Two new ETFs for Canadian investors

Article Excerpt

This month we look at two new “sustainable investment” ETFs launched by Wealthsimple. Toronto-based Wealthsimple is primarily a robo-advisor—an online, low-fee financial planner providing investors with portfolios of ETFs. WEALTHSIMPLE NORTH AMERICAN SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE ETF $28.09 (Toronto symbol WSRI) invests in North American companies that the fund’s managers see as adhering to commonly held social and environmental values. The fund tracks the Solactive North American Socially Responsible Index. The index excludes companies involved in human rights violations, major controversies, or contentious industries including fossil fuels, gambling, tobacco, weapons, and alcohol. Firms with low gender diversity on their boards and those working within high carbon intensity industries are also excluded. A large 75% of the fund’s assets are in U.S. companies, with 25% in Canada. Top stock holdings include Hydro One (4.9%), Agnico-Eagle Mines (4.5%), Vulcan Materials (4.0%), Cameco (3.2%), and DR Horton (2.8%). The ETF launched in June 2020 and charges a low 0.20% management fee. It has gathered $242 million in assets…