Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) Is Trending in 2020. If You Haven't Considered It, Here's What Might Change Your Mind

2020 has been a year of stress and uncertainty - but it’s also been a year that’s brought to light issues of social justice, climate change and social responsibility. As consumers, we’ve grown more conscious about what we eat, where we buy from and, of course, who we vote for. But as investors, our awareness has gradually been increasing as well.

More and more investors are opting to align their portfolio with their greater social beliefs and ideals. In fact, 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 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’s important to note that the selection process for SRI assets will be fairly 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 broker.

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 realm of SRI, you’ve likely heard other terms like ESG and impact investments.

What Is ESG?

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   

While 2020 has been a rollercoaster year for everyone, ESG-themed ETFs have actually grown immensely in recent months. In 2020 alone, ESG-themed ETFs have brought in $38 billion in new investments, reaching a landmark $100 billion in total assets for the first time.³  

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 seen more commonly in private markets, whereas SRI and ESG investing is shown more broadly in publicly traded vehicles.

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 be one of the greatest impacts you’ll make in your lifetime. If you’re considering diversifying your current portfolio with more socially responsible investments, it’s possible to do so without sacrificing your chance at gaining financial returns. Work with your financial advisor to determine what companies may be well-aligned with your beliefs as you strive to address important social and environmental issues one dollar at a time.