By definition, socially responsible investing refers to the practice of utilizing an investment strategy that considers both financial returns as well as a socially conscious effort to promote positive change. But that’s just the start of its true meaning.
What is Socially Responsible Investing?
You may have heard of socially responsible investing (SRI) referred to as many different things including sustainable investing, responsible investing, socially conscious, green, or even ethical investing. Another term, impact investing, refers to the devotion to creating a social impact based on investment choices.
Socially responsible, or impact investing can be described as much as an investing strategy as a movement. It offers an amazing opportunity for investors to encourage social values and social change while also making a financial impact on the investor. Ethical investing is any investment strategy that seeks to consider both financial return and social/environmental good to bring about social change regarded as positive by proponents. In short, it’s the best of both worlds.
Is Socially Responsible Investing a New Concept?
The modern term of socially responsible investing began in the 1960s with the attention focused on women’s rights, civil rights, and anti-war agendas. Over the last few decades, causes and opportunities have changed and often go hand-in-hand with the current political and social climate and popular activist causes.
Now, in the digital age, social causes have a greater platform and following than ever before. Large companies are under the microscope by both their customers and investors who have more visibility and easier access to company communication. Companies that invest their time and resources towards a social responsibility platform are lauded for their actions.
Why Choose Socially Responsible Investing?
At Invested Interests, we’ve taken the guesswork out of searching for companies that fit with the ethical and social standards for our client’s social impact goals. We’ve put together three, top-tier portfolios focused on current and popular issues in the United States and throughout the world: Peace, Human Rights, Environment, and Diversity & Corporate Governance.
Will I Make Any Money with Socially Responsible Investing?
Similar to standard investing, socially responsible investments have the same risk and reward depending on our economic and trading markets. The goal is to not only pursue positive social impact but a positive financial impact as well.
Will I Make a Difference by Being a Socially Responsible Investor?
Without question. Not only should you feel good about making an investment decision you feel proud of, but collectively, socially responsible investing is on the rise. By playing a role in the movement, you’re encouraging companies and investors to consider socially responsible endeavors in each business decision.
What Types of Socially Responsible Companies Can I Invest in?
Through an abundance of thorough research, we’ve put together three impactful and thoughtful investment portfolios based on current societal issues and trends. We partnered with socially responsible funds that have selected publicly traded companies that not only further these social missions but are also poised to grow and succeed. Unlike other investment advisors, we only truly specialize in one thing – and one thing only. Socially responsible investments. However, within this world, there are many different avenues to take depending on your personal goals and motivations. We’ve broken down our four most popular models into portfolios:
Environment Investing
Nothing ties us together quite like the environment surrounding us. It is, quite simply, the only thing that affects every single human on our planet. The protection and sustainability of our environment reach far beyond the borders of our forests and oceans to affect business and industry trends. Climate change, for example, is significantly impacting both business and life as we know it.
Made up of a variety of known environmentally conscious companies, our environmental portfolio incorporates those willing to rethink the status quo, addressing their long-term environmental impacts, and choosing to operate on an eco-first and eco-friendly basis.
Peace Portfolio Investing
Our peace portfolio is the one that started it all for Invested Interests. The companies in our peace portfolio play a positive role in furthering peace in our place and limiting conflict. This includes investing in conflict resolution and international relief efforts and avoiding gun manufacturers and companies that partner with oppressive regimes.
At Invested Interests, we believe that diverse workplaces are indicative of healthy corporate cultures. We’re proud to invest in companies that aim to support gender and racially diverse individuals throughout their company.
Human Rights & Diversity Portfolio Investing
Our human rights & diversity portfolio addresses issues like companies that take advantage of sweatshops and unjust labor and avoids companies that profit off governments that suppress free speech. One impact example is the divestment in Sudan Darfur.
Also, this portfolio is made up of companies working to create a culture of inclusion, new ideas, and foster strength in their team through inclusive policies. Whether by broadening their board of directors or establishing human resources policies of inclusion and support, these companies are taking the right steps to fair and ethical treatment of employees.
How are the companies selected in our portfolios?
Invested Interests partners with mutual funds that invest in companies solving the world’s biggest problems. These funds will only invest in companies that meet certain criteria, for example; having a high sustainability and/or ESG performance. All companies must go through their selection process which consists of analysis, screening, and valuation. By analyzing the global challenges affecting our environment and our society, socially responsible funds have identified the high-impact themes that we believe will also make strong investments. The companies included in your portfolio are then screened by the funds for a commitment to positive impact and derive revenue from environmental or social impact as part of their business. Finally, each company’s financial health and valuation gets analyzed to make sure they align with your values!
Start Socially Responsible Investing Now
At Invested Interests, our mission is two-fold. First, we’re here to help our clients invest in social causes that matter to them. Second, in addition to the social and environmental impact our investment portfolios focus on, we understand that financial returns are just as important to those interested in impact investing. We specialize in custom portfolio building based on criteria our investors are passionate about. If you’d like to talk about your specific impact investing goals.
Questions about socially responsible investment practices or want to learn more about our investment portfolios? Ready to get started with no minimum investment? Reach out to us @https://investedinterests.com/contact-us/
