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Free CFA® Sustainable-Investing Exam Questions (page: 12)

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PDF with 802 Questions

When searching for an asset manager with an ESG approach, in the request for proposal (RFP) an institutional asset owner would most appropriately ask:

  1. which broad market index the asset manager tracks
  2. detailed questions on specific portfolio holdings of the asset manager
  3. if the asset manager aims for positive, measurable ESG outcomes beyond financial returns

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

When searching for an asset manager with an ESG approach, it is essential for an institutional asset owner to understand whether the asset manager's strategy aligns with their sustainability objectives. The most appropriate question to ask in the RFP is whether the asset manager aims for positive, measurable ESG outcomes beyond financial returns. This question assesses thecommitment to achieving concrete ESG results, which is a critical factor in evaluating the manager's integration of ESG factors into their investment process. Detailed questions about portfolio holdings or which broad market index the manager tracks are less relevant to assessing the ESG integration.



Companies may be excluded from the UK Modern Slavery Act on the basis of:

  1. size only
  2. sector only.
  3. both size and sector

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Under the UK Modern Slavery Act, companies are required to publish a statement on the steps they have taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in their business or supply chains. The Act applies to businesses with a turnover of £36 million or more, making size the primary basis for exclusion. There are no sector-specific exclusions mentioned in the Act.



Norms-based screening is the largest investment strategy in

  1. japan
  2. europe
  3. the united states

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Norms-based screening is the largest investment strategy in Europe. This approach involves screening investments against specific social, environmental, and governance criteria based on international norms and standards. Europe has a strong regulatory and cultural emphasis on responsible investing, which is reflected in the widespread adoption of norms-based screening.

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Compared with younger people, older people are more likely to have:

  1. lower accumulated savings and spend less on consumer goods
  2. higher accumulated savings and spend less on consumer goods.
  3. higher accumulated savings and spend more on consumer goods

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Older people typically have higher accumulated savings compared to younger people due to their longer work history and accumulation of assets over time. However, they tend to spend less on consumer goods as their consumption patterns change with age, often focusing more on healthcare and essential services rather than discretionary spending on consumer goods.



When assessing credit and ESG ratings, which of the following statements is most accurate?

  1. The correlation between country ESG risk and credit ratings is high
  2. The correlation between ESG ratings among rating providers is high
  3. The correlation between credit ratings among credit rating agencies (CRAs) is low

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

There is a high correlation between country ESG risk and credit ratings. Countries with higher ESG risks typically face higher borrowing costs and lower credit ratings due to the perceived increased risk associated with environmental, social, and governance factors. This correlation reflects the importance of ESG factors in assessing the overall creditworthiness and financial stability of countries.



In ESG integration, model adjustments are typically performed at the:

  1. research stage
  2. valuation stage.
  3. portfolio construction stage

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

In ESG integration, model adjustments are typically performed at the valuation stage. This involves adjusting financial models to reflect ESG risks and opportunities, which can impact revenue forecasts, operating costs, discount rates, and terminal values. By integrating ESG factors into the valuation process, investors can better assess the long-term sustainability and financial performance of their investments.

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ESG factors that relate to future growth opportunities are most relevant to:

  1. equity investors.
  2. sovereign debt investors.
  3. corporate bond investors.

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Equity investors are primarily focused on future growth opportunities, as they are investing in the potential appreciation of a company's stock price over time. ESG factors that relate to future growth opportunities are particularly relevant to equity investors because these factors can significantly influence a company's long-term profitability and valuation.

Detailed

Growth Potential and Future Earnings: Equity investors are interested in companies that demonstrate potential for future growth and increased earnings. ESG factors such as innovation in sustainable technologies, efficient resource management, and positive social impact can drive a company's growth by opening up new markets, improving operational efficiencies, and enhancing brand reputation.

Risk Mitigation and Long-Term Stability: ESG factors also help equity investors mitigate risks associated with environmental, social, and governance issues. For example, companies with strong environmental practices are less likely to face regulatory fines, and those with robust governance structures are less likely to encounter scandals. This stability is attractive to equity investors looking for sustainable returns.

Valuation and Investor Sentiment: Companies that are proactive in managing ESG factors often enjoy a higher valuation due to positive investor sentiment. Investors are increasingly valuingcompanies that are seen as responsible and forward-thinking. This can lead to a higher stock price as demand for the company's shares increases.

Regulatory and Market Trends: As regulations around ESG factors become stricter and as consumers become more environmentally and socially conscious, companies that are ahead in ESG practices are likely to benefit. Equity investors look at these trends to anticipate which companies will be market leaders in the future.

CFA ESG Investing


Reference:

According to the CFA Institute's ESG Investing Guide, "Equity investors are particularly interested in how ESG factors might affect a company's future earnings and risk profile" (CFA Institute, 2020).

The MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology document highlights that ESG factors are critical in assessing a company's resilience to long-term financially relevant ESG risks, which directly impacts future growth opportunities and hence, is vital for equity investors.

These aspects underscore why ESG factors related to future growth opportunities are most relevant to equity investors, who are keen on capitalizing on both the upside potential and risk management of their investments over the long term.



What order should investors follow when implementing social factors in their investment decisions?

Process 1: Assess the critical social factors in the supply chain

Process 2: Assess how exposed companies are to sector-specific social factors

Process 3: Assess which social factors are most financially material in a particular industry

  1. Process 1, followed by Process 2, and then Process 3
  2. Process 2, followed by Process 1, and then Process 3
  3. Process 3, followed by Process 2, and then Process 1

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

When implementing social factors in their investment decisions, investors should follow a structured approach to ensure a comprehensive analysis and integration of these factors. The recommended order is:

Assess which social factors are most financially material in a particular industry (Process 3):

This first step involves identifying the social factors that have the most significant financial impact on companies within a specific industry. Financial materiality refers to the degree towhich a social factor can influence a company's financial performance. For example, labor practices may be highly material for the apparel industry, whereas data privacy might be more critical for technology companies.

Assess how exposed companies are to sector-specific social factors (Process 2):

After identifying the financially material social factors, the next step is to evaluate the extent to which companies within the industry are exposed to these factors. This involves analyzing the companies' business models, geographic locations, and operational practices to determine their vulnerability and potential impact from these social issues. For instance, a company operating in a region with strict labor laws will have different exposures than one in a less regulated environment .

Assess the critical social factors in the supply chain (Process 1):

Finally, investors should examine the supply chain to understand the social risks and opportunities associated with suppliers and subcontractors. This includes evaluating labor practices, health and safety standards, and community relations within the supply chain. This step ensures that the entire value chain is scrutinized for social risks that could affect the company's reputation and financial performance .

By following this order, investors can ensure a thorough and effective integration of social factors into their investment decision-making process. This approach aligns with best practices in ESG investing, as it prioritizes financial materiality and exposure before delving into supply chain specifics, providing a comprehensive view of social risks and opportunities.



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