Socially Responsible Investing
Combining Values With Competitive Returns
Our approach to sustainable and socially responsible investing features two distinct but integral disciplines: a rigorous review of valuation fundamentals, plus a thorough assessment of environmental and social performance. This is how we combine competitive returns with our clients' social and environmental values.
Commitment & Expertise
Genus has a long history of commitment to sustainable and socially responsible investing. We have managed SRI mandates for more than 15 years and we consider this an area of distinct expertise.
Clients can choose from Canadian Equity, Global Equity and Bonds under the banner of our Biosphere Plus portfolios. These portfolios were launched in 2000 to meet the investment needs of the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and prospective clients who share similar ideals.
Our expertise is available through both pooled (minimum account size: $1-million) and segregated (minimum account size: $10-million) accounts for those clients who require customized screens to meet their unique requirements.
Investment Approach
Our screened portfolios use the same investment approach as our traditional mandates, but also formally integrate environmental, social and governance factors to screen out companies that do not meet our social and environmental criteria.
The list of eligible securities for the SRI portfolios is different than that of our traditional portfolios, but careful attention to risk management ensures that we do not have concentrated positions as a result of the smaller selection universe and that portfolios are adequately diversified across sectors and industries.
Emphasis on Sustainability
Our Biosphere Plus environmental and social screens reflect the United Nations' Educational and Scientific Organization's Man and the Biosphere guidelines. These guidelines emphasize conservation, along with sustainable development and support for research and training. Our screens account for many of the more popular social and environmental concerns.
Research Partners
Our social and environmental screening is conducted by Jantzi-Sustainalytics and is based on best-of-sector analysis. This approach evaluates companies in relation to their industry counterparts and recognizes that the goal is not perfection, but rather the best practices in the given industry.
Industries which are associated with significant environmental and social impact such as tobacco, weapons manufacturing, nuclear energy and oil production from oil sands, are automatically excluded from our SRI selection universe. We maintain diversification with exposure to all sectors of the economy. In addition, this strategy is consistent with the underlying goal of encouraging positive corporate change.
Genus has been associated with Jantzi-Sustainalytics since 1994 when we became one of their first clients.
Key Features & Benefits
► Proven expertise in sustainable and socially responsible investing
► Focus on fundamentals, plus environmental and social performance
► Superior equity and fixed management by leading money managers
► Competitive fees, first class client service, administration and reporting
Contact Us to Learn More
Call Christy McLeod at 1-800-668-7366 or email info@genuscap.com to learn more about our socially responsible investment options.
VIDEO COMMENTARY
Genus CEO and Chief Investment Officer, Wayne Wachell, and Director of Wealth Management, Leslie G. Cliff, discuss the economy, current opportunities, and events impacting the financial markets.
GENUS COMMENTARY
NO DOUBLE DIP
Equity markets needed to correct from last year’s stimulus-induced highs, but their moves down in the second quarter were overdone as investors succumbed to exaggerated fears of a double-dip recession. Despite the tough economic landscape, the odds of a double-dip are zero.
Read on...