Calvert Launches Alternative Energy Fund

In response to a survey showing that investors are concerned about climate change and alternative energy, Calvert has introduced the Calvert Global Alternative Energy Fund.
The fund invests in a broad universe of U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, seeking companies that are alternative energy market leaders as well as those building a significant presence in the sector, Calvert said in a press release. KBC Asset Management International, a Dublin-based firm, will be sub-adviser to the new fund.
“The Calvert Global Alternative Energy Fund is a sector-specific fund that offers exposure to alternative energy with attractive diversification potential for both socially responsible (SRI) and non-SRI global investors,” said Steve Falci, Calvert’s Chief Investment Officer, Equities, in the press release.
The “Calvert Climate Change/Alternative Energy Survey” found that more than three out of four U.S. investors (76%) are concerned “about global warming and what climate change could mean in terms of major changes’ during their lifetime and those of their children and grandchildren. In addition, the release said nearly nine out of 10 respondents (85%) agreed that alternative energy investments – such as wind, solar and other sources of clean power – represent a dual opportunity to support the environment and generate profit at the same time.
However, Calvert found that only one in five investors who use a financial professional responded affirmatively when asked if they had discussed investing in alternative energy with a financial adviser.
More information on the Calvert Global Alternative Energy Fund and an Executive Summary of Calvert’s survey, conducted for Calvert by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) and polled 1,094 investors, can be found at www.calvert.com.

Mercer Names New Global DC Leader

Mercer announced Wednesday that Barbara Marder has been appointed Global Defined Contribution Consulting Leader at Mercer, effective immediately.
According to the announcement, Marder will work with a team of retirement and investment specialists to serve the defined contribution (DC) plans around the world. She will report to both Bruce Rigby, global retirement consulting leader for Mercer Human Resource Consulting, and Tim Gardener, global leader of Mercer Investment Consulting.
Marder has been with Mercer for 20 years, previously serving as the Professional Leader for Mercer’s Americas Retirement business and as a member of the Americas Retirement Operating Committee.
Marder is also responsible for launching a number of new products and services to the marketplace including Mercer Frozen Plan Solutions and Mercer’s Retirement Shares plan.
According to the announcement, Marder will continue to serve clients in the Baltimore area with a focus in the health care industry.

«