Sectors: ESG
The VanEck Global Clean Energy ETF (CLNE) has just hit new multi-year highs earlier this month, demonstrating the world’s growing appetite for energy, both clean and “dirty.” The Iran conflict led to a powerful re-rating of clean energy stocks as countries across Europe and Asia ramped up their investment in solar, wind, and battery infrastructure to reduce their vulnerability to future supply shocks.
The BetaShares Energy Transition Metals ETF (XMET) invests in global miners and materials producers supplying the critical metals underpinning the energy transition, providing diversified exposure to long-term themes such as EVs, battery storage, grid infrastructure and renewable energy. A very topical and exciting place to be investing through 2026, which can be seen by the ETF’s performance over the last 12 months (+103%), While it’s been more muted so far in 2026 (+16%), it’s still well and truly outperformed the ASX.
FAIR is an ESG-focused Australian equities ETF that excludes companies with meaningful exposure to fossil fuels and other activities considered inconsistent with responsible investing principles; it is certified by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA). The fund also tilts toward businesses identified as sustainability leaders, particularly those aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The ETF holds 78 stocks at the moment, with the 5 top holdings as follows:
IESG is BlackRock’s domestic ESG offering. It offers a broad universe of large, mid & small-cap companies in Australia, screened to avoid companies engaged in serious ESG controversies and select activities based on revenue thresholds; it is certified by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA). With a noticeably lower fee than FAIR at around 0.09% p.a., it’s the cost-efficient domestic ESG option. The fund holds 82 stocks at the moment, a similar number to FAIR, but its composition is very different, with the 5 top holdings as follows:
The ETHI ETF aims to track the performance of an index that includes a portfolio of large global stocks identified as “Climate Leaders” that have also passed screens to exclude companies with direct or significant exposure to fossil fuels or engaged in activities deemed inconsistent with responsible investment considerations. Effectively, the ETHI is the global counterpart to FAIR. Instead of screening Australian companies, it applies the same ethical framework to large international companies, giving Australian investors access to a diversified portfolio of the world’s leading sustainable businesses in a single ASX-traded, AUD-denominated ETF. The ETF currently holds 215 stocks, with the 5 top holdings as follows:
The VESG ETF offers very diversified exposure to companies listed across major global developed markets, while applying a responsible investment screen. It excludes companies with material exposure to areas such as fossil fuels, nuclear power, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, gambling, adult entertainment and weapons, as well as businesses involved in conduct deemed inconsistent with UN Global Compact principles. The ETF currently holds ~1500 stocks, with the 5 top holdings as follows:
Hi James,
I have been watching both MTM & GCM for months as both appear to have interesting technology and claim to be rapidly approaching commercialization. Their respective share prices have more than tripled whilst I have had them on my watchlist. As I haven’t been able to assess their revenue/profitability potential I have been reluctant to hit the buy button.
Any insights into these two companies would be much appreciated.
Kind regards
Geoff
Hi everyone, thanks for the great advice.
Do you have any thoughts on CRI which seems to be having trouble bouncing off lows around 14 – 15 c?
Much appreciated.
Hi MM Team,
Given the general electrification of everything mantra, and the growth of Chinese EVs, especially BYD, I’m wondering what your perspective is to investing in them.
Would you consider including BYD in your International portfolio?
What would be the criteria & price point & growth expectations?
