Socially Responsible Investing

Do you believe that companies operating with a high degree of corporate integrity make better investment choices? If so, you aren't alone. A recent survey, commissioned by Calvert and conducted by Yankelovich, found that a majority of investors now believe that companies that operate with higher levels of social responsibility carry less risk (55%) and deliver better returns (52%).[1] A further 71% of investors contend that knowing that companies are rated higher in terms of their social performance would make them more likely to invest in such companies.

Socially Responsible Investing
How do you go about investing in companies with higher levels of integrity? An investment strategy called socially responsible investing (SRI) provides one option. SRI is based on the principle of investing in well-managed companies that act responsibly towards shareholders, communities, employees, consumers, and the environment.

According to the Social Investment Forum, nearly 1 out of every 10 dollars under professional management in the U.S. ($2.29 trillion) is now involved in some form of SRI.[2] The popularity of SRI is in large part due to a growing sense of awareness among investors that they have a voice in the companies they own: in what products they produce, how they operate, how they treat their employees and the environment. Some investors pursue such an approach to match their portfolios with their values, while others believe such an approach can help identify companies with better long-term performance.

As a financial advisor experienced in SRI, I offer my assistance in helping you align your financial goals with your ethical, environmental, and social concerns. Please feel free to call me at (847) 866-2072 for further information or to set up a complimentary consultation.

-Nicole

1. "Attitudes Toward Socially Responsible Investing," Yankelovich Study, January 2006.
2. 2005 Report on Socially Responsible Investing Trends in the U.S. The Social Investment Forum, 2005, p.iv.