We are pioneers in social investing. It has not been easy to measure social metrics like meaning and joy, societal stability or equality and human rights.
Introducing the Invesco Social Progress Fund
We invest in companies that are focused on social progress. We consider the impact of a company’s actions and measure “socialness” through the entire value chain.
Social impact investment opportunities
Social factors contribute to a volatile world, threatening financial stability and society. Opportunities exist for those companies that are willing to address the key socio-economic risks around us.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015, are helping to address these types of global challenges to create a better society.
Companies which align their objectives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can improve people’s lives and contribute to building a long-term sustainable economy.
If companies align their business models with the UN SDGs, it could unlock US$12 trillion in economic opportunities and create 380 million jobs by 2030.¹
Our competitive advantage
But for companies that have goods and services aligned with the UN SDGs it’s possible to demonstrate they are making positive contributions to society.
With advancements in technology, systematic investing is best placed to incorporate techniques like machine learning and alternative data analysis.
By complementing traditional financial data with alternative data, we gain valuable insights into a company’s social characteristics.
What is the investment philosophy and approach of the Social Progress Fund?
We exclude companies with controversial business involvements and emphasise companies that make positive contributions with the UN SDGs. Our portfolio construction delivers a high social impact while aiming to meet investors’ financial objectives.
We are actively managed and do not track an index. We aim to achieve long-term capital growth and generate positive social impact.
Our fund is an SFDR Article 9 fund classification, with a focus on UN SDG’s. We integrate an environmental, social and governance (ESG) approach, with a spotlight on social objectives.
Access the Invesco Social Progress Fund product page to view KIDs/KIIDs and factsheets.
The investment concerns the acquisition of units in an actively managed fund and not in a given underlying asset.
Investment risks
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For complete information on risks, refer to the legal documents. The value of investments and any income will fluctuate (this may partly be the result of exchange-rate fluctuations) and investors may not get back the full amount invested. The lack of common standards may result in different approaches to setting and achieving ESG objectives. In addition, the respect of the ESG criteria may cause the Fund to forego certain investment opportunities.
Meet the team
Tim Herzig, Erhard Radatz and Manuela von Ditfurth co-manage the portfolio out of Frankfurt. The team has more than 30 years experience in managing responsible equity strategies.
Fund facts
The fund invests in companies that help address social needs while building economic growth.
> 30 years
of ESG investing
> USD 8bn
In team ESG AuM
> 70
Team members
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FAQ
The UN SDGs serve as a great tool to measure impact considering that it is the globally agreed framework for positive change.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) set up in 2015 seek to build a better society and a healthier environment by addressing some of the key issues faced by the world right now. The list of 17 goals can be divided into five critical areas of importance: people, prosperity, planet, partnership and peace.
The ’S’ in ESG represents social factors. This includes worker rights, health and safety standards, gender equality and pay equity – issues that can have a negative impact on society.
The ‘S’ is important, as it’s the cooperation within society that gives us the ability to enhance our life, prosper and survive.
Social investing is an investment in a company that has a positive social impact. The goal of socially responsible investing is both social impact and financial gain.
But just because an investment is socially responsible doesn’t mean it’s a good return. An investor must also analyse a company’s financial returns to see if it is worth investing in.
Issues arising from social factors not only impact society, but also threaten our global financial stability.
For example, high unemployment can lead to a drop in consumer spending. Widespread poverty can increase robberies and violence in cities as people do what they can to survive.
Social progress improves people’s lives. By identifying the risks to economies and investing in social progress we can create a more sustainable and fairer world.
You can invest in the Social Progress Fund by investing in actively managed mutual funds. Invesco offers a broad range of actively managed funds and ETFs.
Footnotes
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1 Business and Sustainable Development Commission, January, 2017.
