Socially Responsible Investments Yield Dividends

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Investing money to make a difference goes by several names, with “ethical”, “impact”, “green” and “socially responsible” among the industry favourites.

But the definition is generally the same: returns are usually sacrificed in the name of doing good.

This view is set to change, according to a report titled Impact Investing in Emerging Markets, by the consultancy Responsible Research.

The report has found impact investing in emerging markets is becoming more attractive to fund managers, private equity companies and retail investors worldwide, because the returns are now more compelling.

The research cites a survey by the Global Impact Investing Network which found investors anticipate a return of between 20 and 24 per cent this year on their interests in impact companies working in emerging markets.

Source: The National (link opens in a new window)