What Is the CHGX ETF? A Complete Guide to Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The Stance Sustainable Beta ETF (CHGX) is a sustainability-themed ETF that tracks an equal-weighted ESG index of US large- and mid-cap stocks excluding fossil fuels. Compared with peer ESG ETFs such as ESGU and ESGV, the key selection criteria are differences in expense ratio, dividends, and weighting method.
What Is the Stance Sustainable Beta ETF?
This is a US ESG-themed ETF that tracks the Change Finance Diversified Impact U.S. Large Cap Fossil Fuel Free Index. It holds US large- and mid-cap listed companies that exclude fossil fuel related businesses, using an equal-weighted approach.
It suits value-oriented investors who want to diversify across US large caps while also applying fossil fuel exclusion and ESG criteria.
It is a passive (index-tracking) ETF managed by Stance Capital.
How Does the Stance Sustainable Beta ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | Change Finance U.S. Large Cap Fossil Fuel Free Index |
| Management Style | Passive (index tracking) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Quarterly |
| Dividend Frequency | Quarterly |
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% |
| Manager | Stance Capital |
The fund excludes companies with fossil fuel related revenue and holds US large- and mid-cap stocks that pass ESG criteria, using an equal-weighted approach. By using equal weighting rather than market-cap weighting, it reduces concentration in a handful of large stocks, and the management team also engages in ESG-related shareholder engagement with portfolio companies.
- Combines fossil fuel exclusion with ESG screening
- Applies equal weighting instead of market-cap weighting
Stance Sustainable Beta ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Expense Ratio)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $179.6M, and the Expense Ratio is 0.49% per year.
Its fees are somewhat higher than those of peer ESG ETFs such as ESGU and ESGV, but it offers a differentiated construction approach built on fossil fuel exclusion and equal weighting.
Stance Sustainable Beta ETF Performance and Trends
The fund broadly follows the movement of US large caps, but because fossil fuel and energy sectors are excluded, its performance may diverge from broad indexes during periods when those sectors are strong. Recent trends are influenced by both demand for ESG themes and the direction of the US stock market.
Fund flows depend on demand for ESG and sustainable investing, and shifts in market interest in the fossil fuel exclusion theme are a major variable for those flows. Its asset size is small to mid-sized relative to the category average.
Stance Sustainable Beta ETF Pros and Cons
Its clear points of differentiation, fossil fuel exclusion and equal weighting, are its strengths, while a somewhat higher expense ratio than peer ESG ETFs and tracking differences caused by sector exclusion are its drawbacks.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Alternative ETFs and Related Products to the Stance Sustainable Beta ETF
The ESGU, ESGV, and DSI shown in the table are comparison targets in the same US large-cap ESG category, and they are generally broad ESG ETFs with lower fees. Unlike these, CHGX is distinguished by its explicit application of fossil fuel exclusion and equal weighting. In addition, SPYX, which excludes companies with fossil fuel reserves, and SUSL, which strengthens ESG screening, can also be considered as direct substitutes.
| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iShares Trust iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF | $160.04 | -4.5% | $18.1B | 0.15% | 0.97% | +7.7% | |
| Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF | $129.28 | -4.5% | $13.3B | 0.09% | 0.92% | +7.3% | |
| iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF | $137.95 | -4.8% | $5.4B | 0.25% | 0.93% | +7.3% | |
| iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA ETF | $150.47 | -4.4% | $4.1B | 0.25% | 0.86% | +8.6% | |
| Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF | $43.59 | -4.3% | $3.4B | 0.07% | 1.09% | +4.2% |
| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMAT | Applied Materials Inc | 0.01% | $319.25 | -13.6% | $253.4B | 27.5 | 0.61% |
| SNDK | Sandisk Corp | 0.01% | $806.43 | -22.3% | $114.7B | 6.5 | - |
| TER | Teradyne Inc | 0.01% | $212.74 | -15.2% | $33.2B | 24.4 | 0.24% |
| MU | Micron Technology Inc | 0.01% | $656.39 | -17.5% | $742.7B | 8.8 | 0.11% |
| WDC | Western Digital Corp | 0.01% | $267.63 | -17.4% | $100.2B | 10.4 | 0.24% |
| INTC | Intel Corp | 0.01% | $52.25 | -10.3% | $277.7B | - | 0.08% |
| PANW | Palo Alto Networks Inc | 0.01% | $314.67 | -9.6% | $257.6B | 614.0 | - |
| AMD | Advanced Micro Devices Inc | 0.01% | $404.40 | -17.3% | $660.2B | 87.9 | - |
| CIEN | CIENA Corp | 0.01% | $230.81 | -15.2% | $32.7B | 51.5 | - |
| DELL | Dell Technologies Inc | 0.01% | $316.91 | -14.9% | $201.5B | 18.4 | 0.79% |
Stance Sustainable Beta ETF Investor Checkpoints
These are the points to review before investing in CHGX. As an ESG-themed ETF, it is important to thoroughly check in advance the fossil fuel exclusion screening criteria, the expense ratio level, and the performance impact of sector exclusion.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Compare fee level against peer ESG ETFs | Somewhat high |
| 🌱 Screening Criteria | Suitability of fossil fuel exclusion and ESG criteria | Needs review |
| 📊 Equal Weighting | Effect of reducing large-cap concentration | Equal weighting applied |
| 💱 Exchange Rate | Impact on returns converted to won | Not currency hedged |
Because fossil fuel and energy sectors are excluded, performance may lag broad indexes during periods when those sectors are strong. Shifts in market interest in ESG themes also affect fund flows and returns.
It is a suitable choice for investors who want to clearly reflect ESG values through fossil fuel exclusion and equal weighting. If minimizing fees is the priority, a broad ESG ETF such as ESGU or ESGV is a better fit, while if clear fossil fuel exclusion matters most, CHGX is the better fit.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 23, 2026.