Wespath Update from Glenview, Illinois, United States "All nine funds generate positive returns YTD | July 28 Webinar—Invitation" for Thursday, 21 July 2016

Wespath Update from Glenview, Illinois, United States "All nine funds generate positive returns YTD | July 28 Webinar—Invitation" for Thursday, 21 July 2016Investment Solutions for United Methodist Organizations
Performance
Three of the four underlying funds within the Multiple Asset Fund (MAF) outperformed their benchmarks during the second quarter, largely due to the funds’ dedicated allocations to emerging market stocks and bonds, commodities, and high yield bonds.
The year-to-date performance of the MAF ranked in the top four percent within the BNY Mellon “Foundations and Endowments – Total Funds” universe (data as of May 31, the most current report available).
Net-of-fees returns for the Wespath funds for the year-to-date period (ended June 30) are available here.
Assets Under Management
The funds managed by Wespath recently received significant new inflows from The United Methodist Foundation of Greater New Jersey.
Wespath has received nearly $100 million in new investments year-to-date which puts us on track for a sixth consecutive year of positive net inflows from UM-affiliated institutions.
Sustainable Investment Strategies Activity
Wespath Receives Global Recognition—Wespath ranks third in the U.S. and 15th globally for sustainable investment related to climate change, according to the 2016 Asset Owners Disclosure Project (AODP). The AODP annually ranks 500 of the world’s largest investors based on how they manage climate risk and invest in low-carbon solutions. We were commended for ranking among the top 3% of asset owners in the world, and specifically for our engagement activities, where we placed seventh globally. We firmly believe engagement helps create more sustainable companies and investments.
Wespath Files Climate Change-Related Shareholder Resolutions—Wespath collaborated with global sustainable investors for the 2016 proxy voting season by filing and supporting strategic shareholder resolutions aiming to improve company responses to the threat of climate change. Results from this year’s proxy season—which has seen a record number of climate-related resolutions—indicate an important shift in investor engagement and in company responses to the transition to a lower carbon economy. The resolutions filed with Anglo American and Rio Tinto passed with overwhelming support, including from company management. The resolutions filed at Chevron and Occidental Petroleum did not have the support of company management, however they received more than 40% of total votes—a significant show of support for first-time filings.
Wespath’s Strategic Approach to Climate Change—Wespath’s Avoid—Engage—Invest framework helps us prepare for and support the transition to a lower-carbon economy by identifying and prioritizing where climate change-related risks and opportunities are likely to occur. Click here to read more about our efforts to tackle climate change while promoting the long-term sustainability of the funds we manage on behalf of our clients.
A New Look for the Monthly Investment Report
Wespath’s Monthly Investment Report has been revamped! The redesigned report highlights the key drivers of fund performance and includes returns for the month, quarter and year-to-date time period, an overview of the markets and information on economic indicators for the month. The June 2016 report can be found here.
Staff Additions
Constance Christian, CFA joined Wespath as Manager, Fixed Income in May. Connie helps oversee the fixed income assets within the Wespath funds.
Quarterly Update Webinar—July 28
Wespath will host its “Quarterly Update” webinar at 1:30 p.m. Central time on Thursday, July 28. To register, please click the button below.
Register Now
Agency Name Change
The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits was re-named Wespath Benefits and Investments on July 18. The agency name change will not affect Wespath Investment Management—our commitment to helping investors achieve their investment objectives through products and services aligned with the principles of the UMC remains the same.
Upcoming Events
Wespath will be among the sponsors of:
The National Association of Schools and Colleges of The United Methodist Church (NASCUMC) Annual Meeting in Lake Tahoe, CA July 24-27.
The 2016 National Association of United Methodist Foundations (NAUMF) National Meeting in Portland, ME October 12-14.
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Wespath

1901 Chestnut Avenue

Glenview, Illinois 60025, United States
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