Ethical & Sustainable Investing News to Profit By!

Best ESG funds and renewable energy stocks for 2020 from top analysts. Leading sustainable investing stories and stocks of 2019. Greenpeace ranks Chinese big tech companies for sustainability. Notable global clean energy stocks you never heard about. New IBM battery chemistry could spur a revolution in clean energy production and electric vehicle technology. And more…

PODCAST: ESG Funds, Stocks, for 2020. And More…

Transcript & Links, Episode 23, January 17, 2020

Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to podcast episode 23 for January 17, 2020, titled "ESG Funds, Stocks for 2020. And More…" presented by Investing for the Soul. investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing news, commentary, information, and resources.

Remember that you can find a full transcript, links to content – including stock symbols – and bonus material at this episodes' podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.

And, Google any terms that are unfamiliar to you.

Now to this episode.

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Let's begin with a wrap-up of 2019 from Morningstar's distinguished sustainability analyst, Jon Hale. His article is titled, 10 Sustainable Investing Stories of 2019.

His ten top stories are: The Growing Immediacy of Climate Change; The Shift Toward Stakeholder Capitalism; Proxy Voting and Shareholder Engagement Take Center Stage; Turning Back the Clock at the SEC; Interest in Sustainable Investing Continues to Rise Among Individual Investors; Flows Into U.S. Sustainable Funds More Than Tripled in 2019; A Strong Year for U.S. Sustainable Fund Performance; Many More Funds "Considering" ESG; Enhancement to Morningstar Sustainability Rating; and Impact investing.

It's well worth reading so go to the link on this episode's webpage.

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ESG Funds, Stocks (1)

Another article with a Morningstar connection is by Nancy Zambell titled Social Responsibly: Five Top-Rated ESG Funds. It's published on the Money Show site.

Ms. Zambell "looked at about 25 of the most popular SRI funds [on Morningstar], searching for the highest-rated." Here are the five ESG funds she recommends:

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ESG Funds, Stocks (2)

On a different note, has the new trade deal between the US and China sparked your interest in Chinese tech companies? Or, do you already invest in them? Either way, you'll be interested in a new report released by Greenpeace concerning their sustainability performance. You can read all about it in a Fortune article by Naomi Xu Elegant titled 'They Must Scale Up:' Greenpeace Ranks China's Tech Giants on Renewable Energy.

Ms. Xu Elegant writes that "Greenpeace collaborated with the North China Electric Power University for the report, which analyzed 15 of China's biggest cloud companies and data center operators and scored them based on their performance in renewable energy, carbon reduction, and energy efficiency." End quote.

Further, she writes that the "E-commerce giant Alibaba—China's largest company by market value—scored 60 out of a possible 100 points on the ranking. Tencent, China's second-largest publicly listed company, scored 52 on the report.

Huawei and Baidu each scored 46, while e-commerce company JD.com received just 12 points. Huawei was the only company on the list that has set a greenhouse gas emission reduction target.

Software firm Baosight Software, whose parent company is the state-owned Fortune Global 500 company Baowu Steel, made the bottom of the ranking, receiving just two points." End quote.

Incidentally, I have the link to the full report on this episode's page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.

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ESG Funds, Stocks (3)

Now back to the crucial renewable energy space where there have been several recent articles reviewing and recommending the best ESG funds, stocks, in the sector.

These Were the 5 Best Renewable Energy Stocks of 2019

The first article I want to discuss is titled These Were the 5 Best Renewable Energy Stocks of 2019. It's by Scott Levine writing on the Motley Fool site. He says the five leaders were: Brookfield Renewable Partners (up 81%); Plug Power (149%); SolarEdge Technologies (169%); Ballard Power (190%); and Enphase Energy (466%).

As for 2020, Mr. Levine says that I quote, "In general, fuel cell companies [Plug Power and Ballard Power] seem the most likely to hit bumps in the road in 2020, while Brookfield Renewable Partners, SolarEdge, and Enphase appear poised to build on their recent successes." End quote.

4 Top Solar Energy Stocks to Buy in January

The second article is titled 4 Top Solar Energy Stocks to Buy in January. By a regular on this podcast, Travis Hoium. He says to buy, yup again, Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE:BEP). Yes, this stock really has a huge following. Even more about it later in this podcast. He says Brookfield "returned 350% over the decade when you include dividends." End quote.

His second pick is another popular recommendation, SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR). About Sunpower, he writes, "What I like about SunPower's new strategy is that it will be a large, platform company in distributed solar… SunPower is also the No. 1 commercial solar developer in the U.S., a huge market that's been under-exploited thus far." End quote.

Mr. Levine's third choice is Vivint Solar (NYSE:VSLR). About Vivint, he says "The No. 2 residential solar installer in the U.S. is Vivint Solar (NYSE:VSLR), and unlike SunPower, it's the company installing solar panels on customers' roofs." End quote.

Fourthly, is First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR). Quote, "No company has been as successful in this industry as First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR). It produces thin-film solar panels that are primarily used in utility-scale solar projects." End quote.

2 Top Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy in January

The third article 2 Top Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy in January is by Neha Chamaria, also a Motley Fool contributor. Her picks are also familiar to this podcast's listeners. The first one is NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE). She writes that "Today, NextEra is the world's largest producer of wind and solar energy, thanks to its decisions to invest in them long before most other traditional utilities took the plunge." End quote.

Of her second choice, Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE: BEP), she comments that "Brookfield Renewable Partners is the perfect bet on hydroelectric power... hydropower, not solar or wind, is currently the world's largest renewable source of electricity generation." End quote.

Incidentally, Brookfield Renewable Partners is involved in a major takeover of TerraForm Power. TerraForm Power has solar and wind assets in the US and Europe. Read all about it in an article titled Brookfield powers ahead with takeover bid for TerraForm by Abigail Townsend on the ShareCast site.

Better Buy: Brookfield Infrastructure Partners vs. Brookfield Asset Management

The fourth and final renewable energy-related article I want to cover is titled Better Buy: Brookfield Infrastructure Partners vs. Brookfield Asset Management. It's by John Bromels, another analyst I often feature. He states that "Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM) [is] the parent [of] Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE:BIP)." End quote.

In summation, he writes that "With its superior yield, excellent management team, and more recession-resistant portfolio, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is going to be the better buy for most investors. However, those who are looking for an investment for a tax-advantaged account may not be able to invest. For these investors, Brookfield Asset Management is certainly an attractive option, as long as it's not a high dividend yield you're after." End quote.

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ESG Funds, Stocks (4)

More on the subject of clean energy ESG funds, stocks, are Ten Clean Energy Stocks for 2020 by Tom Konrad writing for the AltEnergy site. Many of his picks haven't been covered in this podcast before. Mr. Konrad has a great record of stock picking! He says, quoting him that, "I've been publishing lists of ten clean energy stocks that I think will do well in the year to come since 2008. With a 46 percent total return, the 2019 list has had its best year since 2009, when it managed a 57 percent return by catching the rebound off the 2008 crash." End quote. So he's worth paying attention too!

I urge you to go to his article for his reasoning behind each choice. The link is on this podcast episode's webpage. Forgive me if I don't pronounce all of their names correctly. So, here are his picks:

Covanta Holding Corp. (CVA) and Valeo SA (FR.PA, VLEEF, VLEEY); Green Plains Partners (GPP); NFI Group, Inc. (NFI.TO, NFYEF); MiX Telematics (MIXT); Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais, a.k.a Cemig (CIG); Red Eléctrica Corporación, S.A. (REE.MC, RDEIF, RDEIY); Veolia Environnement S.A. (VIE.PA, VEOEF, VEOEY); Polaris Infrastructure Inc. (PIF.TO, RAMPF); and Pattern Energy Group (PEGI).

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No more heavy metals? New IBM battery chemistry research could address mineral sourcing concerns

Finally, a heads-up on what could be a game-changer in the rechargeable battery field. It has the potential to significantly impact your renewable energy-related investments! Read all about in No more heavy metals? New IBM battery chemistry research could address mineral sourcing concerns by Heather Clancy at the GreenBiz site.

Quoting Ms. Clancy, she says that "IBM scientists in the battery laboratory… say they have created multiple prototypes of a battery that uses a cathode free of both cobalt and nickel." End quote. This could be big!

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Well, these are my top news stories and tips for ethical and sustainable investors over the past two weeks.

Again, to get all the links, stock symbols and more, or to read the transcript of this podcast and with additional information too, please go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down to this episode.

And be sure to click the like and subscribe buttons in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or wherever you download or listen to this podcast.

Also, please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. That way you can help promote not only this podcast but ethical and sustainable investing globally. So, let's help create a better world with our investments!

Contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you for listening.

Talk to you again on January 31. Bye for now.

© 2020 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul.

Hello, Ron Robins here!

Yes, my next podcast is January 17! January 3 podcast is cancelled due to lack of suitable news flow over the holidays.

My apologies for the cancellation, but I'll have exciting and rewarding news for you on January 17.

Now don't forget to take advantage of my 50% off the price of the DIY Ethical-Sustainable Investing Pays Tutorial. Just US$24.95. Go to my homepage at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and click the links there.

Wishing you a most wonderful and sustainably prosperous 2020!

Who are the US budget's renewable energy stock and ETF winners and losers? Using MSCI and proprietary methodologies Investor's Business Daily creates its best 50 ESG companies ranking. New PIMCO ESG money market fund. Innovative and only Catholic long/short mutual fund. New ethical and sustainable robo advisors. My 1-hour investor tutorial reduced in price! More

PODCAST: US Budget's Renewable Energy Winners. And More…

Transcript & Links, Episode 21, December 20, 2019

Content:

(1) US Budget's Renewable Energy Winners. And More…

(2) US Budget's Renewable Energy Winners. And More…

(3) 7 Apps for Socially Responsible Investing

(4) Conflicting ESG Ratings Are Confusing Sustainable Investors

(5) 50 Best ESG Companies: A List Of Today's Top Stocks For Environmental, Social And Governance Values

(6) PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ESG ETF

(7) Catholic Investor Long/Short Equity Fund

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Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to podcast episode 21 titled "US Budget's Renewable Energy Winners. And More…" for December 20, 2019—presented by Investing for the Soul. investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing news, commentary, information, and resources.

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Special Holiday Offer: 50% Off My On-of-a-Kind Investor Educational Tutorial!

Now, as I mentioned in my last podcast, I have a terrific holiday offer for you! It's 50% off the price of my one-of-a-kind investor educational tutorial for all, my DIY Ethical Sustainable Investing Pays tutorial!

Learn in 1-hour how to create an ethical-sustainable investment portfolio with ultra-low costs! No financial knowledge needed. Money-back guarantee. The tutorial is reduced temporarily from US$49.95 to just US$24.95 as a special for the holidays.

Take advantage of it now by going to my site investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and click the link half-way down the right-hand column.

Enroll now while the price lasts!

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Now to this episode. Remember that you can find a full transcript, live links to content, and often bonus material to these podcasts at their episodes' podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.

And, Google any terms that are unfamiliar to you.

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(1) US Budget's Renewable Energy Winners. And More…

First, a note about the recent US budget and its renewable energy winners and losers. It provides for another year the continuation of tax credits for wind power but not for solar.

It certainly isn't positive for US-based solar power companies. However, from a global perspective – and even for the US – solar power will continue to make headway.

Writing about how the new US budget affects renewable energy producers is Maxx Chatsko of the Motley Fool. He says in an article titled 2 Renewable Energy Winners and 2 Losers in the Latest Federal Budget that "The production tax credit extension could provide a lift to power generators and electric utilities such as Xcel Energy (NASDAQ:XEL), which has 2,022 megawatts of wind power capacity coming on line in 2020 and 2021." End quote.

A second winner of the budget deal Mr. Chatsko feels is the Renewable Energy Group (NASDAQ:REGI). He writes that "[It's] the nation's largest biodiesel producer… The business estimates that it will receive a $450 million windfall from renewable fuel production from the start of 2018 through the third quarter of 2019. If production volumes continue to increase in the near future, then the three-year extension could result in an additional $1 billion in total tax credits for the company." End quote.

Mr. Chatsko says the losers from the budget are small-scale solar power companies like SolarEdge Technologies (NASDAQ:SEDG) and electric vehicle producers such as Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) and General Motors (NYSE:GM).

For more details read his article.

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(2) US Budget's Renewable Energy Winners. And More…

Also, in light of the US budget deal, consider what Ben Hernandez says about three alternative power ETFs in an article titled, Investors Shouldn't Forget to Power Portfolios with Alternative Energy.

He writes that, quote, "One ETF to look at is the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (NYSEArca: LIT)... [it's] nearly nine years old [and] tracks the Solactive Global Lithium Index… One of the oldest thematic ETFs, Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF is designed to provide exposure to 'the full lithium cycle, from mining and refining the metal, through battery production,' according to Global X." End quote.

The second ETF Mr. Hernandez suggests tracks global wind power companies. He states that "Investors who want to capitalize on increasing reliance on wind as an alternative energy resource… can look at the First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (NYSEArca: FAN). The fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of an equity index called the ISE Clean Edge Global Wind EnergyTM Index… [Which] provides a benchmark for investors interested in tracking public companies throughout the world that are active in the wind energy industry." End quote.

Then for a third choice, he writes that "For investors looking for more broad-based exposure to alternative energy can give the SPDR Kensho Clean Power ETF (NYSEArca: CNRG) a look. [It] seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the total return performance of the S&P Kensho Clean Power Index, which is designed to capture companies whose products and services are driving innovation behind clean power." End quote.

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(3) 7 Apps for Socially Responsible Investing

Continuing on the subject of ethical and sustainable investing robo advisers from previous episodes, Barbara Friedberg wrote on the US News site her latest recommendations. They're in a post titled 7 Apps for Socially Responsible Investing. Her top apps are M1 Finance, Axos Invest, Ellevest, OpenInvest, SoFi Invest, Personal Capital, and Betterment.

These include several she hadn't mentioned before, which are Axos, Ellevest, OpenInvest, SoFi Invest, and Personal Capital. Go to her article to see her reviews.

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(4) Conflicting ESG Ratings Are Confusing Sustainable Investors

Now, for many of you who do your own company research, you probably wonder if the ESG scores you see are similar among the top ESG ratings' firms. Well, a study by MIT Sloan School of Management says only rarely!

The study was discussed in a Bloomberg piece by Jacqueline Poh, titled Conflicting ESG Ratings Are Confusing Sustainable Investors.

The research included company ESG raters: Asset4, KLD, RobecoSAM, Sustainalytics, and Vigeo-Eiris. However, another major rater, MSCI, was not included.

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(5) 50 Best ESG Companies: A List Of Today's Top Stocks For Environmental, Social And Governance Values

I just mentioned that MSCI's company ESG ratings were missing from the MIT study. However, coincidentally, the US publication Investor's Business Daily has recently published an article titled 50 Best ESG Companies: A List Of Today's Top Stocks For Environmental, Social And Governance Values – based on MSCI data.

Investor's Business Daily – or IBD – also has its own ratings that are applied to the MSCI scores. To understand IBD's ratings go to Scott Lehtonen's post titled How To Find And Buy The Top ESG Stocks In The Current Stock Market Rally on the IBD site.

(The above links don't work directly. Copy and paste these urls to your browser.)

https://www.investors.com/research/how-to-find-and-buy-the-top-esg-stocks-in-the-current-stock-market-rally/

https://www.investors.com/research/best-esg-companies-top-stocks-environmental-social-governance-values/

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(6) PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ESG ETF

Now, do you need to park some cash in a money market fund but would prefer one that's ESG based? Well, the following fund might be for you.

PIMCO, a leading US bond firm, has recently launched a new type of money market fund. It's called PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ESG ETF (NYSEArca: EMNT). Writing in ETFdb.com, in a post titled PIMCO Releases Active ESG ETF 'EMNT' Aaron Neuwirth says it "aims to offer higher income than traditional cash investments, with a modest increase in risk and focuses on issuers with high quality environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices." End quote.

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(7) Catholic Investor Long/Short Equity Fund

Finally, an innovative religious-values fund that's really breaking new ground! It's the Catholic Investor Long/Short Equity Fund. Quoting from a press release, "The Catholic Investor Long/Short Equity Fund is the only Catholic long/short mutual fund in the world, aimed at satisfying the needs of investors who appreciate ethical values-based investing. The Fund adheres to the investing principles outlined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)." End quote. Note though, that as a mutual fund, it's probably only available to US investors.

Don't forget you can Google any terms that might be unfamiliar to you.

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Well, these are my top news stories and tips for ethical and sustainable investors over the past two weeks.

Again, to get all the links or to read the transcript of this podcast and sometimes get additional information too, please go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down to this episode.

And be sure to click the like and subscribe buttons in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or wherever you download or listen to this podcast. Also, please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. That way you can help promote not only this podcast but ethical and sustainable investing globally. So, let's help create a better world with our investments!

Contact me if you have any questions.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Special Holiday Offer: 50% Off My On-of-a-Kind Investor Educational Tutorial!

And again, don't miss out on my terrific holiday offer for you! 50% off the price of the one-of-a-kind investor educational tutorial for all, my DIY Ethical Sustainable Investing Pays tutorial!

Temporarily reduced from US$49.95 to just US$24.95! Go now to my site investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and click the link half-way down the right-hand column.

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Talk to you again on January 3. Wishing you a most wonderful joyous and healthy holiday and happy New Year. Bye for now.

Thank you for listening.

© 2019 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul.

Big developments in new ESG ratings help for investors – from global leaders MSCI and Morningstar! What are the best renewable energy stocks with reliable dividends? A new day dawns in solar industry stocks as they rise. Will nuclear energy stocks gain traction? State Street launches ETF that screens S&P 500 for ESG exclusions. And more

PODCAST: New ESG Ratings Help for Investors. And More…

Transcript & Links, Episode 20, December 6, 2019

Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to podcast episode 20 titled New ESG Ratings Help for Investors. And More… for December 6, 2019—presented by Investing for the Soul. investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing news, commentary, information, and resources.

And, Google any terms that are unfamiliar to you.

Also, you can find a full transcript, live links to content, and often bonus material to these podcasts at their episodes' podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.

Please note that in my next podcast on December 20, I'm going to make a really special offer to you!

Now to this podcast!

New ESG Ratings Help for Investors (1)

To kick-off, I want to talk to you about some big developments on the ESG company rating's front that can greatly help you in evaluating investments.

The first is from MSCI which has developed – and made available for free to all investors – an online tool that shows their ESG ratings "[Of] 7,500 companies (13,500 issuers including subsidiaries) and more than 650,000 equity and fixed income securities globally as of October 2019" according to MSCI's website.

It's an impressive ESG company rating platform that you should really make use of.

The second and equally impressive change is the revamped Morningstar Sustainability Rating for funds. Morningstar's Jon Hale explains that "The enhanced version differs from its predecessor in three ways: First, it is focused on material ESG risk, rather than on a broader array of ESG issues, some of which may not be financially material to investors. Second, company ESG risks can now be compared across industries, rather than only within industry peer groups. And third--the new rating is simple and transparent, no longer requiring a complicated calculation." End quote.

New ESG Ratings Help for Investors (2)

By the way, material ESG risk simply means risk relevant to a company's financial performance.

The Morningstar ESG fund ratings are developed from the more granular company ESG ratings provided by one of the real pioneers and a global leader's in this space – and that is Sustainalytics.

These new ESG ratings help should provide a boon to investors!

3 Renewable-Energy Dividend Stocks to Buy Today

A frequent financial writer appearing in these podcasts recommending renewable energy stocks is Travis Hoium who publishes on the Motley Fool site. In a post titled 3 Renewable-Energy Dividend Stocks to Buy Today he describes why some renewable energy dividend-paying stocks have disappointed and then recommends a particular threesome.

He writes that "Renewable energy stocks that pay a dividend have been hit or miss for investors in the last few years. Many renewable energy asset owners haven't performed as well as expected because they lacked a pipeline of projects that would keep the dividend growing year after year, leading them to sell their businesses to large investors.

Ironically, the renewable energy asset owners that remain are in a better position than their predecessors because they have a smaller pool of competitors looking to buy projects and a project pipeline strategy that has worked for years. Today, the three renewable energy dividends that I think are still worth owning are from NextEra Energy Partners (NYSE:NEP), Hannon Armstrong (NYSE:HASI), and Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE:BEP)." End quote.

Go to his article for his reasons for these three.

3 Solar Stocks to Buy for a New Day in Solar Energy

Continuing on the renewable energy theme, Larry Ramer, an InvestorPlace contributor has some solar stock picks in his post titled 3 Solar Stocks to Buy for a New Day in Solar Energy.

Regular listeners to these podcasts will be familiar with two of his picks: JinkoSolar (NYSE:JKS) and SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR). His third choice is Daqo New Energy (NYSE:DQ).

About these stocks he says that "Solar stocks have really taken it on the chin this year, but the huge declines are totally unjustified, creating a great buying opportunity for longer-term investors. And the recovery could be underway, JunkoSolar stock has added 7% YTD, SunPower stock has added 42% and Daqo stock has added a whopping 60% after a dismal 2018.

The catalyst for the retreat of solar stocks appears to have been a decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to eliminate 'a requirement for utilities to offer long-term fixed prices for qualifying facilities.'" End quote.

However, when you read Mr. Ramer's article he makes it clear that that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's decision would only affect a small number of solar projects underway today. Hence, the market's new upward reassessment of many solar renewable energy stocks.

5 Renewable Stocks To Watch In 2020

And we have more on renewable stock recommendations from an unusual source and with some equally unusual picks. It's by Anes Alic writing on the oilprice.com site. Her article is 5 Renewable Stocks To Watch In 2020.

Ms. Alic writes about her five stocks as follows:

"1) NextEra Energy Inc. (NYSE:NEE) [as distinct from NextEra Energy Partners] is a Florida-based clean energy company and America's largest electric utility holding company by market cap. NEE is the world's largest producer of wind and solar energy.

2) Cosan S.A. (NYSE:CZZ) is a Brazil-based biofuels conglomerate with operations across South America and the U.K. Cosan has interests in the bioethanol space, among other energy projects. The company generates 940 MW of sugarcane bioethanol through its Raízen Energia arm, placing it among the leading producers of bioenergy.

3) JinkoSolar Holdings Co. (NYSE:JKS) [second time recommended in this episode] is the largest PV module manufacturer in the world, with a 12.8% slice of the market. Headquartered in Shanghai, China, the company shipped a record 11.4 GW of modules in 2018 and is on course to exceed that in the current year.

4) Vestas Wind Systems (OTCPK:VWDRY) is the world's largest wind power company, responsible for more wind turbine installations than any other company, estimated at around 68,000 turbines in 80 countries.

And,

5) MKS Instruments Inc. (NASDAQ:MKSI) While nuclear energy has been gradually falling out of favor as evidenced by shrinking investments, that does not mean that investing in the sector has stopped being profitable. One company that has been defying the odds is MKS Instruments Inc.

The company manufactures a variety of nuclear fuel processing, nuclear accelerator, and uranium conversion systems… [and] holds 600 nuclear-related patents.

In discussing the future for nuclear power Ms. Alic writes that "Nuclear power is presently classified as a sustainable energy source; however, it could become completely renewable if the uranium source changed from mined ore to seawater. Since the uranium mined from seawater is replenished continuously through a geologic process, nuclear energy would become as renewable as wind and solar." End quote.

Incidentally, some leading environmentalists advocate nuclear energy. Anyhow, I'm on the sidelines of this debate and I'll leave it to those much more knowledgeable than me to decide on that.

State Street launches ETF that screens S&P 500 for ESG exclusions

Moving away from energy, I'd like to talk about one new and unique ESG ETF and that is State Street Global Advisors' SPDR S&P 500 ESG Screened Ucits ETF. In an article titled State Street launches ETF that screens S&P 500 for ESG exclusions by Jessica Beard, she says that "The SPDR S&P 500 ESG Screened Ucits ETF will track the newly-launched S&P 500 ESG Exclusions II Index. The index methodology has been devised to exclude companies based on data from independent provider of ESG research and ratings, Sustainalytics."

End of quote, but quoting further, Ms. Beard adds that, "The exclusion-based approach eliminates exposure to controversial weapons, civilian firearms, tobacco and thermal coal, as well as companies that do not comply with the principles of the UN Global Compact." End quote.

It wasn't too long ago that most ethical and sustainable investors employed only negative screens – screening out industries and companies they disliked. Remember ESG criteria today generally does not concern itself with the actual product or services a company produces, but usually only refers to the way a company functions.

Hence, this new State Street ETF should help fulfill a clear need.

Also, it is based on the S&P 500 ESG Screened Index is a great plus.

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In closing...

Well, these are my top news stories and tips for ethical and sustainable investors over the past two weeks.

Again, to get all the links or to read the transcript of this podcast and sometimes get additional information too, please go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down to this episode.

And be sure to click the like and subscribe buttons in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or wherever you download or listen to this podcast and please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. That way you can help promote not only this podcast but ethical and sustainable investing globally and help create a better world for us all.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the content of this podcast or anything else related.

Thank you for listening.

Now my next podcast is scheduled for December 20 and as I mentioned I'm going to make a really special offer to you in that episode! So be sure to listen!

Bye for now.

© 2019 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul.

ESG bonds and bond funds gaining investors. Municipal and non-profit bonds for ethical and sustainable investors. Analyst likes 25 sustainable stocks that make you feel good while making you money. ESG stocks beating S&P by 45% this year! Plant-based meat alternative food products gaining big in popularity with important knock-on effects for food stocks. More…

PODCAST: ESG Bonds and Bond Funds, Stock Alpha, More…

Transcript & Links, Episode 19, November 22, 2019

Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to podcast episode 19 titled ESG Bonds and Bond Funds, Stock Alpha, More… for November 22, 2019—presented by Investing for the Soul. investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing news, commentary, information, and resources.

And, Google any terms that are unfamiliar to you.

Also, you can find a full transcript, live links to content, and often bonus material to these podcasts at their episodes' podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.

Now to this podcast!

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ESG Bonds and Bond Funds (1)

Usually, when we think of ethical and sustainable investing we almost always think about stocks. But for most investors who prioritize personal values in investing, ESG bonds should also be a significant part of one's portfolio. So now let's get a little more into that.

Incidentally, later in this podcast, I'll talk more about some new ESG stock recommendations and about ESG stock alpha! That is, how terrifically well ESG stocks are doing!

One interesting but overlooked debt asset class for ethical and sustainable investing, particularly in the US, are non-profit municipal ESG bonds. Karen Hube in an illuminating article titled, Future Returns: ESG Investing in Nonprofit Municipal Debt provides insight into this. The article appeared in Barron's PENTA pages.

In her article, Ms. Hube quotes Buck Stevenson, managing director, and portfolio manager at Silvercrest Asset Management Group in New York. She quotes him as saying that "Municipal bonds issued by small nonprofit groups working to bring about change in their communities can satisfy investors' growing appetite for impact investing ideas while paying yields ranging from 4.5% to 6%...

Community hospitals, charter schools, and organizations providing mental health care and veterans services are among the groups that are typically structured as nonprofit organizations with 501c(3) status, and can issue debt to raise funds for improvements, new facilities, equipment, and other needs." End quote

And interest received by investors in this type of debt in the US is often exempt from personal taxes. So, real after-tax yields can sometimes be pretty good!

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ESG Bonds and Bond Funds (2)

Another article on ESG bonds and bond funds is titled How Advisors Use ESG Bond ETFs by Lara Crigger on the ETF.com site. Ms. Crigger interviews several ESG analysts and portfolio managers to get their picks on ETFs comprised of ESG bonds.

She first quotes Johann Klaassen, EVP & CIO of Horizons Sustainable Financial Services. Mr. Klaassen likes the VanEck Vectors Green Bond ETF (GRNB), the Nuveen ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUBD), the Sage ESG Intermediate Credit ETF (GUDB), and the Invesco Taxable Municipal Bond ETF (BAB).

Another interviewee, Maya Philipson, Principal of Robasciotti & Philipson recommends the PIMCO Intermediate Municipal Bond Active ETF (MUNI).

Then, Scott Arnold, Partner & Portfolio Manager at IMPACTfolio talks about how he also likes the Nuveen ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUBD). And on a more riskier level, Mr. Arnold likes the new Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NUHY).

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ESG Bonds and Bond Funds (3)

Regarding riskier ESG bonds and bond funds, ETFtrends.com ran an article titled High Yield is Making Its Way into ESG Investing by Ben Hernandez. He writes "The search for yield is certainly a global phenomenon given the low rates offered in government debt around the world. It opens the doors for ESG funds to shine by offering high yield bond options as in the case of BlackRock's iShares € High Yield Corp Bond ESG UCITS ETF (EHYD) and the iShares $ High Yield Corp Bond ESG UCITS ETF (DHYD)." End quote.

The article also has the following quote, "'As evidence increasingly shows that sustainability-related factors can help investors build more resilient portfolios, we are moving into an era where sustainable investing will be the standard way to invest,' said Meaghan Muldoon, head of sustainable investing EMEA at BlackRock." End quote.

It should be noted that applying ESG and sustainability criteria to high yield bonds does have a chance to improve the quality and performance of a high yield debt in a portfolio.

However, generally, high yield ESG bonds are still riskier than better-rated bonds.

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ESG Bonds and Bond Funds (4)

For a deeper inside look into ESG bonds and bond funds of the high yield variety, I refer you to this article, Looking under the hood of an ESG-focused high-yield bond fund. It's by Jeff Benjamin at InvestmentNews. Mr. Benjamin interviews Tim Leary, lead manager of the RBC BlueBay High Yield Bond Fund (RGHYX). The fund's portfolio consists of high yield ESG bonds.

Mr. Leary commenting on his fund says that "The $54 million fund, which was launched in 2012, has an expense ratio of 58 basis points and a five-star rating from Morningstar. It has gained 13.7% from the start of the year, beating both the benchmark and the category average." End quote

Additionally, he does have this warning about his and other high yield funds – euphemistically often called 'junk bond' funds. Quote, "The leveraged finance markets and high-yield markets in general are a risky place to invest because they tend to be more opaque." End quote.

Furthermore, Mr. Leary says about his fund that "From a sector standpoint, we tend to be overweight financials, as well as financial services companies, cable and media names. Both from an ESG perspective but also from an overall view, we are materially underweight energy, metals and mining, and utilities." End quote.

Incidentally, you should know that there's a big debate about greenwashing when it comes to ESG bonds and bond funds, most especially of the high yield variety. So, talk to your advisor before investing in them.

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Stock Alpha (1)

Turning our attention back to ESG stock alpha, John Csiszar outlines 25 Investments That Make You Feel Good While You Make Money. His article was reposted on Yahoo! Finance from GOBankingRates.

Most of his picks are typical of what you might find in most ESG stock indexes and funds. His picks are, in alphabetical order:

3M (MMM); Aflac (AFL); Avnet (AVT); Best Buy (BBY); Colgate-Palmolive (CL); Kimberly-Clark (KMB); Microsoft (MSFT); PepsiCo (PEP); Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL); Salesforce.com (CRM); US Bancorp (USB); Voya Financial (VOYA); Weyerhaeuser (WY); Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WH); Hilton (HLT); Beyond Meat (BYND); Vanda Pharmaceuticals (VNDA); Tesla (TSLA); Ecolab (ECL)' Starbucks (SBUX); Fluor (FLR); Texas Instruments (TXN); UPS (UPS); International Paper (IP); Intel (INTC)

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Stock Alpha (2)

The following two articles talk about how our trend towards vegetarianism and veganism are having on food industry trends and food-related stocks.

The first article is Americans, especially millennials and Gen Z, are embracing plant-based meat products by Sheril Kirshenbaum and Douglas Buhler on the GreenBiz site. These researchers find that "With debate over the impacts of meat production intensifying, we have been tracking U.S. attitudes related to plant-based alternatives through Michigan State University's Food Literacy and Engagement Poll. The results reveal a growing appetite for plant-based meat among consumers, especially millennials and Generation Z…

Our survey found that during the previous 12 months, 35 percent of respondents had consumed plant-based meat alternatives. Of that group, 90 percent said they would do so again. Among those who had not yet eaten plant-based meat alternatives, 42 percent were willing to try them, while 30 percent of that group remained unwilling.

We also identified very significant generational differences in attitudes. Nearly half (48 percent) of respondents under 40 were already eating plant-based meats, while just 27 percent of those aged 40 and over had tried these products." End quote.

The second post comes from Interactive Investor with the title Why this $5bn stock is not just for vegans by Rodney Hobson. Mr. Hobson focuses on the extraordinary stock alpha of Beyond Meat's stock price. It soared from its IPO price of $25 to about 10 times that and is now back to around $80. His comment, "There is no shortage of rivals making vegan alternatives to meat and competition is likely to intensify. However, those companies with a solid base and proven track record are ahead of the game. Beyond Meat has been going for 10 years now." End quote.

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Stock Alpha (3)

And finally, here's a story to cheer every ethical and sustainable investor! It's by Brendan Coffey – who I've previously quoted talking about the remarkable stock alpha that ESG stocks are having this year. Writing for Forbes.com, his post is titled, ESG Stocks Are Beating The S&P By 45% This Year.

Yup, he says that "ESG funds are raking in the dough in 2019, pulling in $13.5 billion in new investor money in the first three quarters of the year, according to a recent report by Morningstar. But how is the 'typical' ESG portfolio doing? It's handily besting the S&P 500, returning more than 32% to the S&P's 22%, through October. That's a 45% outperformance." End quote.

So, as one famous stock market commentator says, 'stay with the drill!'

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Well, these are my top news stories and tips for ethical and sustainable investors over the past two weeks.

Again, to get all the links or to read the transcript of this podcast and sometimes get additional information too, please go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down to this episode.

And be sure to click the like and subscribe buttons in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or wherever you download or listen to this podcast and please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. That way you can help promote not only this podcast but ethical and sustainable investing globally and help create a better world for us all.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the content of this podcast or anything else related.

A big thank you for listening.

Come again! And my next podcast is scheduled for December 6. See you then. Bye for now.

© 2019 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul.

A discerning reviewer discusses their seven best socially responsible and ESG fund picks. Two experts give conflicting recommendations on robo advisors for ethical and sustainable investors. Know the top ten stocks in ESG fund portfolios. Replacing old wind turbines with new ones leads to increasing profits and potential dividends for three renewable energy operators. More

PODCAST: Top ESG Funds, Stocks, Robo Advisors and More…

Transcript & Links November 8, 2019

Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast Ethical & Sustainable Investing News to Profit By! for November 8, 2019—presented by Investing for the Soul. investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing news, commentary, information, and resources.

And, Google any terms that are unfamiliar to you.

Also, you can find a full transcript, live links to content, and often bonus material to these podcasts at their episodes' podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.

Now to this podcast!

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This episode!

1. 7 Best US Socially Responsible Mutual Funds

2. Best Robo Advisors for Socially Responsible & ESG Investors

3. Fund Managers' Favorite ESG Stocks

4. 1 Renewable-Energy Growth Story That Dividend Investors Won't Want to Overlook

5. 3 Clean Energy ETFs for a Brighter Future

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1. 7 Best US Socially Responsible Mutual Funds

For US investors Barbara (Freedberg) Friedberg writes about her 7 Best Socially Responsible Mutual Funds. Now her seven picks are:

1) Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Admiral Shares (ticker: VFTAX)

She says about this fund that "With nearly 500 companies, financials, health care, technology, industrials and consumer services are the most highly represented sectors… [It has] a 0.14% expense ratio... [and] this green mutual fund offers a 1.6% yield. The 21.1% year-to-date return is higher than the category performance." End quote.

2) Parnassus Endeavor Fund (PARWX)

Quoting her, she writes, "[The] Parnassus Endeavor Fund seeks out companies with excellent workplace environments and avoids fossil fuel investments… Year-to-date returns of 21.2%." End quote

3) Pax Elevate Global Women's Leadership Fund (PXWIX)

About this fund, Ms. Friedberg says, "Research indicates that companies with greater numbers of women in leadership roles have better performance across multiple factors, says Daniel Kern, chief investment officer of TFC Financial Management in Boston... The fund sports a reasonable expense ratio of 0.56% and a 1.9% dividend yield." End quote.

4) Calvert Bond Fund (CSIBX)

About which she writes, "Top holdings include U.S. Treasury notes and bonds as well as issues from Freddie Mac, Avis Budget Rental Car (CAR), Citigroup (C) and International Finance Corporation. Launched in 1987, the fund has an 8.2% percent year-to-date return." End quote.

5) Calvert International Opportunities Fund (CIOAX)

Ms. Friedberg comments on this fund that, "[It] holds fewer companies exposed to fossil fuels, carbon emissions, and tobacco than do the companies included in the MSCI EAFE Small- and Mid-Cap Index. The fund enjoys an 11.4% year-to-date return. The expense ratio is a hefty 1.35% but with a 1.32% yield." End quote.

6) Fidelity U.S. Sustainability Index Fund (FITLX)

Concerning this fund, Ms. Friedberg says, "[It] targets large- to mid-capitalization U.S. companies with high ESG scores… The fund has a 1.1% yield and a rock-bottom expense ratio of 0.11%. The 21% year-to-date return slams the 18.9% category average." End quote.

And finally,

7) Ave Maria Bond Fund (AVEFX)

Quoting Ms. Friedberg on this fund she writes, "Winner of the 2019 Lipper Fund Award for the best of 42 A-rated corporate bond funds, the Ave Maria family is the largest [US] Catholic mutual fund family... The year-to-date return is 6.5% with a moderate expense ratio of 0.5%. The current yield is 1.8%, lower than many corporate bond funds, likely due to the inclusion of stocks within the portfolio." End quote.

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2. Best Robo Advisors for Socially Responsible & ESG Investors

Now, I'm going to cover a piece about robo advisors, Though reference will be to US robo advisors, a few of these advisors might be operational in other countries too.

Well it seems that not everyone can agree on the best robo advisors though some recommendations do overlap! On my September 27, 2019, podcast, Investopedia recommended:

• M1 Finance Read review
• Motif Investing Read review
• Interactive Advisors Read review
• Personal Capital Read Review

Now, in this article by Barbara Friedberg, titled, 5 Best Robo Advisors for Managing ESG Funds, recommends:

• M1 Finance.
• Betterment.
• EarthFolio.
• Wealthsimple.
• Motif Impact Portfolios.

For robo advisor descriptions, go to the article's link on this edition's podcast page.

This is the second article by Ms. Friedberg I've covered in this podcast. She's obviously performing excellent work for the ethical and sustainable investing community!

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3. Fund Managers' Favorite ESG Stocks

So, in this podcast, we've so far covered the best ethical and sustainable investing funds and robo advisors. Now, let's talk a little about the best ethical and sustainable investing stocks!

Brendon Coffey in a Forbes post titled, Here Are Fund Managers' Favorite ESG Stocks, can help us in this regard. He also explains in his post how he went about this research.

Here are the top ten stocks he found in the funds: Microsoft (MSFT), The Walt Disney Co (DIS), Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL & GOOG), Danaher Corp, (DRH), Mastercard (MA), Verisk Analytics Inc, (VRSK), Linde PLC (LIN.L), American Express Co. (AXP), and Costco Wholesale Corp, (COST).

His post is replete with a discussion about the pros and cons of many companies held by these funds. So, his post is well worth a read.

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4. 1 Renewable-Energy Growth Story That Dividend Investors Won't Want to Overlook

If you're looking for dividends and yield possibilities in renewable energy companies you should read Matthew DiLallo's Motley Fool article titled, 1 Renewable-Energy Growth Story That Dividend Investors Won't Want to Overlook. The growth story he says is that "With today's larger wind turbines able to generate more power, wind farm operators are increasingly looking to repower legacy locations. It also certainly helps that they can earn high returns on investment with these projects, which will allow them… to increase their dividends. That's why income-focused investors won't want to overlook this key trend." End quote.

Here's what he says about three leading companies engaged in this sector.

He first writes about TerraForm Power (NASDAQ:TERP), Mr. DiLallo says that "TerraForm Power currently has three repowering projects under development… The company would replace turbines built about a decade ago with newer ones that have larger rotors, enabling them to produce 25% to 30% more power than the existing ones… [He adds] the company could increase its payout toward the higher end of its 5% to 8% annual target range through 2022 thanks to these wind repowering projects." End quote.

His second pick is NextEra Energy Partners (NYSE:NEP). About this company he writes, "NextEra Energy Partners also has some wind repowering projects under way… These investments will generate more than a 10% return on investment, helping grow the cash flow… and increases NextEra Energy Partners' ability to grow its dividend toward the high end of its 12% to 15% annual range through 2024." End quote.

His final choice is Pattern Energy (NASDAQ:PEGI), which he says is "is working on a project to repower its Gulf Wind facility… The project is an essential piece of the company's strategy to reduce its dividend payout ratio from 99% last year to a more comfortable 80% by the end of 2020. Once it achieves that targeted level, it could start growing its dividend once again." End quote.

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5. 3 Clean Energy ETFs for a Brighter Future

Now Todd Shriber has written a post titled, 3 Clean Energy ETFs for a Brighter Future on the InvestorPlace site. He says that I quote, "These clean energy ETFs have been winners this year and will keep that bullishness going in 2020." End quote.

First, of the three ETFs, Mr. Shriber writes about is iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (NASDAQ:ICLN). About this ETF he says, "[It] is one of the oldest and largest green energy ETFs. In fact, iShares Global Clean Energy ETF, which debuted in mid-2008, has $376.2 million in assets under management, making it the second-largest green energy ETF overall." End quote.

The second ETF is the ALPS Clean Energy ETF (CBOE:ACES). About it he says, "[It's] about 16 months old, making it one of the newer members of the green energy ETF competition, but the fund has been a stud since coming to market. This year's gain of more than 22% proves as much." End quote.

The third pick is the Global X YieldCo & Renewable Energy Income ETF (NASDAQ:YLCO) which he says, "has a trailing 12-month dividend yield of 3.46%." adding that, "These days, that's sturdy regardless of asset class." And then remarks that "The dividend buffer keeps Global X YieldCo & Renewable Energy Income ETF's volatility low relative to standard green energy ETFs… However, that hasn't weighed on performance as the fund is higher by more than 11% year-to-date." End quote.

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So, these are my top news stories and tips for ethical and sustainable investors over the past two weeks.

Again, to get all the links or to read the transcript of this podcast and sometimes get additional information too, please go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down to this episode.

And be sure to click the like and subscribe buttons in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or wherever you download or listen to this podcast and please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. That way you can help promote not only this podcast but ethical and sustainable investing globally and help create a better world for us all.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the content of this podcast or anything else related.

Now, a big thank you for listening.

Come again! And my next podcast is scheduled for November 22. See you then. Bye for now.

© 2019 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul.

Some of the best food funds and water stocks. Tim Nash analyzes whether Apple is superior to Samsung in manufacturing sustainability and investment returns. Another two reviews of the top ESG and climate ETFs and solar stocks. Concerned about gun stocks in your funds? Zacks analyst Nitish Marwah has found three funds without them. More

PODCAST: Best Food Funds, Water Stocks, and Much More!

Transcript & Links October 25, 2019

Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast Ethical & Sustainable Investing News to Profit By! for October 25, 2019—presented by Investing for the Soul. investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing news, commentary, information, and resources.

And, Google any terms that are unfamiliar to you.

Also, you can find a full transcript, live links to content, and often bonus material to these podcasts at their episodes' podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.

Now to this podcast!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Best Food Funds

Now we're all concerned about our own health and that of the environment, and so many of us wonder what are the best food funds and water-related investments. Well, regarding sustainable food, Maria Lettini, writes about three of the best food funds in an article titled, Three funds tapping into sustainable food trends that appear on the Portfolio Advisor site.

By the way, Maria Lettini is executive director of the Fairr Initiative, a well regarded global investor network raising awareness of ESG risks and opportunities around intensive livestock production. So, she what the best food funds are!

The first fund she writes about is RobecoSAM's Sustainable Food Equities fund (ROBAGED: LX). She says, that, "This fund invests in potential solutions to the major environmental and social challenges facing the food sector." End quote.

The second fund is Pictet's Nutrition fund (PFAGRIR: LX). In describing the fund, Ms. Lettini remarks that "This fund invests in companies that are developing solutions to help secure the world's food supply." End quote.

The third fund, BNP Paribas' Smart Food fund (PASMFPR: LX). Commenting on this fund, she says, that, "This fund invests in food companies that conduct a significant proportion of their business in the food supply chain and meet sustainability criteria related to issues such as carbon emissions and nutritional content." End quote.

Incidentally, investment in these funds may not be available for purchase in some countries.

Also, for a good overview of plant-based protein food manufacturers, David Yaffe-Bellany has written an excellent article in The New York Times, titled, The New Makers of Plant-Based Meat? Big Meat Companies.

Companies reviewed include Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), Smithfield Foods, Perdue Farms, Hormel (NYSE: HRL) and Nestlé (OTC: NSRGY).

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Regarding companies engaged in sustainable water resources, Olivia Raimonde, writing for CNBC in a post titled, Money from socially responsible investors flows into US water stocks, discusses her three top related stocks.

The first stock she covers is Aqua America (WTR: NYSE) which she says is "up about 33% in 2019". Though she doesn't say much more than that about the company.

Her second stock is American States Water Co. (AWR: NYSE), She writes about it saying that "If an environmentally-minded fund genuinely wanted to invest based on water scarcity… [then this] is the most sensible investment as the company is based in California, which has been stricken by drought for years." She adds that its stock price is, "up about 38% percent in 2019."

Ms. Raimonde's last stock pick is American Water Works (AWK: NYSE) which she says, "has always operated with sustainability principles in mind (and) performs slightly better than its peers in ESG ratings… The New Jersey-based company implemented a more comprehensive ESG strategy about two and a half years ago… Its stock is up about 35% in 2019." End quote.

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Hey, when you look down on your smartphone do you ever wonder if it was manufactured sustainably and whether the company making them is a good ethical investment? Well, Tim Nash in his frequent stock showdown column on Corporate Knights compares Apple (NASDAQ: APPL) and Samsung's (OTC: SSNLF) phone manufacturing – and how these companies' rate overall on their sustainability and stock price performance.

Comparing the companies, Mr. Nash states that, "Sustainability-wise, while Samsung may have been ahead of the curve ten years ago, it's starting to fall behind on a few fronts. Meanwhile, Apple still has more to do, but it's been more aggressive about some of its environmental goals. I would consider the companies tied for now but it won't be long before Apple takes the lead if it continues on the current trajectory.

From a financial perspective, it's a bit of a toss-up. Both companies have performed well over the past five years with more potential growth as new innovations emerge that keep consumers lining up for product launches." End quote.

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ESG ETFs are hot and I'm going to reference two new articles that each recommend seven ESG ETFs. Now, I don't have time to quote these articles on each of their recommended funds, so for the links to these articles and fund ticker symbols, go to this podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down to this edition.

The first article is titled, 7 ESG ETFs to Buy for Responsible Profits by Will Ashworth on the Kiplinger investment site. Mr. Ashworth suggests, Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF (NYSEARCA: USSG), Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX: US), iShares ESG MSCI EM ETF (NASDAQ: ESGE), Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (BATS: NUSC), Impact Shares YWCA Women's Empowerment ETF (NYSEARCA: WOMN), Columbia Sustainable International Equity Income ETF (NYSEARCA: ESGN), and iShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA: EAGG).

The second article, titled, 7 Great ETFs to Invest in Climate Change, is by Jeff Reeves at USA Today. His recommendations are: Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (NYSEARCA: PBW), iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (NASDAQGS: ICLN), Invesco Solar ETF (NYSEARCA: TAN), First Trust ISE Global Wind Energy Index Fund (NYSEARCA: FAN), Invesco Cleantech ETF (NYSEARCA: PZD), SPDR MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target ETF (NYSEARCA: LOWC), and finally the Invesco Water Resources ETF (NASDAQGS: PHO).

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I've covered many analysts in past podcast episodes who've recommended solar stocks. So, I was hesitant to include more solar stocks this time. However, when I saw the stocks referred to by Larry Ramer in an article titled, 3 Solar Stocks to Buy for a New Day in Solar Energy on the Investorplace site, I see he added two new companies not previously covered in these podcasts. They are JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) and Daqo New Energy (NYSE: DQ).

On JinkoSolar, Mr. Ramer writes that "As of the end of the second quarter, the holders of JKS stock include… Bank of America (NYSE: BAC), Citigroup (NYSE: C), Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) and UBS (NYSE: UBS)." End quote. Thus, inferring that with such large institutions believing in the company – that you might want to too.

And on Daqo New Energy, he comments that "Like JinkoSolar, Daqo New Energy is likely to benefit from the relative cheapness of solar energy in China… [and]… As of June, many Wall Street heavyweights held meaningful amounts of DQ stock." End quote.

His third pick is Sunpower (NASDAQ: SPWR) – which has been recommended by analysts in many of my past episodes. Mr. Ramer says, "SunPower stock should benefit from four strong trends that are boosting solar energy in the U.S." End quote.

Mr. Ramer's final comment is that "all three names are very cheap." End quote.

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With all the concerns around gun violence in many countries, some ethical and sustainable investors would like to invest in funds that don't have gun-related stocks in them. However, to find such funds is an arduous endeavor. Making it simple for you is Nitish Marwah in a Zack's article titled, 3 Weapon-Free Funds Socially Responsible Investors Can Buy.

The first fund Mr. Marwah writes about is the Parnassus Core Equity Fund Investor Shares (PRBLX). Commenting on this fund he says, that "PRBLX invests in large-cap companies which have long-term competitive advantage and positive performance on ESG criteria… PRBLX carries a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 and has an annual expense ratio of 0.87%. The fund has three and five-year returns of 13.5% and 10.8%, respectively." End quote.

His next fund is the Green Century Balanced Fund (GCBLX). Quoting him, he says that, it "seeks appreciation of both capital and income by investing in a diverse portfolio of stocks and bonds which meet standards for corporate environmental responsibility set by Green Century… GCBLX carries a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #2 and has an annual expense ratio of 1.48%. The fund has three and five-year returns of 8.9% and 6.8%, respectively." End Quote.

His third and final fund is the Parnassus Fund (PARNX) which Mr. Marwah says, "seeks appreciation of capital by investing in undervalued stocks… The fund invests in companies of any size across different market capitalizations. [and] carries a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of [1] and has an annual expense ratio of 0.85%. The fund has three and five-year returns of 10.6% and 9.5%, respectively."

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So, these are my top news stories and tips for ethical and sustainable investors over the past two weeks.

Again, to get all the links or to read the transcript of this podcast and sometimes get additional information too, please go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down to this episode.

And be sure to click the like and subscribe buttons in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or wherever you download or listen to this podcast and please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. That way you can help promote not only this podcast but ethical and sustainable investing globally and help create a better world for us all.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the content of this podcast or anything else related.

Now, a big thank you for listening.

Come again! And my next podcast is scheduled for November 8. See you then. Bye for now.

© 2019 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul.

Etsy, the growing online craft marketplace seen as great ESG stock. Southwest Airlines flies high on its sustainable practices. First ever ESG 'junk bond' ETF debuts. Seven renewable energy stock picks. Rising wind power trends of repowering and replacement of turbines offer exciting investing opportunities. New international faith-based ESG ETF launches with global appeal. More

PODCAST: Etsy, Southwest Air, ESG Junk Bonds, and more…

Transcript & Links October 11, 2019

Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast Ethical & Sustainable Investing News to Profit By! for October 11, 2019—presented by Investing for the Soul. investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing news, commentary, information, and resources.

And, Google any terms that are unfamiliar to you.

Also, you can find a full transcript, live links to content, and often bonus material to these podcasts at their episodes' podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.

Now to this podcast!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Many of you have heard of Etsy, the online craft marketplace and perhaps wondered if it's a good ESG stock. Well, Maria Gallagher says a resounding yes to that in an article on The Motley Fool site titled, ESG Investing: Is Etsy a Responsible Investment?

She says, that, quote, "Etsy boasts more than 60 million unique items, 43 million buyers, and 2.3 million sellers on its platform… Etsy scores a 9 out of 10 on The Motley Fool's Framework for ESG Compounders… It is a strong company that appears to strive intentionally to make its marketplace the best it can be for purveyors of handmade goods. There are areas for improvement, but Etsy seems to be balancing profitability, scale, and strong ESG principles." End quote.

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Another Motley contributor, Dan Caplinger reviews Southwest Airlines and finds it best in the airline sector for ESG practices. His piece is titled, ESG Investing: Is Southwest Airlines a Responsible Investment?

Mr. Caplinger says, "Many environmental advocates view global air travel's enormous carbon footprint as needlessly wasteful." But he goes on saying – and I quote, that, "Currently, Southwest helps travelers visit more than 100 destinations in the U.S. along with 10 countries internationally… and it's No. 11 on Fortune's list of the World's Most Admired Companies in 2019…

Southwest has embraced ESG principles throughout its history, even before most investors paid much attention to those concepts… it's hard to find an industry player that makes a better ESG case than Southwest Airlines… Southwest has put itself in position to thrive for years to come." End quote.

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Turning to ESG bonds, we know that generally ethical and sustainable investing bonds are of high quality – and sometimes with even lower than average yields because of their great quality. Now we have a departure from that. Nuveen – which already has 9 ESG ETFs – is launching a below investment grade ESG bond fund.

Andrea Riquier, in an article titled, The first-ever ESG junk bond ETF debuts, says this about the ETF, quote, "Investors are increasingly drawn to holdings that pay attention to ESG issues and financial-services firms are always on the hunt for new flavors of investments to offer. So, a new fund that seems to offer high yield as well as comply with ESG principles might seem attractive, even though it raises some questions about how appropriate it might be for investors." End quote.

Among the concerns for this type of bond are that the research into their credit-worthiness is often limited as well as the number of bonds that might fit the criterion for inclusion in this ETF. Nonetheless, it might appeal to those investors willing to assume somewhat greater risk for possible greater return on their fixed income portfolio, while still wanting it to be ESG-based.

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Will Ashworth, in an article titled, 7 Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy for Sunny Long-Term Returns, appearing on the Investorplace website, recommends some of the same stocks that have been covered here in previous episodes of this podcast. Here are the seven stocks he recommends, much abbreviated from his post, but using his words. Quote,

"1) NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) Not only is NextEra Energy the world's largest utility, it's also the largest producer of wind and solar energy anywhere on the planet… [its] the company's views on energy diversity that makes it an excellent long-term investment.

2) Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE: BEP). Brookfield announced that it had increased its ownership (with partners) of TerraForm Power (NASDAQ: TERP) from 51% to 65%… TerraForm Power generates 3,634 megawatts of solar and wind power around the globe… Brookfield Renewable worldwide has 843 renewable power facilities… capable of producing 16,300 megawatts of power annually…

If you want to own more than renewable energy assets, you might consider Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) which owns 61% of BEP and is one of the world's largest alternative asset managers. If I could only own one company's stock, Brookfield Asset Management would be at the top of my list.

3) TransAlta Corporation (NYSE: TAC). It could be better for U.S. investors to choose TransAlta Corporation as one of the best renewable energy stocks to buy rather than its 64%-owned renewable energy subsidiary TransAlta Renewables (TSE: RNW), which trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange… [Then he says] if you're an aggressive investor, I'd go with TransAlta Renewables.

4) Enviva (NYSE: EVA) Eviva is the world's largest producer of wood pellets… The pellets themselves are sold to utilities in the U.K. and Europe that use them in place of coal to produce a cleaner electricity source… If you're an income investor, Enviva is a very safe way to meet your annual income requirements.

5) Renewable Energy Group (NASDAQGS: REGI) Whenever you see one of those trucks sucking out the grease traps at a restaurant, it's going to one of Renewable Energy's 13 biomass refineries to be turned into diesel fuel… The demand for biodiesel is tremendous… I believe REGI has got room to move into the $30s on rising demand.

6) TPI Composites (NASDAQ: TPIC) TPI Composites is the largest independent manufacturer of composite wind blades for turbine manufacturers… Last year, it announced a joint development agreement with Navistar International (NYSE: NAV) to develop a composite tractor and frame rails for a Class 8 truck… With margins moving higher, the profits will follow.

7) Siemens (OTCMKTS: SIEGY) This last one gives you exposure to a global industrial player in Siemens which, amongst its many ventures, owns 59% of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (OTCMKTS: GCTAF), the world's largest producer of wind turbines and one of the interesting renewable stocks to buy without going all-in on renewables." End quote.

Incidentally, Travis Hoium has published an article in the Motley Fool titled, Why Solar Energy Stocks Are Dropping Like a Rock but he soothes his reader's worries by saying, and I quote, that "Investors are afraid of solar energy right now, but the long-term prospects of the industry are improving." End quote.

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Continuing on the subject of renewable power, Maxx Chatsko says that wind power trends in the US and around the world have gained a certain level of maturity, and now some new perspectives come into focus. In an article titled, 2 Trends in Wind Power That Investors Need to Know About in The Motley Fool, Mr. Chatsko says, that "The American wind power industry is barreling toward an important inflection point. The production tax credit (PTC), which provides a subsidy for each kilowatt-hour of electricity g enerated from wind farms… is about to be phased out… The phaseout makes sense… [and that] investors interested in renewable energy stocks can't overlook the significance of these two trends reshaping the wind power industry…" End quote.

Mr. Chatsko's says the two big new themes at play are the repowering – or replacement – of wind farms and the recycling of old turbines. Two companies he recommends concerning these trends are General Electric (NYSE: GE) for new turbines and Trex Company (NYSE: TREX) for recycling.

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For faith-based investors, America's Inspire Investing has launched a new international ESG ETF with the name Inspire International ESG ETF (NYSEARCA: WWJD). Quoting Tom Lydon, of ETF Trends in an article he wrote titled, Inspire Investing Launches Faith-Based International ESG ETF, he says, that,

"With an expense ratio of 0.80%, the Inspire International ESG ETF is a faith-based ESG ETF comprised of 150 biblically aligned large-cap companies outside of the United States, as measured by Inspire's revolutionary Inspire Impact Score methodology, which measures a company's positive impact on the world… The new WWJD is comprised of 80% developed markets companies and 20% emerging markets stocks." End quote.

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So, these are my top news stories and tips for ethical and sustainable investors over the past two weeks.

Again, to get all the links or to read the transcript of this podcast and sometimes get additional information too, please go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down to this episode.

And be sure to click the like and subscribe buttons in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or wherever you download or listen to this podcast and please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. That way you can help promote not only this podcast but ethical and sustainable investing globally and help create a better world for us all.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the content of this podcast or anything else related.

Now, a big thank you for listening.

Come again! And my next podcast is scheduled for October 25. See you then. Bye for now.

© 2019 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul.

No cost to fossil free investing between 1927 and 2016, says new study. Two top renewable energy stocks in solar power. ESG funds showing outperformance compared to non-sustainable counterparts. Many ESG funds growing fast and attracting substantial assets. Green bond issuance makes new highs. Best US robo advisors for ethical and sustainable investors. And more

PODCAST: Fossil Free Investing, ESG Profits, and more…

Transcript & Links September 27, 2019

Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast Fossil Free Investing, ESG Profits, and more… September 27, 2019—presented by Investing for the Soul. investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing news, commentary, information, and resources.

Investment ideas in these podcasts are generally gleaned from market participants in the US, Canadian, UK, European, Asian and Australasian financial markets.

And, Google any terms that are unfamiliar to you.

Also, you can find a full transcript, live links to content, and often bonus material to these podcasts at their episodes' podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.

Now to this podcast!

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Fossil Free Investing

Most of us listening to this podcast believe that fossil free Investing might not be a good long-term investment – for many reasons. However, we might not know the details. Well, under the title, Fossil Fuel Divestment: The Financial Case, by Katelyn M. Kriesel, of Hansen's Advisory Services, and president of The Sustainable Economies Alliance, Ms. Kriesel provides a detailed study on those details!

Ms. Kriesel says this, and I quote, that, "We compare financial performance of investment portfolios with and without fossil fuel company stocks over the period 1927 -- 2016. Contrary to theoretical expectations, we find that fossil fuel divestment does not seem to impair portfolio performance. These findings can be explained by the fact that, so far, fossil fuel company stocks do not outperform other stocks on a risk-adjusted basis and provide relatively limited diversification benefits." End quote.

Thus, we have a compelling case for fossil fuel investing!

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Continuing on a related theme, Maxx Chatsko of The Motley Fool has his top solar power energy stock picks in a post titled, 2 Top Renewable Energy Stocks in Solar Power, appearing on Nasdaq.com. In my last podcast, Mr. Chatsko picked his top wind energy stocks. By the way, his new stock picks were top choices for analysts in my previous podcasts. It just shows the potential for these stocks.

Mr. Chatsko's two picks are SolarEdge Technologies (NASDAQ: SEDG) and Enphase Energy (NASDAQ: ENPH).

He has this to say about SolarEdge, I quote, "The company develops integrated inverter systems that maximize power output from solar panels and reduce the cost of electricity produced… In the last six quarters, SolarEdge has acquired a provider of uninterruptible power supplies, a maker of lithium-ion batteries, and even a company that develops powertrain and electronics for electric vehicles. That shows the company is eager to maintain and expand its presence in the clean energy markets. With shares trading at just 17 times future earnings after a recent pullback, investors with a long-term mindset might find plenty to like about this solar stock." End quote.

On Enphase Energy, Mr. Chatsko writes, that, "Enphase Energy… develops and supplies microinverter solutions that help maximize the electricity output from solar modules… Enphase, the leader in microinverters, delivered $24.6 million in operating income in the first six months of this year, compared with an operating loss of $3 million in the first half of 2018…

Enphase… is preparing to launch the first products with the next-generation IQ 8 microinverter, which boasts a 31% increase in computing power versus [its] IQ 7. That could allow for smaller, more efficient, and even simpler products for customers. Throw in the expected launch of residential energy storage products by the end of 2019, and this solar stock could have multiple growth opportunities." End quote.

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More ESG stock picks come from Evan Harvey, Global Head of Sustainability at Nasdaq. They appear in a post titled, This Correlation Between ESG Investing Scores And High Returns May Surprise You, written by Alissa Coram and Justin Nielson on the Investors Business Daily site.

The three ESG stocks Mr. Harvey likes are Akamai Technologies (AKAM), Texas Instruments (TXN), and Comcast (CMCSA).

On Akamai Technologies, Mr. Harvey says, "Akamai stock is all about the infrastructure for the internet as the largest content delivery network service provider. Between security solutions, e-commerce, and video streaming, they touch on a lot of areas seeing massive growth." End quote.

Concerning Texas Instruments, he says, quote, "Semiconductors are notoriously cyclical so it helps to understand where you are at in the chip cycle. They started the year out great but have had a tough time since China trade war concerns have intensified. But with optimism on the direction of talks on tariffs, chip stocks started showing relative strength." End quote.

And on Comcast, Mr. Harvey says, that, "Comcast is a great example of how top-rated companies exist in the ESG space. While many people focus on the impact of cord-cutting on Comcast's cable business, it's just as important that the cord-cutters still need internet service. Comcast is offsetting losses in video subscriptions with gains in broadband subscriptions. The profit margins on broadband are much higher, leaving little incentive to fight for the lower-value video subscriptions. With a push for expansion in wireless mobile, it's a very different bundle that Comcast stock will be pushing in the future." End quote.

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Because ethical and sustainable investing is gaining mainstream acceptance, it's not surprising to read Sanghamitra Saha of Zacks, article, titled, 6 ESG ETFs Close to or Above the $1B Asset Mark, found on Yahoo! Finance. Ms. Saha reviews each of the six ESG ETFs. Here's what she says about each one. Quote,

"1) The iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (SUSL) — AUM $1.61 billion… comprises U.S. large and mid-capitalization stocks of companies with high ESG performance relative to their sector peers. It charges 10 bps in fees.

2) iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) — AUM $1.55 billion… is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index designed to measure the equity performance of U.S. companies that have positive ESG characteristics. The fund charges 25 bps in fees.

3) Xtrackers MSCI U.S.A. ESG Leaders Equity ETF (USSG) — AUM $1.50 billion… is a capitalization-weighted index that provides exposure to companies with high ESG performance relative to their sector peers. The fund charges 10 bps in fees.

4) iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA) — AUM $1.18 billion… comprises U.S. companies that have positive ESG characteristics. The fund charges 25 bps in fees.

5) iShares ESG MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) — AUM $969.5 million… comprises large and mid-capitalization developed market equities, excluding the U.S. and Canada that have positive ESG characteristics. The fund charges 20 bps in fees.

6) iShares ESG MSCI U.S.A. ETF (ESGU) — AUM $967.05 million… comprises U.S. companies that have positive ESG characteristics while exhibiting risk and return characteristics similar to those of the parent index. The fund charges 15 bps in fees." End quote.

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Now, while on the subject of ESG funds, Annalisa Esposito reports on the Morningstar UK site that, ESG Funds Beat Non-Sustainable Sister Funds, and quoting her, she says that "Investors would do better to pick ESG funds rather than their non-sustainable counterparts, according to research by fund supermarket interactive investor. Morningstar data analysed by the firm reveals that funds taking environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into account in their investments have performed better than their non-ESG sister funds." End quote.

Whether the same is true outside the UK hasn't been demonstrated to my knowledge. However, it's one more great reason for investing in ethical and sustainable funds compared to their 'conventional' equivalents!

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For the fixed-income side of your portfolio, green bonds are well worth considering according to many analysts. In an article, Green Bonds Are Getting Hot on Wall Street, ETF Trends features the VanEck Vectors Green Bond ETF (NYSEArca: GRNB). Among green bond funds, the writer of the article states, that, "The VanEck Vectors Green Bond ETF (NYSEArca: GRNB), the first fixed income ETF offering exposure to green bonds, has been a solid performer this year, gaining nearly 4% while currently yielding around 1.3%. Those are modest, but decent numbers, but the appetite for green bonds is increasing and that could bode well for GRNB going forward." End quote.

Illustrating how big green bond issuance is becoming, financial writer Todd Shriber quotes Bloomberg concerning the huge increase in green bond issuance this year. Bloomberg says, "Global green-bond sales have already beaten last year's record $135 billion well before the end of 2019. Issuance of the securities has more than quadrupled in the past five years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg." End quote.

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To help US ethical and sustainable investors create stock and bond portfolios reflecting their personal values, Investopedia just announced its Best 2019 Robo-Advisors for Socially Responsible Investors. It concluded the four best are:

• M1 Finance Read review
• Motif Investing Read review
• Interactive Advisors Read review
• Personal Capital Read Review

For links to these robo advisors see this podcast's webpage. Go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down to this edition.

Incidentally, there is another – and some would say preferable – simple and cheap way to create a portfolio that aligns your investments with your values. Check-out my one-hour DIY Ethical-Sustainable Investing Pays Tutorial. Go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and look down the right-hand sidebar for the link.

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So, these are my top news stories and tips for ethical and sustainable investors over the past two weeks.

Again, to get all the links or to read the transcript of this podcast and sometimes get additional information too, please go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down to this episode.

And be sure to click the like and subscribe buttons in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or wherever you download or listen to this podcast and please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. That way you can help promote not only this podcast but ethical and sustainable investing globally and help create a better world for us all.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the content of this podcast or anything else related.

Now, a big thank you for listening.

Come again! And my next podcast is scheduled for October 11. See you then. Bye for now.

© 2019 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul.

New US Vegan Climate ETF. It's pros and cons. Has good debut on the NYSE. Current top renewable energy stocks. Best six stocks for millennials according to Zacks' analyst. Al Gore's Generation Investment Management purported key holdings. The DIY Ethical-Sustainable Investing Pays Tutorial offers simple way to create a stock portfolio reflecting your values! More

PODCAST: First Vegan Fund, Renewable Energy Stocks, and more…

Transcript & Links September 13, 2019

Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast Ethical & Sustainable Investing News to Profit By! for September 13, 2019—presented by Investing for the Soul. investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing news, commentary, information, and resources.

Investment ideas in these podcasts are generally gleaned from market participants in the US, Canadian, UK, European, Asian and Australasian financial markets.

And, Google any terms that are unfamiliar to you.

Also, you can find a full transcript, live links to content, and often bonus material to these podcasts at their episodes' podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.

Now to this podcast!

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Well, the US Vegan Climate ETF (VEGN: N) finally debuted on the NYSE on September 10. First days trading saw ok action hovering around its initial price of $25 a share. On September 13 it was still hovering about that price.

What disappoints many vegan-vegetarian investors is that the ETF doesn't appear much different from regular mainstream big-cap ETFs. However, as the promoters of this ETF point out that there are few pure vegan-vegetarian stock plays and the ones that are out there are small. Also, to get a well-rounded stock ETF, it had to include big cap S&P 500 stocks. Also, because of its structure, I suspect its returns could be similar, or hopefully even a little better, than S&P 500 ETFs generally.

For a good overview of this ETF see Brenton Garen's post, Vegan ETF 'VEGN' Debuts on NYSE, on ETF Trends.

Quoting Mr. Garen's post, "Appearing on Fox Business Network's Varney & Co. on Tuesday, Beyond Investing CEO Claire Smith discussed the fund with host Stuart Varney, [saying that] 'We are taking out about 43% of the S&P 500,' Smith said. 'We are adding in some of the mid-caps that are more forward-thinking like Beyond Meat (BYND) and Tesla (TSLA), in order to make up some of the differentials in order to compensate for the things we are taking out.

[And, generally,] the Beyond Investing US Vegan Climate Index is a passive, rules-based index of U.S. large-cap stocks, screened according to vegan and climate-conscious principles." End quote.

By the way, if, as an investor with closely held personal values, you feel uncomfortable with this and other fund options out there, there is another simple way to invest while more closely aligning your investments with your values. Check-out my one-hour DIY Ethical-Sustainable Investing Pays Tutorial. Go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and look down the right-hand sidebar for the link.

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Now, I often reference The Motley Fool as that site has some great contributors writing about ESG stocks, and again I want to draw to your attention some of their research. Appearing under the title, 3 Top Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now, three Motley Fool contributors review their picks. However, I'll only quote two here as the third pick was already covered on my August 16 podcast – where Travis Hoium picked SunPower.

His two colleagues made new choices in addition to the ones they chose that appeared in my August 16 post. Rich Smith picked TPI Composites (TPIC: NASDAQ) and John Bromels chose TerraForm Power (TERP: NASDAQ).

Rich Smith commenting on TPI Composites said, "Shares of windmill blade-maker TPI Composites crashed hard in August after the company reported an earnings beat -- but also made a big reduction in its guidance. With roughly 40% of its production lines for windmill blades either still spinning up, or in the process of being retooled to produce new models, TPI's currently operating 30% under full capacity.

[However], from a loss this year, analysts forecast TPI will grow to earn more than $4 a share in just three short years… [and that] TPI Composites stock won't stay this cheap for long," He says, end quote.

John Bromels has this to say about his choice, TerraForm Power. Quote, "[TerraForm Power] is a green energy stock that pays a dividend! Most renewable stocks… are too young and focused on growth (or just too cash-poor) to swing a dividend. But a handful of them -- mostly renewable yieldcos -- do offer dividends, and TerraForm Power's is one of the best, currently yielding about 4.6%... TerraForm looks like a buy for dividend investors and green energy fans alike."

Incidentally, Wikipedia's definition of a yieldco 'is a company that is formed to own operating assets that produce a predictable cash flow, primarily through long term contracts.'

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Another Motley Fool contributor, Maxx Chatsko, wrote a related post, titled, 2 Top Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy in Wind Power. He likes, NextEra Energy (NEE: N) and Xcel Energy (XEL: NASDAQ), saying that they have a combined 25% of the installed wind power capacity in the United States.

Elaborating on these companies, he says, that, "NextEra Energy generated more electricity from the wind and sun than any other company in the world in 2018." And, that, "Xcel Energy doesn't directly own nearly as much wind power infrastructure as NEE, but it leans on a mix of power purchase agreements (PPA) and direct ownership to support 9,300 megawatts of installed wind power capacity. It plans to increase that to 11,100 megawatts by the end of 2021." End quote.

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Now, it's becoming well known that millennials are eager for ethical and sustainable stocks. Addressing that issue, Awantika Poddar of Zacks wrote a piece titled, Top-Ranked Stocks Suitable for Millennials: 6 Picks – article also appearing on Yahoo! Finance. Though its recommendations are for millennials – I don't see why many of them wouldn't be applicable to most investors.

So, here are the six recommendations of Ms. Poddar. She writes:

"1) Keysight Technologies (KEYS: N) sports a Zacks Rank #1 and a Growth Score of A. The stock has returned 54.4% on a year-to-date basis. Further, the company has a long-term expected EPS growth rate of 10%.

2) Anixter International (AXE: N) flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 and a Growth Score of B. The stock has returned 10.7% on a year-to-date basis. Further, the company has a long-term expected EPS growth rate of 8%.

3) Cirrus Logic (CRUS: NASDAQ) has a Zacks Rank #1 and a Growth Score of B. The stock has returned 60.4% on a year-to-date basis. Further, the company has a long-term expected EPS growth rate of 15%.

4) Symantec Corporation (SYMC: NASDAQ) has a Zacks Rank #2 and a Growth Score of A. The stock has surged 23.4% on a year-to-date basis. Further, the company has a long-term expected EPS growth rate of 6.9%.

5) Microsoft (MSFT: NASDAQ) has a Zacks Rank #2 and a Growth Score of A. The stock has appreciated 35.3% on a year-to-date basis. Further, the company has a long-term expected EPS growth rate of 11%."

And finally, "6) Alphabet (GOOGL: NASDAQ) has a Zacks Rank #2 and Growth Score of B. The stock has returned 13.1% on a year-to-date basis. Further, the company has a long-term expected EPS growth rate of 17.5%." End quote.

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One of the great heroes of sustainable investing is Al Gore, the former US Democratic Party presidential candidate. He helped create Generation Investment Management, an investment firm to invest in sustainable companies. Well, Ryan Vanzo posted an articled on GuruFocus titled, Al Gore Loves These 3 Stocks.

The three stocks that Al Gore purportedly likes are, quoting Mr. Vanzo's post:

"Jones Lang LaSalle Inc (JLL: N) [which] comprises 4.1% of Generation's portfolio, but [is] more than 14% of the shares outstanding. Generation's stake is worth nearly $600 million. Jones Lang LaSalle is a U.S.-based commercial real estate services firm… The stock trades at just 11.3 times forward earnings… [and] looks like a reasonably priced stock with a large moat." End quote.

The second pick is, Acuity Brands Inc. (AYI: N), Quote, "Acuity Brands comprises 3.2% of Generation's portfolio, but the firm owns roughly 8% of the entire company. Generation's stake is worth around $460 million. Acuity is a lighting and building management firm. It's based in the U.S. but has operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The stock trades at just 12.9 times forward earnings yet consensus estimates call for a 10.67% long-term annual earnings per share growth rate. This could be a bargain if growth estimates become reality." End quote.

The third pick is, Nutanix Inc (NTNX: NASDAQ). Quote, "Nutanix is a new holding for Generation, currently comprising 2.6% of the portfolio. The stock is down 42% on the year, so don't be surprised if the firm adds to its position if the valuation continues to fall. Generation now owns 7.7% of the company. That's a $375 million position, nearly 10 times the daily trading volume. Nutanix is a cloud computing software company that sells 'hyper-converged infrastructure appliances and software-defined storage.' Over the last five years, revenues have grown by an astounding 57% per year. Year-over-year, however, sales growth has slowed to just 7%. That's caused a steep sell-off in shares.

Part of the issue seems to be a misunderstood pivot to subscription and SaaS [software as a service] revenue streams… Revenue growth slows as customers are transitioned to the cloud, but long-term retention and profitability may rise. Generation seems to be capitalizing on the temporary confusion." End quote.

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So, these are my top news stories and tips for ethical and sustainable investors over the past two weeks.

Again, to get all the links or to read the transcript of this podcast and sometimes get additional information too, please go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down to this episode.

And be sure to click the like and subscribe buttons in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or wherever you download or listen to this podcast and please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. That way you can help promote not only this podcast but ethical and sustainable investing globally and help create a better world for us all.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the content of this podcast or anything else related.

Now, a big thank you for listening.

Come again! And my next podcast is scheduled for September 27. See you then. Bye for now.

© 2019 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul.