Vanguard files for two ETFs with ESG focus

Vanguard filed a preliminary registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for two exchange-traded funds to complement its existing environmental, social and governance (ESG) mutual fund. The two new funds, the Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF and the Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF, will join Vanguard's FTSE Social Index Fund. The two new funds are expected to begin trading in September. The Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF will seek to track the FTSE US All Cap Choice Index, a market-cap weighted benchmark comprising large-, mid-, and small-cap U.S. stocks screened on specific environmental, social, and governance criteria. (More:​ International ETFs ready for takeoff) For the Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF, the target benchmark will be the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Choice Index, a similar market-cap weighted benchmark that excludes U.S. companies. The estimated expense ratios for the new ETFs are 0.12% and 0.15%, respectively. Vanguard's Equity Index Group will serve as the investment adviser for both ETFs.