The AI (ChatGPT) ESG Stock Investing Guide: Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Investor Shares (VFTSX)

Here is the response from ChatGPT for the prompt discuss Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Investor Shares (VFTSX) stocks held 500 words entered on May 2, 2023.

The Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Investor Shares (VFTSX) is a mutual fund that seeks to track the performance of companies with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This fund is designed for investors who are interested in aligning their investments with their personal values while still seeking long-term returns.

The fund tracks the performance of the FTSE4Good US Select Index, which includes approximately 380 companies that have been screened for their ESG practices. The screening process includes assessments of each company's performance in areas such as climate change, labor standards, human rights, and corporate governance. The companies that pass these assessments are included in the index.

The fund is managed by Vanguard, one of the world's largest investment companies with over $7.2 trillion in assets under management as of 2021. Vanguard is known for its low-cost, passively managed funds, which aim to provide investors with broad market exposure while keeping fees to a minimum.

Investors in the Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Investor Shares can benefit from exposure to a diversified portfolio of US companies that have strong ESG practices. These companies tend to be more resilient in the face of environmental and social risks, as well as more likely to adopt sustainable business practices that can lead to long-term growth.

As of March 31, 2023, the fund held investments in 390 different stocks.

The fund's largest holdings are in the technology sector, including Apple Inc. (5.5%), Microsoft Corporation (4.6%), and Facebook Inc. (2.3%). Other top holdings include healthcare companies such as Johnson & Johnson (2.8%) and Merck & Co. Inc. (1.6%), as well as consumer goods companies such as Procter & Gamble Co. (2.6%) and PepsiCo Inc. (1.6%).

One of the advantages of VFTSX is its low expense ratio, which is currently 0.20% as of 2021. This means that investors in VFTSX pay lower fees compared to other mutual funds, which can help to increase their overall returns.

Furthermore, by investing in companies that prioritize ESG factors, investors can signal their support for sustainability and responsible business practices. This can create positive change in the business world, as companies that prioritize ESG issues are more likely to attract investment and improve their practices over time.

However, it is important to note that the Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Investor Shares is not without its limitations. First, the fund only includes US companies, which means that investors looking for global exposure will need to look elsewhere. Additionally, the screening process used by the fund may not capture all aspects of a company's ESG performance, and some investors may have different views on what constitutes a strong ESG practice.

Overall, the Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Investor Shares is a useful investment vehicle for investors who are interested in aligning their investments with their values. By investing in companies with strong ESG practices, investors can potentially benefit from long-term growth while supporting sustainable and responsible business practices. The low expense ratio of VFTSX is an added benefit for investors. However, as with any investment, it is important to do your own research and consider your own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing.

Table and Chart of VFTSX Performance (From buyupside.com. Not from chatGPT.)

See what a $1,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Investor Shares (VFTSX) is worth today.

Values are based on monthly closes adjusted for splits and dividends from Alpha Vantage.

VFTSX Returns
Start DateNov-30-2009
Start Price$5.64
End DateNov-11-2019
End Price$20.74
# Prices121
Min DateAug-31-2010
Min Price$5.46
Max DateNov-11-2019
Max Price$20.74
Total Return267.62%
Annualized Return13.78%
Current Value of $1,000 Purchase$3,676
Number Returns7,260
Average Return66.50%
Number Profitable Returns6,994
Percent Profitable Returns96.34%
Number Unprofitable Returns266
Percent Unprofitable Returns3.66%
Profitable to Unprofitable Returns Ratio26.29
Dividend Chart





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