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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
From Greenwashing to Greenhushing: The Rise of ‘Anti-ESG' ETFs
ETFs claiming to shun companies that prioritize environmental, social and governance principles are on the rise. But how different are these strategies from other funds? While the number of so-called 'anti-ESG' ETFs has risen steadily in recent years, with the most recent fund launching just last month, sometimes the difference between them and vehicles that selected financial products without regard to ESG practices is more in the marketing materials than the investment choices. '[Managers] were saying they were going to invest in companies that were not focused on ESG, or they were going to invest and not take into account ESG,' said Hal Lambert, founder of Point Bridge, which launched one of the first overtly conservative funds in 2017. 'But that's how a lot of people invest already.' Analyzing the burgeoning 'anti-woke' market is made even more difficult by the lack of clear standards to define ESG and diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, practices. Used as finance-industry shorthand for what some investors consider liberal ideologies, the terms' meanings vary based on the person or organization employing them. READ ALSO: Like Active Management? Odds of Outperformance Are Slim and Liquid Staking Crypto Isn't a Securities Issue, SEC Says ESG-y Does It The Point Bridge America First ETF (MAGA), which is classified as an anti-ESG fund by Morningstar, launched in 2017 to track companies with PACs supporting Republican candidates. Although the fund did better under President Joe Biden than during President Donald Trump's first term, Lambert said that it's doing 'extremely well' compared to an equally weighted S&P 500. 'I did this because people were out protesting companies. They were upset at Disney, Nike, Target,' he said. 'I'm looking at this going, 'You don't realize you own those stocks in your mutual funds and your 401(k) funds.'' The most recent addition to the landscape is the Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF, launched last month by James Fishback, an adviser to the Department of Government Efficiency, established earlier this year under President Trump. Fishback said the fund was meant to invest only in firms that don't take gender or race into account when hiring, responding to the anti-DEI backlash that swept through American industry at the start of the second Trump era. Other funds capitalizing on it include: The God Bless America ETF (YALL), launched in 2022, which attempts to avoid investing in companies that engage in DEI initiatives or that fund 'radical social movements,' per the fund's website. The Constrained Capital ESG Orphans ETF (ORFN), also launched in 2022, which tracks companies typically left out of ESG-focused portfolios. The American Conservative Values ETF (ACVF), launched in 2020, which tracks US companies with perceived conservative values. Some funds that label themselves anti-ESG, however, can't really keep the promises they make, Lambert says. Removing companies that prioritize DEI from a fund's holdings, for example, is easier today as more and more companies revoke their DEI policies. Other strategies tend to either ignore certain sectors at the expense of higher returns or track the S&P 500 while charging comparatively high fees. (MAGA's expense ratio is 0.72%.) Still, some of these funds continue to pique investor interest, with Strive's US Energy ETF (DRLL), which tracks the energy sector but is heavily weighted toward oil and natural gas, and the Inspire 100 ETF (BIBL), which invests in what it calls 'biblically aligned' large-caps, each having assets over $300 million. A-Woke, My Love! The retreat from ESG was illustrated last year when only 1% of shareholder resolutions supporting ESG practices across 70 of the largest asset managers received majority support, compared with almost a quarter in 2021. Critics get ESG wrong, however, when they assume it's a matter of 'woke investing' as opposed to due diligence, said Peter Krull, partner at Earth Equity Advisors. ESG investing isn't just about making an impact, but about whether a company's strategy is viable in the long term, he said. A coastal operation in Florida, for example, is susceptible to hurricanes in a way that a midwestern company isn't. Investors are still putting their money in sustainable companies without advertising it, he added, a practice known as 'greenhushing.' 'They understand the importance of actually moving beyond the fundamentals, beyond a P/E ratio, or a company's growth rate, or debt levels,' Krull said. 'It's looking to see what other risks aren't being addressed in fundamentals or traditional equity research that can give a leg up over somebody else.' Research suggests greenhushing may not be as effective as it seems, since some businesses weren't invested in sustainable causes in the first place. Rather, they've simply stopped claiming to be engaging in sustainable operations. Companies like Nestlé and Nike dropped their 'previously unsubstantiated' commitments to carbon neutrality, according to an analysis from the nonprofit NewClimate Institute. A lack of standardization also precludes any true clarity about what is pro- or anti-ESG. Ratings on the research site Sustainalytics, for example, are going to differ from those on MSCI or another platform. Krull said his firm is tasked with deciding how they're 'going to tell the story in a way that people will pick up the phone or send us an email and say, 'Hey, we want to work with you guys' … Just saying we do ESG doesn't honestly tell a damn thing.' In These Polarized Times Launching anti-ESG and anti-woke ETFs is simply the latest attempt by firms and asset managers to take advantage of an increasingly politically charged environment, said Maggie Kulyk, founder of Chicory Wealth, which focuses on socially responsible investing. 'If there are firms that dabbled in trying to offer some product that had ESG slapped on it, but weren't very serious about it to begin with and are now exiting — fine,' Kulyk said. 'You weren't really committed to the thing to begin with.' The labels have become more extreme, but the underlying holdings mostly stay the same, she said. 'You've got a fund that includes things like controversial weapons and civilian firearms and tobacco, for example, but [it] still has 82% of its holdings with at least a 30% female board representation,' Kulyk said. 'If you're really anti-woke, why don't you get those out of there?' Krull predicts that investments in overtly ideological funds will continue to ramp up as political polarization drives investor decision-making. He said his firm, which also focuses on socially responsible investing, saw its AUM go up faster during Trump's first term than it did during Obama's time in office because of people who felt politically powerless trying to make a difference through sustainable investing. The same thing happened this time around, he added: 'I wouldn't be surprised if you saw … a divergence of these two philosophies.' This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive exclusive news and analysis of the rapidly evolving ETF landscape, built for advisors and capital allocators, subscribe to our free ETF Upside newsletter. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Belfast Telegraph
09-08-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Warrenpoint mark Championship return in style while Annagh, Ards and Welders recording opening day victories
Warrenpoint Town marked their return to the Playr-Fit Championship with an impressive 3-1 win over Dundela at Milltown. In 2023 the Point were demoted from the second tier after they were denied a Championship Licence. The County Down won the Premier Intermediate League title last term, to secure promotion.
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IKEA launches small format store in Harlow, Essex
IKEA has inaugurated its first small format store in Harlow, Essex, as part of its ongoing expansion in the UK. The new location aims to provide a quicker and simpler shopping experience. The Harlow store features a compact layout that allows shoppers to view various room setups and purchase a selection of furnishings and smaller items for immediate use. It includes a curated showroom, seasonal product offerings and access to IKEA's extensive inventory, which can be delivered to customers' homes or picked up from the store with next-day collection at no additional cost. Other services available at the store include the option to trade in pre-owned items for store credit and assistance with planning kitchen and bedroom layouts, supported by a team of staff members. The store also offers a range of Swedish food options for customers to enjoy on-site or take away. The company plans two more small stores in Norwich and Chester in the second half of 2025. It is also set to launch additional Plan and Order Points in Dundee and York, and a new city store in Brighton. This follows the recent openings of IKEA Plan and Order Point Hull and a city centre store on Oxford Street in London in early 2025. IKEA UK and Ireland chief strategy officer and CEO Peter Jelkeby stated: 'The opening of IKEA Harlow marks an exciting milestone as we explore new ways to bring IKEA closer to our customers. We are opening our doors just over 100 days after acquiring the lease to the site, having made use of the existing structure to get our store ready at pace. 'By continuously reviewing and adapting our store formats, we aim to offer a more personalised and accessible retail experience. These new small-format stores fit seamlessly into our wider omnichannel strategy, ensuring our physical and digital channels work together to meet the diverse needs of our customers. 'We're thrilled that customers in the Harlow area can now conveniently drop into our retail park store – whether they're looking for home furnishing inspiration, expert planning services, or our iconic meatballs – and we look forward to bringing this new offering to Norwich and Chester very soon.' "IKEA launches small format store in Harlow, Essex" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
IKEA opens largest store outside of Dublin with major change for shoppers & first of its kind experience
IKEA has opened its largest store outside of the capital - with a first of its kind experience for Irish shoppers. The Swedish company's seventh Plan and Order Point is located in 3 IKEA has opened a new store in Waterford today Credit: IKEA 3 First customer Liam Byrne from the local area received a special gift to mark the occasion from IKEA Ireland Marketing Manager Deborah Anderson Credit: IKEA 3 It's IKEA's seventh Plan and Order store Credit: IKEA This new 840m² location is designed to "offer unparalleled convenience and choice". It is over eight times larger than all other existing Plan and Order Points in Ireland, which typically range from 70-100 m². IKEA bosses said: "The store's significant size allows for a more expansive and immersive customer experience, showcasing a selection of inspirational and affordable kitchen ideas, alongside a comprehensive appliance studio. "While retaining its core focus on bespoke kitchen, wardrobe, and living room storage planning, the Waterford Plan and Order Point uniquely features 100 READ MORE IN MONEY Additionally, the store provides a convenient Click & Collect service for any IKEA item ordered online, and serves as an in-store returns location. And in a major change for shoppers, the new location operates on a cashless basis, accepting card and digital payments only. DESIGN DREAM HOMES And the new store will employ 15 new colleagues from the Waterford area who will help customers design their dream homes. Among these, five are dedicated IKEA design specialists who will provide expert home furnishing advice, guiding customers through the design, delivery, and installation of their ideal spaces. Most read in Money Customers can book an appointment at , or drop in to the store, to start their design with one of the five IKEA design specialists. Market Manager at IKEA Ireland, Jayne Owen Gauld said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to officially open our new IKEA Plan and Order Point here in Waterford. "This represents a pivotal moment in our mission to make IKEA more accessible and convenient for everyone across Ireland. "Waterford is a truly vibrant city, and we are confident that this new format, with its dedicated planning expertise, immediate product availability, and seamless Click & Collect service, will perfectly cater to the needs of this wonderful community and the entire Southeast. "We are excited to become a valuable and active member of the Waterford community." 'EXPANSIVE PLANS' The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Séamus Ryan, welcomed the new store and said it will be "well used" by locals. He said: "Today marks the beginning of IKEA's expansive plans across Ireland and we are delighted that Waterford is the location that has been chosen for the largest IKEA store outside of "As a city committed to innovation and sustainable growth, we are pleased to see IKEA bringing their global reputation for accessible and modern living solutions to Waterford. "We wish IKEA Waterford every success in the months and years ahead. "I have no doubt this new Plan and Order Point will be well used by the citizens of Waterford." And Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Health Minister, Mary Butler said: 'The fact that such a renowned and reputable multinational company such as IKEA has chosen our county to expand its Irish footprint is a huge vote of confidence in the economic robustness of Waterford City and the south-east region.'
Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
New grading policy for matric, inter deferred
No complaints were received on the first day of the Board Secondary Education Karachi annual examinations 2016, where 100 per cent of the students scheduled to sit for the exams attended. PHOTO: ONLINE The implementation of the new grading policy at the matriculation and intermediate levels across Sindh and the rest of Pakistan has been postponed for one year. As a result, the recently concluded 2025 annual examinations for Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and High School Certificate (HSC) will follow the old grading system. The Sindh Universities and Boards Dept has issued a notification referencing its earlier notification dated October 15, 2024, and the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen notification dated June 18, 2025. The new policy will now be enforced from 2026. Per the earlier policy, passing marks in all subjects were to be increased from 33% to 40% starting 2025. Results were to be issued through Grade Point (GP) and later via Grade Point Average (GPA). Under the new grading scale, an A++ grade will represent 95-100% marks and be termed Exceptional with a GPA of 5.0. An A+ (90-94%) will be Outstanding, A (85-89%) Excellent, B++ (80-84%) Very Good, and B+ (75-79%) Good. Grades B, C, D, and E will be labeled Fairly Good, Above Average, Average, and Below Average respectively. Students scoring below 40% will be considered as having failed, but the term used will be Unsatisfactory instead of Fail.
