UKSIF: Socially-responsible investment is about making positive choices

Socially-responsible investment is about making a positive choice - rather than simply leaving certain companies out of an asset portfolio - according to one industry body.

The Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) notes socially-responsible disposal of funds "covers a wide range of investment techniques" and offers good returns.

Chief executive Penny Shepherd argues ethical assets have "significant profit opportunities associated with the risk factor", meaning individuals with private wealth should not just assume such funds are morally sound yet provide little in the way of profit.

The socially-responsible investment specialist also observes the current government is promising to be "the greenest ever", indicating now might be a good time to place money in vehicles likely to enjoy political support.

Experts in Responsible Investment Solutions revealed £9.5 billion was carried in ethical funds at the end of last year, representing three-quarters of a million speculators, up from 200,000 in 1999.

At that time, only £2.4 billion was invested in socially-responsible vehicles in the UK.  ADNFCR-2318-ID-800022561-ADNFCR