Funds
ASB Conservative Fund
Issues of concern
The graph below shows the percentage of the fund invested in each of the worst issues of concern to New Zealanders. Below the graph are listed all the companies this fund invests in, by issue of concern.
Key:
- Human Rights Violations
- Environmental Harm
- Animal Cruelty
- Weapons
- Fossil Fuels
- Social Harm
Companies of concern
Human Rights Violations
-
Meta Platforms Inc-Class A 0.15%
Public Safety
Where companies are involved in significant harm to individuals or communities, through the unsafe nature of their products or delivery of services and inadequate response to evidence of harm.
META PLATFORMS INC-CLASS A Public Safety
Meta is the world’s largest online social network consisting of the Facebook app, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and many features surrounding these products. The company has faced several investigations and legal action linked to privacy-related allegations, including its handling of user data, and breaches of user privacy. Meta has also been criticised for its poor governance model, as well as allowing its platform in non-English speaking countries to be used to incite ethnic violence.
-
Johnson & Johnson 0.11%
Public Safety
Where companies are involved in significant harm to individuals or communities, through the unsafe nature of their products or delivery of services and inadequate response to evidence of harm.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON Public Safety
Johnson & Johnson is the world's largest and most diverse healthcare firm. The company has been involved in repeated incidents related to the quality and safety of several of its products across all three of the company’s business segments — drugs, devices, and consumer products. Several products have been associated with allegations of severe or even fatal adverse impacts on patients.
-
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc 0.06%
Human Rights Abuses
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC Human Rights Abuses
Thermo Fisher Scientific sells scientific instruments and laboratory equipment, diagnostics consumables, and life science reagents. Thermo Fisher DNA testing kits have been linked to surveillance and discriminatory purposes by the legal authorities in Xinjiang (a region of China) for monitoring and tracking the Muslim Uyghur ethnic group and other minorities. Evidence shows Thermo Fisher Scientific continues to supply DNA sequencing products to the Xinjiang region, despite the company announcing it would halt sales to the region in 2019.
-
Alstom 0.03%
War & Conflict
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
-
Motorola Solutions Inc 0.03%
War & Conflict
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC War & Conflict
Motorola is an American provider of communication products, video equipment, telecommunications equipment, software, systems, and services. Motorola Solutions and its subsidiary, Motorola Israel, have been accused of complicity in human rights violations due to its sale of communication products to the Israeli Ministry of Defence in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are deemed illegal under international law and the United Nations Human Rights Council Report 2023 has identified Motorola as a company providing services supporting the maintenance and existence of these settlements. As of 2023, Motorola is the sole supplier of the 4G cellular network for the Israeli Military and provides their surveillance and security system, which research shows is being used for border surveillance in the occupied Palestinian territories.
-
Rio Tinto Ltd 0.03%
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
Human Rights Abuses
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
-
Uber Technologies Inc 0.02%
Labour Rights Violations
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on labour rights and freedoms; including poor treatment of workers, child and forced labour, and modern slavery.
UBER TECHNOLOGIES INC Labour Rights Violations
Uber is a ride and food delivery service provider. Evidence shows the company has been prioritising revenue growth over driver welfare and user safety. As Uber considers its drivers to be contractors, this limits their employee rights to the minimum wage and other benefits, meaning drivers and vehicles are not subject to the labour standards expected from traditional taxi companies.
-
Meta Platforms Inc-Class A 0.15%
Environmental Harm
-
BHP Group Ltd 0.16%
Environmental Damage
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Newcrest Mining Ltd 0.02%
Environmental Damage
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
-
Posco 0.01%
Environmental Damage
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
-
BHP Group Ltd 0.16%
Animal Cruelty
-
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vui 0.05%
Animal Welfare Issues
Where companies, through their products or operations, cause harm to animals e.g., animal entertainment (such as marine parks and rodeos), livestock exports, whale meat etc.
Fur & Speciality Leather
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
-
Sherwin-Williams Co/The 0.04%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
L'Oreal 0.03%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
L'OREAL Animal Testing
L'Oréal is a personal care company and cosmetics company concentrating on hair colour, skin care, sun protection, make-up, perfume, and hair care. The company states that its products are sold in countries where animal testing of cosmetic products is required by law.
-
Novozymes A/S-B Shares 0.03%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
Church & Dwight Co Inc 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
Estee Lauder Companies-Cl A 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES-CL A Animal Testing
Estee Lauder is a multinational cosmetics company, a manufacturer and marketer of makeup, skincare, fragrance, and hair care products. The company states that its products are sold in countries where animal testing of cosmetic products is required by law.
-
Givaudan-Reg 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
Hermes International 0.01%
Animal Welfare Issues
Where companies, through their products or operations, cause harm to animals e.g., animal entertainment (such as marine parks and rodeos), livestock exports, whale meat etc.
Fur & Speciality Leather
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
-
Kering 0.01%
Animal Welfare Issues
Where companies, through their products or operations, cause harm to animals e.g., animal entertainment (such as marine parks and rodeos), livestock exports, whale meat etc.
Fur & Speciality Leather
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
KERING Animal Welfare Issues Fur & Speciality Leather
Kering specialises in luxury goods. Evidence shows the company makes several products, including bags, and watch straps from exotic leather, such as crocodile, python and ostrich leather and states that most of its houses do not use fur.
-
Orica Ltd 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
PPG Industries Inc 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
Ultrapar Participacoes SA 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vui 0.05%
Weapons
-
Amphenol Corp-Cl A 0.02%
Military Weapons
Where companies derive revenue from the manufacturing of weapons or weapon components and services to the defence industry. We do not include non-weapons-related military support.
-
Heico Corp 0.02%
Military Weapons
Where companies derive revenue from the manufacturing of weapons or weapon components and services to the defence industry. We do not include non-weapons-related military support.
-
Transdigm Group Inc 0.02%
Military Weapons
Where companies derive revenue from the manufacturing of weapons or weapon components and services to the defence industry. We do not include non-weapons-related military support.
-
Amphenol Corp-Cl A 0.02%
Fossil Fuels
-
Contact Energy Ltd 0.20%
1.5°C
This company is on a 1.5°C pathway
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
CONTACT ENERGY LTD Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Contact Energy is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest electric utilities companies. Contact operates three thermal power stations that employ gas and diesel. In FY2023, 7% of the energy Contact generated came from thermal generation. However, Contact has announced plans for further investment in renewable generation. This includes NZD 1.2 billion in geothermal power, by constructing a new station and expanding capacity at an existing station, along with early developments in wind and solar generation. Therefore, the company is considered to be on a climate change pathway aligned with 1.5°C of global temperature rise.
-
BHP Group Ltd 0.16%
Environmental Damage
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Genesis Energy Ltd 0.04%
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
GENESIS ENERGY LTD Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Genesis Energy is engaged in energy generation, trading and selling of electricity, and owns a portfolio of fossil fuel and renewable generation assets across New Zealand. Evidence shows that thermal generation from gas represents a significant portion of the company's total power generation (from the Huntly power station), and that oil and gas power revenues represent approximately 35% of the company's total revenue.
-
Rio Tinto Ltd 0.03%
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
Human Rights Abuses
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
-
Tata Steel Ltd-Gdr Reg S 0.03%
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
-
Ampol Ltd 0.02%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Bkw AG 0.02%
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
-
Channel Infrastructure NZ Lt 0.02%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Northland Power Inc 0.02%
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
-
Verbund AG 0.02%
1.5°C
This company is on a 1.5°C pathway
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
VERBUND AG Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Verbund is an Austrian electricity and natural gas company that generates 96% of its electricity from renewable sources. The company generates electricity through hydro-electric, solar, nuclear, natural gas and wind power generators, and also operates a coal power plant. The company ceased coal generation in 2020, however the Austrian government required the company to reopen the plant due to Austria facing energy shortages. Verbund also intends to improve the sustainability of its natural gas supply by converting to green hydrogen, which it plans to power from its sizeable hydroelectric capacity. Therefore, the company is considered to be on a climate change pathway aligned with 1.5°C of global temperature rise.
-
Washington H. Soul Pattinson 0.02%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Agl Energy Ltd 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
-
Apa Group 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Cosan SA 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Edp-Energias De Portugal SA 0.01%
1.5°C
This company is on a 1.5°C pathway
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
EDP-ENERGIAS DE PORTUGAL SA Fossil Fuel Power Generation
EDP is a Portugal’s largest generator and distributor of electricity. Evidence shows that 12.5% of the company’s revenue was is generated from fossil fuels, including 5% from coal-fired plants and 7.5% from oil and gas. However, EDP have committed to being coal-free by 2025 and carbon neutral by 2030. The decision to shut down rather than offload their fossil fuel assets contrasts with many other energy companies who instead choose to sell up when faced with dropping profits or a need to improve their sustainability credentials. Therefore, the company is considered to be on a climate change pathway aligned with 1.5°C of global temperature rise.
-
Enbridge Inc 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Hd Hyundai 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Marathon Petroleum Corp 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Orica Ltd 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Origin Energy Ltd 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Petronas Dagangan Bhd 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Qatar Gas Transport(Nakilat) 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
South32 Ltd 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Viva Energy Group Ltd 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Weg SA 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Contact Energy Ltd 0.20%
1.5°C
This data is compiled by Mindful Money from the fund information and portfolios
that each fund has
filed with the Disclose register to 30th Sept. 2023 and Mindful Money
analysis of funds within those portfolios. The list of companies of concern has
been drawn from ratings agencies and public sources, including the Norwegian
Sovereign Fund, NZ Super Fund, Sustainalytics and research organisations.
Please note that companies may breach more than one of these areas of
concern.
The listing of companies of concern is based on definitions used in Mindful Money's
methodology. These definitions may
be different from the exclusions policy and definitions applied by the fund provider.
Mindful Money uses the term Mindful Funds as our standard
for ethical investment and responsible investment. This does not imply that
other funds are unethical or that the fund providers that do not meet these
standards are unethical providers.
About this fund
In their own words
To provide modest total returns allowing for modest movements of value up and down. The number of years with negative returns are generally expected to be less than other funds in the ASB Investment Funds. We manage asset allocation and currency hedging over the medium to long term relative to the target investment mix. We focus on cost effective management. The Conservative Fund invests in income and growth assets with a target investment mix of 80% income assets and 20% growth assets.
| Value | $85.5M NZD |
| Period of data report | 31st Dec. 2023 |
| Fund started | 11th Oct. 2007 |
| Total annual fund fees | 0.95% |
| Total performance based fees | 0.0% |
| Manager's basic fee | 0.9% |
| Other management and administration charges | 0.05% |
| Total other charges | 0.0 |
| Total other charges currency | NZD |
Key Personnel
|
Frank Jasper |
Currently: Investment Committee member (1 years, 5 months) |
|
Jax Mitchell |
Currently: Investment Committee member (1 years, 2 months) |
|
Stephen Moir |
Currently: Investment Committee Chairman (0 years, 7 months) |
|
Amie Nilsson (Not Named In The Previous Fund Update) |
Currently: Investment Committee member (0 years, 7 months) |
|
Justine Sefton |
Currently: Investment Committee member (1 years, 5 months) |
This information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st Dec. 2023.
Past Returns
Past annual returns for this fund are after fees and taxes. Please note that higher past returns do not always mean higher future returns.
| Year | Market Average | Fund Annual Return |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -1.56% | -1.56% |
| 2022 | -0.95% | -2.37% |
| 2021 | 8.70% | 6.07% |
| 2020 | 0.08% | 0.5% |
| 2019 | 4.31% | 4.41% |
| 2018 | 3.39% | 3.15% |
| 2017 | 3.28% | 3.53% |
| 2016 | 2.92% | 3.01% |
| 2015 | 8.63% | 6.68% |
| 2014 | 5.69% | 2.87% |
The market average is the average return for funds of the same risk category, sourced from the Commission for Financial Capability's Sorted website. The fund information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st Dec. 2023.
Top 10 Investments
-
Westpac Deposit Acc
New Zealand Cash and Equivalents A-1+4.23% -
BNZ Deposit Acc
New Zealand Cash and Equivalents A-1+3.45% -
Ishares Physical Gold Etc
United Kingdom Other3.0% -
ASB Bank Ltd 100524 Rcd
New Zealand Cash and Equivalents A-1+1.94% -
New Zealand Government 140433 3.50 Gb
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest AAA1.84% -
New Zealand Government 150427 4.50 Gb
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest AAA1.42% -
New Zealand Govt 200935 2.50 Indexed Bond
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest AAA1.28% -
New Zealand Government 200429 3.0 Gb
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest AAA1.21% -
New Zealand Government 150425 2.75 Gb
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest AAA1.21% -
New Zealand Government 150528 0.25 Gb
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest AAA1.18%
| Type | Target | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | 15.0% | 12.21% |
| New Zealand Fixed Interest | 28.5% | 29.66% |
| International Fixed Interest | 36.5% | 33.24% |
| Australasian Equities | 7.5% | 6.21% |
| International Equities | 12.5% | 15.64% |
| Listed Properties | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Unlisted Properties | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Other | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Commodities | 0.0% | 3.04% |
Investment Mix
How the money in this fund is invested against the fund's targets.
Target
Actual
This information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st Dec. 2023.