Analysis: Socially Responsible Investing vs Impact Investing.
What Is It And Why Should You Consider Adding It To Your Investment Portfolio?
2020 has been a year of stress and uncertainty – but it has also been a year that’s brought to light issues of social justice, climate change, and social responsibility. But as investors, our awareness has gradually been increasing as well.
Many investors are opting to align their portfolio with their greater social beliefs and ideals. Between 2016 and 2018 alone, assets being placed in socially responsible investments rose 38 percent. Of the $46.6 trillion of assets under management, one in four dollars was in SRI assets. 1
What Is Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)?
SRI utilizes a strategy in which one seeks to invest in companies that are both ethically aligned with the investor and able to generate financial returns. Just as one seeks out companies that are working to make a positive social or environmental impact, the selection process could also include identifying companies that may not be a good match – such as those that produce fossil fuels, manufacture guns, utilize underpaid laborers, etc.
It is important to note that the selection process for SRI assets will be personal to you and your priorities. You may be focused on climate change and finding environmentally sustainable companies, while others may be more focused on supporting businesses owned by women or persons of color. Aside from the “typical” investment metrics like past performance and cost, SRI requires additional screening done by you or your investment adviser.
While “SRI” stands for socially responsible investing, it can also be used to abbreviate “sustainable, responsible, and impact” investing.
SRI vs. ESG vs. Impact Investments
In the world of SRI, you have likely heard other terms like ESG and impact investments.
What Is ESG Management?
ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance investing. ESG investing falls under the broader umbrella of sustainable investing, and some consider it to fall under the umbrella of SRI as well.
In addition to more traditional metrics used to measure and select investments, ESG metrics feature non-financial indicators which include “sustainable, ethical and corporate governance issues such as managing a company’s carbon footprint and ensuring there are systems in place to ensure accountability.” 2
What Is Impact Investing?
While ESG refers more to the vetting process and labeling of investments, impact investing refers to the more tangible, measurable aspect of investments. Impact investing is more common with private investments, while ESG is common in public investments such as mutual funds or ETFs.
Impact investing is done with the goal of creating measurable change – x units of carbon emission reduced, positive economic change in low-income neighborhoods, x schools built in a third-world country, etc.
Where you choose to spend your money, from day-to-day purchases to long-term investments, can have a major impact on your local community and globally as well. If you are considering diversifying your current portfolio with more responsible investments, Ascent Capital can create a diversified investment portfolio that meets your financial and ethical goals without diminishing your potential returns. SRI investing is a new way of thinking about structuring your investments to ‘do good’ all the time. Reach out today to chat with one of our financial planners.
1. https://www.ussif.org/blog_home.asp?Display=118
2. https://www.esg.adec-innovations.com/about-us/faqs/what-is-esg-investing/
3. https://www.ft.com/content/20f6c929-2fbf-47d5-973c-8c18607fc604
