SANTA FE, N.M., Oct. 1, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thornburg Investment Management (TIM) launched the Thornburg Better World International Fund (Ticker symbols: TBWAX, TBWIX, TBWCX), effective September 30, 2015. The primary investment objective is long-term capital appreciation, and the fund is designed to seek a high level of risk-adjusted returns by investing in high-quality, attractively priced companies making a positive impact on the world.

The Thornburg Better World International Fund is managed by Rolf Kelly, CFA, managing director, who was portfolio manager of TIM's Socially Screened International Equity Strategy (SMA).

Introducing the new fund, Brian McMahon, Thornburg CEO and CIO, said, "The Better World International Fund is a natural extension of our culture of caring and community commitment since our founding in 1982. At Thornburg, we recognize the growing demand for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing disciplines, and our new offering enjoys the support of our entire investment team to find opportunities that make positive ESG impacts while still focusing on competitive financial returns."

The Thornburg Better World International Fund pursues sustainable investing opportunities, an approach that TIM believes can lead to solid long-term performance. Evaluation of individual company sustainability can include environmental impact, level of "carbon footprint," senior management diversity, history of regulatory actions against it, board independence, capital allocation decisions, relationships with communities and customers, product safety, labor and employee development practices, relationships with vendors, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance, among others.

"The new Fund offers an edge within the ESG space by applying our distinct sustainable investing approach, which integrates ESG into our traditional global generalist research structure," says Kelly. "We believe companies with a high degree of sustainability, or with signs of improvement along these lines, are better positioned to outperform in the long run.

"We expect investors in the Better World International Fund will share a mindset and desire to achieve long-term outperformance within the parameters of our ESG and sustainable investing research," Kelly added.

Portfolio composition is focused on 30-60 value-oriented international companies carefully vetted with the support of the entire Thornburg investment team.

For more information about the fund, please visit thornburg.com.

Thornburg Investment Management is a privately owned global investment firm that offers a range of solutions for retail and institutional investors. TIM is driven by its mission to help clients reach their long-term financial goals through fundamental research and active portfolio management. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, TIM manages approximately $60 billion (as of June 30, 2015) across eight equity and 11 bond mutual funds, separate accounts for high net worth investors and institutional accounts, and five UCITS for non-U.S. investors.

Before investing, carefully consider the Funds' investment goals, risks, charges, and expenses. For a prospectus or summary prospectus containing this and other information, visit thornburg.com. Read it carefully before investing.

Investments carry risks, including possible loss of principal. Additional risks may be associated with investments outside the United States, especially in emerging markets, including currency fluctuations, illiquidity, volatility, and political and economic risks. Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may increase the risk of greater price fluctuations. Investments in the Fund are not FDIC insured, nor are they bank deposits or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity.

Thornburg funds are distributed by Thornburg Securities Corporation.