AXA IM’s Rosenberg Equities to integrate ESG into all portfolios

AXA Investment Management’s Rosenberg Equities has announced that it is committed to integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into all its equity portfolios by the end of 2017.

The news came as it revealed the appointment of Kathryn MacDonald as head of sustainable investing, on July 12, 2017. Kathleen Houssels, global CIO at AXA IM Rosenberg Equities, commented: “From a primarily economic perspective, we see ESG data as a natural complement to the traditional financial statement information that form the backbone of views on companies. Our research shows that ESG factors can be an incremental source of value add and risk reduction. ESG is naturally long-term and therefore fits well with our fundamental investment philosophy.”

The fund added that is sees ESG values as being on the correct side of a global mega-trend, as investors, companies, regulators and governments seek to reduce climate change risks and avoid environmental damage. “We believe the winners of the future will be well-run companies that successfully adapt to tomorrow’s challenges. We are confident that Kathryn’s expertise in the subject matter and our close working partnership with AXA IM’s Responsible Investment team will help us to successfully reach our ESG ambitions,” said Heidi Ridley, CEO of AXA IM Rosenberg Equities. MacDonald added: “I am convinced that Rosenberg’s commitment to expanding its use of ESG information in our investment process will allow us to truly speak to the evolving needs of investors and I’m excited to play a central role in making this happen.”