Skip to Main Content
  • Blog
  1. Private
  2. Swisscanto funds
  3. ETFs
  4. Sustainable ETFs

Invest in ETFs. Why not now?

Our ESGeneration SDG ETFs offer you an innovative approach that focuses on the UN Development Goals. Join us in investing in the potential of a more sustainable economy!

Why invest in Swisscanto ETFs?

Swisscanto ETFs are developed entirely in Switzerland and managed by Zürcher Kantonalbank.

You can benefit from lower costs with ETFs and let more of your money work for you.

Easy to get started with Swisscanto ETFs

Select the Swisscanto ETF that suits you best from four different strategies.

This ETF enables you to invest directly in around 55 sustainable Swiss companies. These companies are listed on the Swiss stock exchange and can make a positive contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – for example in the areas of environment, social responsibility and responsible corporate governance.

About the ETF

The four largest SDG positions in %

The four largest SDG positions in %

Further information about the ETF and the SDGs can be found in the factsheet

Are these ETFs suitable for you?

These ETFs are generally suitable for investors who

  1. have a long-term investment horizon,
  2. value a sustainable investment approach that takes into account environmental and social criteria,
  3. are interested in sustainable, high capital growth, and
  4. are prepared to accept higher price fluctuations.

Buying an ETF in three simple steps

  1. Open a securities custody account with a bank or an online broker
  2. Select your preferred ETF in your securities custody account
  3. Transfer money to your securities custody account and place a securities order

Fees and conditions

What are the costs when buying an ETF?

The main cost components of an ETF are the TER (total expense ratio), the trading costs and the custody fees. 

What is the TER?

The TER (flat management fee p.a.) is the annual management charge. This charge is not deducted directly from your bank account, rather it reduces the fund’s performance. The percentage varies depending on the investment instrument. 

How are ETFs taxed in Switzerland?

There are three key aspects to take into consideration when it comes to the taxation of ETFs. Capital gains are tax-free as long as the ETFs are held in private assets. In contrast, distributions, such as dividends, are treated as income and are therefore taxable. In addition, ETFs are considered part of your assets and must be declared for the purposes of wealth tax. 

How do I buy an ETF at Zürcher Kantonalbank?

To purchase a Swisscanto ETF with Zürcher Kantonalbank, first open an account and a securities custody account with ZKB if you don’t already have one. Then log in to your online banking account and navigate to the “Securities trading” section. Next, search for your preferred Swisscanto ETF using its ISIN or name.  Place a purchase order by specifying the number of units and your desired purchase price. Finally, confirm the order to complete the transaction. 

What are the trading fees at Zürcher Kantonalbank?

When buying or selling an investment instrument, trading fees (transaction costs) apply. At Zürcher Kantonalbank these amount to 0.65% of the equivalent value of the securities investment in CHF. For example, if you want to buy an ETF for CHF 1,000 you will incur CHF 6.50 in trading fees. 

How much does a custody account cost at Zürcher Kantonalbank?

Custody fees are charged for the safekeeping, administration and provision of your securities custody account. For Swisscanto securities, the fee is 0.30% of the equivalent value of the securities holdings in CHF per year. For example, if your securities custody account is worth CHF 5,000, you will pay CHF 15 per year in custody fees. 

FAQs

What is an ETF?

An ETF is an exchange-traded fund that tracks an index of an industry, region or asset class, allowing investors to invest in a wide range of securities by purchasing a single unit. As a passive investment, ETFs are generally a cost-effective investment instrument. However, this also means that outperforming the index is not possible. 

What is the difference between an ETF and an investment fund?

Both ETFs and investment funds pool capital from multiple investors to achieve broad diversification. Investment funds aim to generate the best possible return and outperform a benchmark index. ETFs, on the other hand, aim to replicate the performance of a specific index and are passively managed. As a result, ETFs are usually more cost-effective than investment funds because their management fees are lower. 

What is the difference between an ETF and an index fund?

Both index funds and ETFs aim to replicate an index as passive investment instruments. Index funds are traded once a day at the net asset value. By contrast, ETFs can generally be traded throughout the day. 

What do accumulating and distributing mean?

In an accumulating investment instrument, the generated profits are reinvested directly in the fund. In Switzerland, this has the advantage of being able to avoid making dividend payments, which are subject to taxes. Distributing investment instruments, on the other hand, pay out a portion of the profits to investors in the form of dividends. 

What is an index?

An index reflects the performance of a group of assets, such as stocks, bonds or other financial instruments. It serves as a reference point for the performance of a specific market segment or industry.

How were our ETFs developed?

0%

More reasons to invest in the economy of the future

Our customers don’t need to be experts in sustainable investments – because we are. Thanks to our independent ESG expertise, we have succeeded in developing an innovative product range. We combine key ESG criteria with a focus on sustainability and efficiency, ensuring a positive alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With our own Customised Index Series and the traditional benefits of ETFs.

Our methodology focuses on companies that make a positive contribution to the SDGs. These goals include 17 key global future themes such as clean water, sustainable consumption and production, affordable and clean energy, and sustainable cities. In addition, we apply various exclusion criteria to exclude companies with certain ESG risks from the portfolios. This means you can invest in the sustainable economic drivers of the future with us.