The Ethical dilemma: performance vs morals

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There is no doubt the global green debate has educated the world on the dangers of carbon emissions and climate change, paving the way for changes in everyday living decisions. But when it comes to investment, do morally-just considerations take a back seat?

Putting aside the global ethical or green dilemma, investors only want one question answered – can these offerings provide similar returns to an unconstrained approach? F&C’s Stewardship International fund co-manager Terry Coles says the performance question hits at the heart of the ethical investment conundrum. “If it is done properly, with a proper team behind you, there is no reason why you can not get results.” “There is a misunderstanding that you can’t do better than a traditional fund, but we proved you can outperform the unscreened. “Our motto here on the ethical team is based a...

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