In the 80's, millions
of people worldwide stopped investing in companies that
did business in South Africa (as part of campaigns
to exert economic pressure.) Once apartheid fell, many
socially responsible investment professionals feared that
investors would stop using social screens.
I was greatly encouraged
by a recent survey conducted by the Social Investment
Forum that indicates socially responsible investing is
still flourishing. I thought I'd share the good news with
other
More than Money
readers via a sampling of
statistics.
How much is invested?
Of the $7 trillion in
managed funds in the U.S., $639 billion (about 9%) is
in SRI.
After apartheid, did most
managers stop doing SRI?
No, 78% of all money managers in the U.S. who made socially responsible
investments on behalf of clients continued to do so.
-
More than two out of five (42%) screens for
human rights.
-
Over one out of three (38%) screens for environmental
concerns.
-
One in four (24%) screens for animal rights.
-
One in five (22%) screens for employee relations.
If disinvestment in
South Africa
is no longer a primary
concern, what other criteria are important to investors?
Investors are shifting
from avoidance of "sin stocks" (alcohol, tobacco, gambling
and production of weapons) to more positive screens, and
91% of the money in responsibly invested portfolios today
is managed with three or more screens.
I am pleased that the SRI
movement is growing in maturity and health--aren't you?
If you want the full report, please give me a call. David
Crocker, 800/843-0211.
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