Fidelity Investments, a trusted partner in U-M’s Basic Retirement Plan, has created a new investment option that focuses on companies that prioritize women’s leadership.

Women’s Leadership Funds allow investors to support companies that empower women and elevate them into key positions. You can access the funds on June 30.

Invest in Empowerment

It’s no secret that corporations across the globe often have men at the helm. Unfortunately, this trickles down to key leadership positions, boards and even investors themselves. Statistics show that:

• Just 5 percent of Russell 3000 companies have chief executives who are women
• Just 18 percent of Russell 3000 board members are women
• Just 29 percent of women consider themselves investors

Invest in Your Causes

The focus on investing in companies that prioritize women’s growth is part of a larger ESG (environment, society, government) movement. Investors are progressively changing their approach to fund options that focus on diversity, inclusiveness and women’s advancement ­– not solely on financial performance. Of the largest 3,000 companies in the Russell 3000 index, 700 meet Fidelity’s criteria for inclusion in Women’s Leadership Funds.

Discover more about Fidelity’s criteria for inclusion in these new funds, and how female representation can positively affect your bottom line.