How does classification work?
Independent classification is a means of showing how Robeco funds score on important aspects of responsible investing in terms of our own targets in this area and in comparison with third-party products.
Why classify?
Robeco wishes to be transparent and to reveal the instruments we use within the scope of our responsible-investing policy. Another aim is to use classification to enable comparison with funds offered by other providers.
Is there a relationship between classification and return?
Robeco believes investment funds that invest responsibly and make structural efforts to integrate ESG factors into their investment policy will in the long run have a better risk/return ratio than funds that do this less or not at all.
What are the elements concerned?
Robeco asked an independent institute to examine its funds in the light of four elements of responsible investing:
- Integration of ESG factors;
- Active ownership;
- Sustainability;
- Exclusion policy.
Why these elements?
The four selected elements reflect the principal differences between funds engaged in responsible investing, and represent criteria widely used in this sector.
Which Robeco funds have not been examined?
Index funds and structured products (e.g. those with a Transtrend program) have not been classified.
