Socially responsible investments
[edit] Summary
Socially responsible investing, also known as sustainable, socially-conscious, or ethical investing, describes an investment strategy which seeks to maximize both financial return and social good.
In general, socially responsible investors favor corporate practices that promote environmental stewardship, consumer protection, human rights, and diversity. Some (but not all) avoid businesses involved in alcohol, tobacco, gambling, weapons, and/or the military. The areas of concern recognized by the SRI industry can be summarized as environment, social justice, and corporate governance (ESG). - From Wikipedia
[edit] Discussion
Since 1985, most of the major investment organizations have launched ethical and socially responsible funds although this has led to a great deal of discussion and debate over the use of the term "ethical" investment. This is because each of the fund management organizations tend to apply a slightly different approach to running their funds. The large Dutch insurance group AEGON, for example, run very tightly screened ethical funds whereas the Standard Life and AXA "ethical" funds operate with less strict exclusion criteria. - From Wikipedia
