive environmental and social outcomes.
Goldman Sachs Bloomberg Cln Enrgy Eq ETF has a sustainability or ESG-focused mandate. Funds with an ESG-focused mandate are more likely to align with the expectations of an investor who cares about sustainability issues. Goldman Sachs Bloomberg Cln Enrgy Eq ETF has an asset-weighted Carbon Risk Score of 9.1, indicating that its companies have low exposure to carbon-related risks. These are risks associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy such as increased regulation, changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and stranded assets. The fund's 61.3% involvement in carbon solutions is not only high in absolute terms, but also surpasses the 6.4% average involvement of its peers in the Equity Energy category. Carbon solutions include products and services related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, green transportation, and so on.
Currently, the fund has 57.4% involvement in fossil fuels. It is considered high in absolute terms, albeit comparing favorably with 88.6% for its average category peer. Companies are considered involved in fossil fuels if they derive some revenue from thermal coal, oil, and gas.
The fund exhibits moderate exposure (2.27%) to companies with high or severe controversies. Controversies are incidents that have a negative impact on stakeholders or the environment, which create some degree of financial risk for the company. Examples of types of controversies include bribery and corruption scandals, workplace discrimination and environmental incidents. Severe and high controversies can have significant financial repercussions, ranging from legal penalties to consumer boycotts. Such controversies can also damage the reputation of both companies themselves and their shareholders.
United States