For the first time, removing fossil fuel risk is easy, accessible, and competitive.
The Sphere 500 Climate Fund is a 7 bp climate-friendly US core equity investment option. It does not invest in fossil fuels and it votes its shares in the long-term best interest of shareholders, which aligns with taking climate action. A number of family offices and institutions have already exited the fossil fuel industry, often citing worrying economic factors and a need to protect long-term value as a driving force for decisions, including the Rockefeller Foundation, the New York State Pension Fund, and the Harvard Endowment.
This solution allows advisors and employers to demonstrate their commitment to fiduciary duty with a high-quality product at reasonable fees while satisfying a deeply personal desire of clients, without having to choose between the two. The Sphere 500 Climate Fund tracks the Sphere 500 Fossil-Free Index, which tracks the Top 500 US companies by market capitalization and excludes fossil fuel companies to avoid stranded asset risk.
SPFFX: The top 500 minus fossil fuels
SPFFX invests in the top 500 US companies by market capitalization, minus 86 companies. The independent non-profit As You Sow creates the list of fossil fuel, deforestation, and other companies that is excluded from the Sphere 500 Fossil-Free Index.
Learn about the Index
414 / 500
Holdings
Overview
0.07% expense ratio
Priced for impact, not profits.
Familiar holdings
Based on the Top 500 US companies.
Mutual fund, not ETF
Built specifically for streamlined implementation in 401(k)s.
No hidden fees
Just a simple expense ratio. No separate share classes.
Avoid risk
Fossil fuel investments are risky - especially because regulations may be put in place at any time that reduce their value.
Competitive returns
Fossil fuel companies have decreased returns over the long-term - as the graph below showing the S&P with and without Energy shows.
Truly fossil-free
Not just a fossil fuel reserves-free fund. We don’t invest in distributors, refiners, or suppliers of equipment to the fossil fuel industry.
Vote your shares
SFPPX is the first index fund for 401(k)s that votes your shares for the planet instead of voting for the status quo.
Index creator
Investment advisor
Fund administrator
Distributor
A fund that checks all the boxes
Improved returns
Data shows that excluding fossil fuel companies—most of which are found in the S&P 500 Energy sector—can offer greater returns. With Sphere, you get a fund that aligns your values with your pocketbook.
S&P 500 without fossil fuels*
S&P 500
10 year returns
199%
178%
* Energy sector removed from the S&P 500. Source: S&P 500 Ex-Energy Index. Past performance is no guarantee future results.
Affordable
Environmentally-friendly funds often are priced at a premium. SPFFX is priced 8.5x lower than most climate-friendly funds, and is more in line with standard index funds. This pricing is intended to make it appropriate for 401(k) plans.
Expense ratio comparison
Sphere 500 Climate Fund (SPFFX)
A typical climate-friendly fund
SourceSimple to start
SPFFX is designed to be added to existing 401(k) plans, so you don't have to switch providers to offer a climate-friendly choice.
Learn how to invest in SPFFX
Anyone can invest in this mutual fund, with or without a 401(k).
Invest now
Performance
Hypothetical growth of $10,000.
As of
12/31/2022
. Fund inception date: 10/04/2021.
Standarized Returns
SPFFX
SPY
1 month
3.82%
3.31%
3 month
8.14%
7.05%
6 month
13.17%
14.62%
Year to date
8.14%
7.05%
Since inception
-6.35%
-4.60%
As of
03/31/2023
Annualized Returns
SPFFX
SPY
1 Year
-9.64%
-9.35%
3 Years
N/A
N/A
5 Years
N/A
N/A
10 Years
N/A
N/A
Since inception
-4.28%
-3.09%
As of
03/31/2023
