Asset manager Amundi US announced today the launch of Amundi US Equity ESG Improvers SMA, expanding its investment range for US investors, targeting future ESG champions.

Amundi launched the ESG Improvers range in February 2021, with the introduction of a pair of equity funds, one focused on US equities, and one on Europe. The strategy takes a forward-looking approach to identify companies with promising ESG trajectories, investing in future ESG-related growth at an early stage.

The company has expanded the range of funds over the past several months, including the addition of an emerging markets-focused version launched in July.

Lisa Jones, President and CEO of Amundi US, and Head of the Americas, said:

“As we continue to expand the breadth of ESG solutions tailored to different client segments in the US, we identified an opportunity to import an innovative strategy from Amundi’s ESG Improvers range of offerings available outside the US. This ESG Improvers strategy may appeal to US investors looking for a core ESG holding with the potential to participate in the upside of companies that are expanding their focus on ESG.”

The new actively managed strategy provides exposure to ESG-related growth potential by investing in firms that embrace or will embrace a positive ESG trajectory within their businesses, while also investing in ESG leaders in their sectors. The strategy will also seek to outperform the S&P 500.

Craig Sterling, Head of Equity Research, US, and a member of the team managing the strategy, said:

“We believe companies with a solid fundamental investment case, combined with a positive approach to ESG, may be well-positioned to drive alpha generation over time. This strategy is designed to bridge the gap between ESG momentum and financial performance.”