The fund seeks capital appreciation in the long term by investing in companies across any size outside the United States.
The sub-adviser’s investment process starts with a list of companies in the benchmark index and the research team utilizes quantitative techniques and fundamental analysis to identify investment opportunities.
Next, the research team invests in securities of both U.S. and non-U.S. companies, including emerging market securities.
As part of the team's analysis of a company's sustainability, the team considers environmental, social and governance factors relating to the company.
Then the team evaluates and rates the securities in the investment universe on the basis of their ESG characteristics.
The team believes that investing in companies that have a track record of managing ESG risks can generate competitive financial returns over the long-term and positive societal impact.
The research process is driven by fundamental analysis of one stock at a time. In selecting securities for the portfolio, the research team focuses on companies that exhibit growth characteristics.
Next, the team narrows the investable universe by screening out issuers generating revenue from sectors such as tobacco, thermal coal, alcohol, gambling and weapons.
With respect to ESG factors, the team invests significantly in stocks rated as best-in-class (i.e. top 30%) and avoids stocks rated worst-in-class (i.e. bottom 30%).
Then the manager constructs a portfolio of stocks from a list of companies favored by the research team and allocates capital based on its conviction level.
The manager diversifies the fund’s investments across geographic regions and economic sectors.
The portfolio typically holds approximately 40 to 60 stocks.
Also, the fund will invest at least 40% of its net assets in non-U.S. securities.
The fund may also invest in depository receipts such as Global Depositary Receipts.