The latest developments in areas such as ESG investing and impact investment.

Fidelity International
This week, Fidelity International announced that it intends to “Sustainability Focus” the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) label for three funds within its UK domiciled equity fund range. 

The funds affected have a total of £865 million ($1.091 billion) in assets (as of 31 September). They are Fidelity Sustainable UK Equity Fund, Fidelity Sustainable Global Equity Fund and Fidelity Sustainable European Equity Fund. 

Fidelity said 70 per cent or more of the gross assets will invest in assets that contribute to environmental and social outcomes.

Since 31 July 2024, the Financial Conduct Authority has introduced four labels to help UK consumers navigate the investment product landscape and enhance consumer trust – these are “Sustainability Mixed Goals,” “Sustainability Improvers,” “Sustainability Impact” and “Sustainability Focus.” Sustainability Focus products aim to invest in assets that are environmentally and/or socially sustainable, determined by using a “robust, evidence-based standard that is an absolute measure of sustainability.”

The fund management house said it is also reviewing opportunities to adopt other SDR labels within its fund range.