Candriam has launched a new market neutral equities fund that includes ESG criteria.

The Candriam Equities L ESG Market Neutral Fund uses a proprietary ESG model to evaluate a company’s ESG credentials. Candriam says the portfolio employs a strategy of long positions in companies that it recognises as leaders in sustainability with solid financials and strong ESG records. It takes short positions in those companies identified as less sustainable, with weak financial fundamentals and ESG criteria.

The fund is managed by Bart Goosens, global head of quantitative equity and Dave Benichou, deputy head of quantitative equity.

Steeve Brument, global head of alternative investments at Candriam, said, “Building on our long-standing tradition of innovation in investment strategies, we have further strengthened our commitment to enhancing our broader alternatives offering. By combining our differentiated ESG process with the extensive expertise of our Quantitative Equity team, we provide our clients with access to unique solutions that seeks to offer an attractive risk-return profile, whilst supporting meaningful social and environmental change. We are confident that the appetite for both alternative strategies and ESG-aligned solutions will continue to grow, and this launch further represents the next step in our efforts to further embed ESG integration within our alternatives solutions.”

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