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CFA ESG-Investing Exam Questions
Certificate in ESG Investing (Page 14 )

Updated On: 24-Feb-2026
Page 14 of 95
PDF with 618 Questions

Wastewater treatment facilities:

  1. are highly capital intensive to develop
  2. require minimal ongoing maintenance expenditures.
  3. can be maintained by lower-skilled workers once developed

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Wastewater treatment facilities are highly capital intensive to develop. The development of these facilities involves significant upfront investments in infrastructure, technology, and construction.

Infrastructure Costs: Building a wastewater treatment facility requires substantial investment in infrastructure, including pipelines, treatment plants, and equipment. These costs can be very high due to the scale and complexity of the systems needed to treat wastewater effectively.

Technology and Equipment: The technology and equipment used in wastewater treatment, such as filtration systems, chemical treatment processes, and monitoring tools, are expensive to acquire and install. Advanced technologies that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact further increase costs.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the facility meets regulatory standards and environmental guidelines adds to the capital costs. Compliance with regulations often necessitates additional investments in specialized equipment and processes.


Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Discusses the capital-intensive nature of developing sustainable infrastructure projects, including wastewater treatment facilities.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Highlights the high upfront investment required for infrastructure projects aimed at improving environmental outcomes.



With respect to the current state of ESG disclosure globally, issuer reporting frameworks for ESG information are

  1. mandatory
  2. fragmented.
  3. harmonized.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

With respect to the current state of ESG disclosure globally, issuer reporting frameworks for ESG information are fragmented. There is a lack of uniformity and consistency in how companies report ESG data, leading to challenges for investors and other stakeholders.

Diverse Standards: Multiple frameworks and standards exist for ESG reporting, such as GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board), and TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures). Each framework has its own set of guidelines, leading to inconsistencies in reporting.

Regional Differences: ESG disclosure requirements vary significantly across regions and countries. Some regions have mandatory reporting requirements, while others rely on voluntary disclosures, contributing to the fragmentation.

Comparability Issues: The lack of harmonization in ESG reporting makes it difficult for investors to compare ESG performance across companies and sectors. This fragmentation poses challenges in assessing and integrating ESG factors into investment decisions.


Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Discusses the fragmented nature of ESG disclosure frameworks and the impact on data comparability and investor decision-making.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Highlights the challenges posed by diverse and fragmented ESG reporting standards globally.



A portfolio manager may need to adopt a more appropriate ESG benchmark rather than a broad market benchmark if the degree of exclusions results in:

  1. low active share and low tracking error
  2. low active share and high tracking error.
  3. high active share and high tracking error.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

A portfolio manager may need to adopt a more appropriate ESG benchmark rather than a broad market benchmark if the degree of exclusions results in high active share and high tracking error. High active share indicates that the portfolio significantly deviates from the benchmark, while high tracking error measures the volatility of these deviations.

High Active Share: Excluding a significant number of securities from the investment universe to align with ESG criteria can lead to a portfolio that is very different from the broad market benchmark. This high active share reflects the extent to which the portfolio composition differs from the benchmark.

High Tracking Error: The deviations from the benchmark can lead to high tracking error, indicating the portfolio's performance can vary significantly from the benchmark. This variability can be a result of the different risk and return characteristics of the excluded securities.

Appropriate ESG Benchmark: To accurately measure performance and risk, it is essential to use a benchmark that reflects the ESG criteria applied in the portfolio. An ESG-specific benchmark would provide a more relevant comparison and better align with the investment strategy.


Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Explains the importance of selecting appropriate benchmarks for ESG-focused portfolios to ensure alignment with investment objectives.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Discusses the impact of exclusions on portfolio metrics such as active share and tracking error, and the need for suitable ESG benchmarks.



Fund labelers are most likely classified as:

  1. regulators
  2. fund promoters.
  3. financial advisers

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Fund labelers are most likely classified as fund promoters. Fund promoters are responsible for marketing and promoting investment funds, including those with specific labels such as ESG or green funds.

Marketing Role: Fund promoters play a key role in marketing investment products to potential investors. They use labels such as ESG, green, or sustainable to attract investors interested in these themes.

Product Differentiation: By labeling funds with ESG or other sustainable labels, fund promoters differentiate their products in the market. This helps investors identify funds that align with their values and investment criteria.

Regulatory Compliance: Fund promoters must ensure that the funds meet the criteria for the labels they use. This involves compliance with relevant regulations and standards that govern the use of ESG and other sustainable labels.


Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Discusses the role of fund promoters in marketing and labeling investment products to attract investors.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Highlights the importance of accurate labeling and promotion of ESG funds to ensure transparency and investor trust.



Which of the following is most likely categorized as an external social factor?

  1. Human rights
  2. Product liability
  3. Working conditions

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Definition of External Social Factors:

External social factors refer to social issues that affect or are affected by the company's interactions with the broader society and environment. These factors typically include human rights, community relations, and broader social impacts.

According to the CFA Institute, external social factors encompass elements that are outside the direct control of the company but are influenced by or impact its operations.

Human Rights:

Human rights issues involve the company's responsibility to respect and protect the rights of individuals and communities affected by its operations. This includes avoiding complicity in human rights abuses and ensuring fair treatment of all stakeholders.

The MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology emphasizes the importance of human rights as a critical external social factor, affecting a company's reputation and license to operate.

Comparison with Other Options:

Product Liability: This is typically considered a governance or internal risk factor, as it relates to the company's responsibility for the safety and reliability of its products.

Working Conditions: This is usually categorized as an internal social factor, as it pertains to the treatment of employees within the company.

Importance in ESG Integration:

Addressing human rights issues is crucial for managing risks and enhancing corporate sustainability. Companies that fail to respect human rights can face significant reputational damage, legal liabilities, and operational disruptions.

The CFA Institute notes that effective management of external social factors like human rights is essential for long-term value creation and risk mitigation.


Reference:

CFA Institute, "Environmental, Social, and Governance Issues in Investing: A Guide for Investment Professionals."

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology documents, which discuss the categorization and importance of human rights as an external social factor.






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