Desjardins launches two RI Exchange Traded Funds

MONTREAL, March 7, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. (DGAM), acting as manager and portfolio advisor of the Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), announces the launch of two exchange traded funds adhering to a responsible investment policy. Each of the Desjardins ETFs listed in the table below has closed the initial offering of units, and those units will begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) today.

The Desjardins RI Emerging Markets Multifactor Low CO₂ ETF (DFRE) complements the range of ETFs designed to significantly reduce carbon intensity relative to traditional equity indices. As for the Desjardins RI Global Multifactor Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (DRFG), it gives investors a rare opportunity to invest with zero exposure to the traditional energy sector (coal, gas, oil).

"We are pleased to offer our investors attractive growth potential while supporting the transition to a greener economy", explains Nicolas Richard, Chief Executive Officer of DGAM.

Here is a list of the six Desjardins ETFs that will commence trading on the TSX today, as well as their corresponding ticker symbols and management fees:

¹The annual management fees are based on a percentage of the net asset value of the corresponding Desjardins ETF, and are calculated daily and payable monthly in arrears, plus applicable taxes.

Desjardins RI Emerging Markets Multifactor - Low CO₂ ETF (Ticker TSX: DRFE) The Fund seeks to replicate, to the extent reasonably possible and before fees and expenses, the performance of an emerging markets index that employs a multifactor approach. Currently, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Scientific Beta Desjardins Emerging RI Low Carbon Multifactor Index, net of fees and expenses. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will primarily invest in large and mid-cap companies from the Scientific Beta Emerging Markets Universe while seeking to deliver a significant reduction in the weighted average carbon intensity of the Fund's portfolio relative to the cap-weighted Index of the Scientific Beta Emerging Markets Universe and ensuring that all Constituent Issuers meet Pre-Determined ESG Standards.

Desjardins RI Global Multifactor - Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (Ticker TSX: DRFG) The Fund seeks to replicate, to the extent reasonably possible and before fees and expenses, the performance of a global markets index that employs a multifactor approach. Currently, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Scientific Beta Desjardins Global RI Fossil Fuel Reserves Free Multifactor Index, net of fees and expenses. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will primarily invest in large and mid-cap companies from the Scientific Beta Global Markets Universe while delivering a significant reduction in the Carbon Asset Stranding Risk Exposure of the Fund's portfolio relative to the cap-weighted Index of the Scientific Beta Global Markets Universe and ensuring that all Constituent Issuers meet Pre-Determined ESG Standards.

To obtain additional information about the Desjardins ETFs, visit the manager's website at www.desjardinsETF.com.

About Desjardins Group
Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and the fifth largest in the world, with assets of $295.5 billion. It has been rated one of Canada's Top 100 Employers by Mediacorp. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Ranked among the World's Strongest Banks according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry.

The Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds are not guaranteed, their value fluctuates frequently and their past performance is not indicative of their future returns. Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in exchange traded funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc.  is the manager and portfolio manager of the Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds. The Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds are offered by registered dealers.

Index Disclaimers

The Indices referenced herein are the property of EDHEC Risk Institute Asia Ltd. ("ERIA") and have been licensed for use in connection with the Desjardins Index ETFs within the framework of the Scientific Beta business. The Desjardins Index ETFs that replicate fully or partially the Indices are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by ERIA. ERIA shall not have any liability with respect thereto.

SOURCE Desjardins Group