Horizons ETFs Launches Global Sustainability Leaders Index ETF

ETF provides access to 100 global climate change leaders in one trade

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Horizons ETFs Management (Canada) Inc. ("Horizons ETFs") has launched the Horizons Global Sustainability Leaders Index ETF ("ETHI"). Units of the exchange traded fund (the "ETF") will begin trading today on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the ticker symbol ETHI.

ETHI is Horizons ETFs' first Socially Responsible Investing ("SRI") -themed fund. ETHI seeks to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the Nasdaq Future Global Sustainability Leaders Index (the "Index"), net of expenses. ETHI gives investors the opportunity to access a genuinely low-carbon-footprint and SRI-screened passive global investment portfolio.

ETHI will provide exposure to 100 of the world's largest companies (by market capitalization) that have demonstrated a core commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices.

Using a rigorous methodology, the Index screens for qualifying equities based on the following factors:

1. Companies must not be engaged in activities considered inconsistent with SRI principles, including fossil fuel production, armaments, tobacco, gambling, animal cruelty and more;
2. Companies must either have a carbon impact at least 60% lower than their industry's average or be engaged in activities that can help reduce carbon use by other industries, and;
3. Companies are selected from developed markets and must meet market cap and liquidity requirements.

"There are more and more ethically conscious Canadians now looking to 'put their money where their mouth is' – aligning their investments with a belief in a better future for our planet," said Steve Hawkins, President and CEO of Horizons ETFs. "We believe ETHI provides a good balance between buying 100 of the world's largest and most successful companies that have also demonstrated a key commitment to ethical and environmentally sustainable business practices. We're proud to introduce our first responsible investing product aimed at mitigating climate change and to empower Canadians to invest according to their principles."

Horizons ETFs recently became a member of the Responsible Investment Association (the "RIA"), Canada's leading organization in the ethical investing space. The RIA works to equip investors, advisors and financial services companies with the knowledge, tools and advocacy required to promote responsible investing practices.

According to the RIA, responsible investments total approximately $2.1 trillion in Canada, as at December 31, 2017 – about 51% of the entire Canadian investment industry.

"We congratulate Horizons ETFs on the launch of the Horizons Global Sustainability Leaders Index ETF," said Dustyn Lanz, CEO of the Responsible Investment Association. "We applaud them for moving into the responsible investing space. This new product will help Horizons ETFs serve the growing investor demand for responsible investment solutions." 

ETHI has closed its initial offering of units and will begin trading today on the TSX. For more information, visit www.HorizonsETFs.com/ETHI.

About Horizons ETFs Management (Canada) Inc. (www.HorizonsETFs.com)

Horizons ETFs Management (Canada) Inc. is an innovative financial services company and offers one of the largest suites of exchange traded funds in Canada. The Horizons ETFs product family includes a broadly diversified range of solutions for investors of all experience levels to meet their investment objectives in a variety of market conditions. Horizons ETFs has more than $11 billion of assets under management and 84 ETFs listed on major Canadian stock exchanges. Horizons ETFs Management (Canada) Inc. is a member of the Mirae Asset Global Investments Group.

SOURCE Horizons ETFs Management (Canada) Inc.