**Woke Corporations Beware: New Fund Targets “Woke” Policies in Corporate America**
In a bold move, a newly launched fund is taking aim at so-called “woke” companies, with Starbucks chosen as its inaugural target.
The actively managed fund, set to debut early next year under the ticker SPXM, aims to exclude S&P 500 companies that employ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in their hiring processes.
James Fishback, one of the fund's founders, announced this strategy at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, emphasizing that American investors—regardless of their political affiliations—are increasingly disillusioned by businesses engaging in what he called “woke science experiments.”
“The vast majority of Americans want investments to prioritize merit and shareholder value over ideological agendas,” Fishback stated. He reiterated that DEI initiatives fundamentally hurt shareholders, diverting focus from attracting talent based solely on ability.
Starbucks, despite its assertions that it does not impose hiring quotas, has faced significant scrutiny due to its policies aimed at achieving racial and ethnic diversity. Fishback accused the company of engaging in practices that prioritize diversity over qualifications, leading to poor financial performance.
This initiative reflects a broader conservative backlash against corporate policies perceived to prioritize political correctness over meritocracy. Notably, this sentiment resonates with a significant portion of the American public frustrated by the increasing prevalence of corporate activism that seems to overshadow traditional business values.
The fund, initiated by Fishback and his partner Asaf Abramovich, lists Starbucks among roughly three dozen companies marked for exclusion unless they abandon their DEI commitments. However, the fund currently lacks significant financial heft, meaning its immediate influence on corporate behavior remains limited.
Fishback intends to spotlight the issue by claiming that companies adhering to various DEI guidelines are harming their stock values and overall market performance. As the political landscape shifts following Trump’s return to the forefront of American politics, it appears that this conservative movement may gain traction and further support from investors seeking to realign their portfolios away from ideologically driven firms.
While Starbucks recently reported improved stock performance under new CEO Brian Niccol, the company’s long-term strategy and adherence to DEI goals may soon be in play as this new fund seeks to redefine how businesses operate and prioritize hiring practices.
Conservatives are evidently fired up to advocate for a return to merit-based hiring, viewing this fund as an essential step in reining in the influence of “woke” policies in corporate America.
Sources:
townhall.comtwitchy.comft.com