Brian Croce of Pensions & Investments recently reported on a new ISS study. As reported, the study establishes a link between a high/favorable ISS ESG rating and profitability. Similarly, companies with higher ESG ratings are less volatile. The Department of Labor, rather rightly, in Field Assistance Bulletin 2018-01, cautioned fiduciaries against making too many assumptions or wishful thinking in establishing a nexus between an ESG risk factor and investment performance. The ISS study is worthwhile because it helps build a case for fiduciaries that use integration as an ESG strategy. As a reminder, integration is when one “incorporates ESG-related data and/or information in respect of an ESG factor into the usual process when making an investment decision where such data or information is material to investment performance and where the exclusive purpose is to enhance portfolio return or reduce portfolio risk.” See this glossary for more information and context.
