Could Australian Ethical (ASX:AEF) be about to launch a new ETF?

Australian Ethical is exploring new territory…

| More on:
Group of people with banners in climate change protest

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Australian Ethical Investment is a popular fund manager and super provider
  • The company has seen demand for its ethical investments skyrocket in recent years
  • Is this company about to expand into offering ETFs?

The Australian Ethical Investment Limited (ASX: AEF) share price is enjoying a very successful day of trading so far this Monday. At the time of writing, Australian Ethical shares are up a healthy 4.15% at $9.29. This ethically-minded fund manager has suffered a steep drop over the past couple of months. It has fallen from more than $15.08 a share back in mid-November to $8.70 today (a staggering 42.3% descent). Even so, this company is still up a pleasing 34% over the past year. As well as a very impressive 943% over the past five years.

So today's big share price move comes amid reports that Australian Ethical might be broadening its horizons by launching an inaugural exchange-traded fund (ETF) product. According to a report in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) today, Australian Ethical is poised to pull the trigger on a listing for its high conviction fund.

New Australian Ethical ETF to launch?

Up until now, Australian Ethical was a company that offered ethically-driven investment strategies across managed funds, superannuation and pensions. The company offers a range of nine managed funds. These cover everything from Australian and international shares to fixed-interest and income-focused investments.

The company's high conviction fund was only launched last October, and is currently available only to wholesale (extremely wealthy) investors. However, this fund is reportedly the one getting the ETF treatment. According to the AFR report, Australian Ethical will be launching an ETF version of the high conviction fund tomorrow. The fund will trade under the ticker code 'AEAE' and will be available on the Cboe exchange (formerly known as Chi-X). This will be the first ETF launched by Australian Ethical.

The high conviction fund is a relatively concentrated managed fund that only holds between 20 and 35 shares. These are predominantly taken from the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO). According to the fund's latest update for December, its top five holdings were Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS).

Between its October 2021 inception and 31 December, the high conviction fund returned -1.8%. That fares poorly against its benchmark, which delivered 2.2%.

At the current Australian Ethical share price, this company has a market capitalisation of $1.04 billion. It also has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 93.88 and a trailing dividend yield of 0.75%.

Should you invest $1,000 in Cedar Woods Properties Limited right now?

Before you buy Cedar Woods Properties Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Cedar Woods Properties Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended COLESGROUP DEF SET and Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. and Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names more of the best ASX 200 stocks to buy in May

These stocks could be best buys this month according to the broker.

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these shares.

Read more »

Oil worker using a smartphone in front of an oil rig.
Energy Shares

ASX 200 energy shares plunge on shock OPEC move

ASX 200 energy shares like Woodside and Santos are tumbling on Monday. Let’s find out why.

Read more »

Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, Gold Road, Syrah, and Tyro shares are racing higher today

These shares are starting the week strongly. But why?

Read more »

Rising gold share price represented by a green arrow on piles of gold block.
Gold

2 ASX gold stocks racing higher in Monday's sinking market

Investors are sending these ASX gold stocks flying higher on Monday. But why?

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why Brainchip, Helia Group, Reliance Worldwide, and Westpac shares are dropping today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

Man looking upwards contemplating which shares to buy
Broker Notes

CSL shares have climbed 10% since 11 April. Is it too late to buy?

What are analysts saying about this biotech giant after its recent rally? Let's find out.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX All Ords share just rocketed 19% on BIG news

Investors are sending this ASX All Ords share flying on Monday. But why?

Read more »