Desjardins launches a suite of six RI - Low CO2 Exchange Traded Funds

MONTREAL, Sept. 27, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. (DGAM), acting as manager and portfolio advisor of the Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), announces the launch of six exchange traded funds. Each of the Desjardins ETFs listed in the table below has closed the initial offering of units, and those units will begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) today. Two more Desjardins ETFs, Desjardins RI Emerging Markets Multifactor - Low CO₂ ETF and Desjardins RI Global Multifactor - Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF, are also anticipated to commence trading thereafter during the fourth quarter of 2018.

"We are proud to offer investors the first and broadest line-up of Responsible Investment ETFs in Canada. Our ETFs focus on climate change issues either by significantly reducing the carbon intensity of the portfolio or by avoiding investing in the fossil fuel sector outright", explains Nicolas Richard, Chief Executive Officer of DGAM.

Here is a list of the six Desjardins ETFs that will commence trading on the TSX today, as well as their corresponding ticker symbols and management fees:

¹The annual management fees are based on a percentage of the net asset value of the corresponding Desjardins ETF, and are calculated daily and payable monthly in arrears, plus applicable taxes.

Desjardins RI Canada Multifactor - Low CO₂ ETF (Ticker TSX: DRFC) The Fund seeks to replicate, to the extent reasonably possible and before fees and expenses, the performance of a Canadian index that employs a multifactor approach. Currently, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Scientific Beta Desjardins Canada RI Low Carbon Multifactor Index, net of fees and expenses. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will primarily invest in large and mid-cap companies from the Scientific Beta Canada Universe while seeking to deliver a significant reduction in the weighted average carbon intensity of the Fund's portfolio relative to the cap-weighted Index of the Scientific Beta Canada Universe and ensuring that all Constituent Issuers meet Pre-Determined ESG Standards.

Desjardins RI USA Multifactor - Low CO₂ ETF (Ticker TSX: DRFU) The Fund seeks to replicate, to the extent reasonably possible and before fees and expenses, the performance of a United States index that employs a multifactor approach. Currently, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Scientific Beta Desjardins United States RI Low Carbon Multifactor Index, net of fees and expenses. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will primarily invest in large and mid-cap companies from the Scientific Beta United States Universe while seeking to deliver a significant reduction in the weighted average carbon intensity of the Fund's portfolio relative to the cap-weighted Index of the Scientific Beta United States Universe and ensuring that all Constituent Issuers meet Pre-Determined ESG Standards.

Desjardins RI Developed ex-USA ex-Canada Multifactor - Low CO₂ ETF (Ticker TSX: DRFD) The Fund seeks to replicate, to the extent reasonably possible and before fees and expenses, the performance of a developed markets (ex-USA ex-Canada) index that employs a multifactor approach. Currently, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Scientific Beta Desjardins Developed ex US ex CA RI Low Carbon Multifactor Index, net of fees and expenses. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will primarily invest in large and mid-cap companies from the Scientific Beta Developed Markets (ex-USA ex-Canada) Universe while seeking to deliver a significant reduction in the weighted average carbon intensity of the Fund's portfolio relative to the cap-weighted Index of the Scientific Beta Developed Markets (ex-USA ex-Canada) Universe and ensuring that all Constituent Issuers meet Pre-Determined ESG Standards.

Desjardins RI Canada - Low CO₂ Index ETF (Ticker TSX: DRMC) The Fund seeks to replicate, to the extent reasonably possible and before fees and expenses, the performance of a Canadian cap-weighted equity index. Currently, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Scientific Beta Desjardins Canada RI Low Carbon Index, net of fees and expenses. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will primarily invest in large and mid-cap companies from the Scientific Beta Canada Universe, while seeking to deliver a significant reduction in the weighted average carbon intensity of the Fund's portfolio and ensuring that all Constituent Issuers meet Pre-Determined ESG Standards.

Desjardins RI USA - Low CO₂ Index ETF (Ticker TSX: DRMU) The Fund seeks to replicate, to the extent reasonably possible and before fees and expenses, the performance of a United States cap-weighted equity index. Currently, DRMU seeks to replicate the performance of the Scientific Beta Desjardins United States RI Low Carbon Index, net of fees and expenses. Under normal market conditions, DRMU will primarily invest in large and mid-cap companies from the Scientific Beta United States Universe, while seeking to deliver a significant reduction in the weighted average carbon intensity of DRMU's portfolio and ensuring that all Constituent Issuers meet Pre-Determined ESG Standards.

Desjardins RI Active Canadian Bond - Low CO₂ ETF (Ticker TSX: DRCU) The Fund seeks to achieve a total return comprised of income and long-term capital appreciation by actively investing primarily in debt securities issued by Canadian governments, government agencies and corporations that meet certain ESG criteria determined by the Manager, including at the Manager's discretion, debt securities of issuers that reduce the investment carbon intensity levels of the overall portfolio.

To obtain additional information about the Desjardins ETFs, visit the manager's website at www.desjardinsETF.com.

About Desjardins Group
Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and the fifth largest in the world, with assets of $290.1 billion. It has been rated one of the Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Ranked among the world's strongest banks according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry.

The Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds are not guaranteed, their value fluctuates frequently and their past performance is not indicative of their future returns. Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in exchange traded funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc.  is the manager and portfolio manager of the Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds. The Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds are offered by registered dealers.

Index Disclaimers

The Indices referenced herein are the property of EDHEC Risk Institute Asia Ltd. ("ERIA") and have been licensed for use in connection with the Desjardins Index ETFs within the framework of the Scientific Beta business. The Desjardins Index ETFs that replicate fully or partially the Indices are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by ERIA. ERIA shall not have any liability with respect thereto.

SOURCE Desjardins Group