iShares ESG Screened S&P 500 ETF Price & Performance (XVV)

BlackRock has rebranded 135 ETFs and investment vehicles in Europe, removing the ESG label from $51 billion in assets. The move aligns with client preferences and upcoming ESMA regulations. While methodologies remain unchanged, the rebranding reflects a broader trend in Europe, as funds adapt to stricter naming guidelines.1

US Bancorp DE reduced its holdings in SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF by 90.7% during Q4, retaining only 672 shares valued at $38,000. The ETF, which focuses on sustainability-screened S&P 500 stocks, has seen mixed investor activity, with others increasing their stakes despite its recent 1% drop in value.2

Clean energy stocks, including NextEra Energy and AFC Energy, dropped following U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright's pledge to expand fossil fuel production. ESG funds also faced losses, with the iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Growth ETF sliding 4.15%. The policy pivot signals a challenging environment for green investments.3