A preliminary investigation into the performance of ethical investment funds
A common argument against ethical investment is that it earns lower returns than conventional portfolios and is thus contrary to the fiduciary responsibility of fund trustees. The theoretical base for this assertion is that ethical investment reduces the investment universe. Little, if any, importance has been attached to the financial performance of socially responsible firms, and whether superior performance negates the reduction in investment possibilities. This study shows that ethical funds do not necessarily underperform, and in fact, in many cases have outperformed similar conventional funds. The criteria applied by these funds are examined and some economic justifications for the success of such funds are suggested. Successful funds could form the basis for RDP targetted investments in South Africa.
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