The proposed BNY Mellon ETF will invest in companies that help improve the quality of life for women.

BNY Mellon (NYSE: BK), a leading investment management company, has announced plans to launch an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests in companies supporting women’s empowerment. The BNY Mellon Women’s Empowerment ETF will focus on investing in companies that aim to improve women’s quality of life, with a particular focus on gender equity in the workplace and products or services that enhance women’s productivity.

An underlying premise for the fund is that more diverse companies may outperform less diverse counterparts. (ESG Clarity)

The fund will be managed by BNY Mellon’s subsidiary, Newton Investment Management North America, which will use both qualitative and quantitative metrics to screen potential investments. Companies that demonstrate a commitment to gender equality, have a diverse organizational structure that includes women, and offer benefits such as paid family leave and flexible work arrangements will be given a score by Newton. The top-scoring companies will then be selected for further consideration.

The fund will invest in companies with sound financial fundamentals, according to the regulatory filing. The portfolio managers for the fund will be Julianne McHugh, Newton’s head of sustainable equities, and senior portfolio manager Karen Behr.

“Subject to its assessment of a company’s financial attributes … NIMNA utilizes fundamental research and analysis to select investments for the fund that NIMNA believes possess a favorable combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics relating to the empowerment of women,” the BNY Mellon filing said.

The BNY Mellon Women’s Empowerment ETF is part of a growing trend in socially responsible investing, which seeks to invest in companies that align with investors’ values and beliefs. Gender equality has become an important issue for many investors, who are looking to use their investments to promote positive social change.

The filing did not disclose the expense ratio for the ETF. However, the fund is expected to attract investors looking to invest in companies that support women’s empowerment and gender equality, particularly those who value socially responsible investing.

Related Story:  Hypatia Announces New ETF Focusing On Companies Led By Women

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash