Analysis of material ESG issues, alongside other considerations, helps us identify investment risks and opportunities. They can be, but are not necessarily, determinative to an investment decision.
OUR APPROACH
Why ESG?
We analyse material environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues as a part of our investment research to better understand long-term risks and opportunities as we strive to maximise returns for our investors.
Deciding what ESG issues matter most
Because ESG can cover a wide range of issues, we developed a three-part process to integrate ESG into our investment approach, The Capital System™.
PRO
Research & Investment Frameworks
Reflect material ESG considerations in 25+ sectors.
PRO
Monitoring Process
Uses available third-party data to flag a subset of investments in certain asset classes* for further research and review.
PRO
Engagement & Proxy Voting
Involves engaging with issuers on material ESG risks and opportunities and voting proxies solely in the financial interests of our clients.
WHY CAPITAL GROUP?
Our integrated ESG approach
Long-term focus is a core part of The Capital System, and fits naturally with the horizon often associated with ESG considerations. We believe that integrating material ESG information as part of investment decision-making can help imrpove long-term outcomes for investors.
LONG TERM
For ESG, taking the long view is crucial. We’ve been long-term investors for 94 years.
DEDICATED ESG TEAM
Our 40+ ESG professionals focus on proprietary research and analysis.
INTEGRATED
Our portfolio managers and investment analysts work to integrate material ESG considerations in their investment
decision making.
INSIGHTS AND REPORTS
Must-read ESG insights and much more
ESG reports, analyses, studies & policies
ESG DISCLOSURES
Key term glossary
Corporate bond: A type of debt security issued by a corporation in order to raise financing for a variety of reasons, such as ongoing operations, expansions or mergers and acquisitions.
Engagement: The process whereby companies connect with their shareholders. The process typically includes participating in quarterly investor calls or in-person meetings. From an asset manager’s perspective, engagements are conducted to exchange views on material issues and gain a better understanding of the company, all with a view to protecting and growing the value of investments for the benefit of fund shareholders.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG): A set of considerations related to environmental, social and governance issues that could have a material impact on the value of an investment over time.
Governance: The system of rules, practices and processes by which a company or issuer is directed and controlled, typically through a board of directors and company management.
Issuer: A legal entity that develops, registers and sells securities to finance its operations. Issuers may be corporations, investment trusts, or governments.
Material: ESG-related issues that are likely to affect the value of an investment over time.
Municipal bond: Debt security issued by a state, municipality or county to finance its capital expenditures, including the construction of highways, bridges or schools.
Proxy voting: A proxy vote authorizes a person or firm to cast a vote on behalf of the issuing company’s shareholder. Proxies typically are used by shareholders to elect a company’s board of directors, select independent auditors, approve executive compensation, and vote on other management- or shareholder-sponsored proposals.
Sovereign bond: A debt security issued by a national government.
Third-party data: Data provided by external vendors or data aggregators. Sources of data include company reports and proxy statements. Other sources include government databases, NGO reports, financial news, social media and company reviews.
*As at 31 December 2025, monitoring applies to corporate, sovereign and select municipal bond holdings.
All data as at 31 December 2025 unless otherwise stated. Source: Capital Group