iShares ESG USA ETF Announces CAD 0.0888 Dividend Payment

The iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Index ETF has declared a CAD 0.0888 dividend. The dividend is payable on March 31, for shareholders of record on March 26, and ex-dividend on March 26.

The iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Index ETF (Ticker: ESGU), a leading exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, has announced a dividend of CAD 0.0888 per share [1]. This dividend is payable on March 31, 2023, to shareholders of record as of March 26, 2023. The ex-dividend date is March 26, 2023 [2].

ESGU is part of the growing trend of ETFs that incorporate ESG factors into their investment strategies. These funds aim to provide investors with exposure to companies that exhibit strong ESG performance, aligning with the increasing demand for sustainable investing [1].

As of March 23, 2023, ESGU had net assets of approximately CAD 1.6 billion and an expense ratio of 0.20% [1]. The ETF tracks the MSCI USA ESG Focus Index, which is designed to reflect the performance of companies in the United States that demonstrate strong ESG practices [1].

The MSCI USA ESG Focus Index is constructed using a combination of ESG criteria and a variety of other factors, such as financial performance and market capitalization [3]. Companies are assigned ESG ratings based on their performance in areas such as carbon emissions, labor practices, and governance structure [3]. The index then uses these ratings to select the most sustainable companies within each industry sector [3].

Investors interested in sustainable investing may find ESGU an attractive option due to its focus on ESG factors and its dividend payments. However, as with any investment, it's essential to consider the potential risks and rewards and to conduct thorough research before making a decision [1].

References:

[1] iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Index ETF. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.blackrock.com/ca/investors/en/products/307300/ishares-esg-aware-msci-usa-index-etf

[2] iShares MSCI USA ESG Optimized ETF. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.ishares.com/us/products/286007/ishares-msci-usa-esg-optimized-etf-fund

[3] MSCI USA ESG Focus Index. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.msci.com/en/products/equity/eq-universe-indices/msci-usa-esg-focus-index