Ethical investments outperform standard funds

Ethical investment portfolios have performed at least as well as other investments, new research has discovered.

Nine out of ten wealth managers said ethical funds had performed on a par with, or better than, standard investments.

The research was conducted by EIRIS (Experts in Responsible Investment Solutions) to debunk the myth that ethical investments are poor financial performers.

Their study found a growing awareness of social and environmental issues among wealth managers.

They also discovered that the financial crisis has improved the perception of ethical funds.

Penny Shepherd, chief executive of the UK Social Investment Forum (UKSIF), said the results of the research should encourage investors to reflect on how they invest their money.

“What is clear is that green and ethical investments can perform at least as well as other investments,” she said.

“Therefore, if performance is not the issue, the question is: ‘Do investors also want to make a difference with their money?’

“It’s extremely positive that high net worth investors are increasingly considering green and ethical options.”

Victoria Woodbridge, EIRIS senior client relationship manager, added: “Wealth managers can improve retention rates and gain a competitive advantage by responding to the increasing numbers of high net worth individuals who are expressing an interest in responsible investment.”

Discuss this in the Finance Markets forums

Story link: Ethical investments outperform standard funds