S
ocially Innovative Investing (S2I), a proprietary strategy developed by U.S. Trust, is based on a growing awareness that strong corporate financial performance and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive; rather, they are mutually beneficial qualities. For investors, S2I seeks to answer yes to an age-old question: Is it possible to do good and do well at the same time?
Utilizing the Principle of Shared Value
The idea of investing according to personal values and beliefs is hardly new. At least since the mid-18th century, when Quakers banned followers from participating in the slave trade, individuals and groups have periodically chosen to avoid investments that conflict with moral, religious, environmental or other values.
This approach to investing, now often referred to as socially responsible investing, or SRI, is viewed largely in terms of what it doesn't do. Investors choose what not to invest in — such as tobacco, weapons manufacturers and alcohol. And, because SRI entails limiting the universe of potentially profitable investments, the implication is that though this might be a noble endeavor, the investor is doomed to lower returns.
As interest in SRI has continued to grow, a new, more active and demanding approach to social investing has emerged. Dr. Michael Porter, of the Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard Business School, summed up this new idea: "Corporate Social Responsibility can be much more than a cost, a constraint or a charitable deed — it can be a source of opportunity, innovation and competitive advantage."
Inspired by those words, U.S. Trust has created Socially Innovative Investing, which takes traditional socially responsible investing a step further. S2I incorporates an active, proprietary method for reviewing U.S. securities across a wide spectrum of criteria that weight both social responsibility and financial fundamentals .To be considered for inclusion, companies must be attractive fundamentally, as well as fit global macro investment themes established by U.S. Trust's thought leadership team. During the portfolio construction process, sector weights adhere to U.S. Trust's recommendation.
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This report is provided for informational purposes only and was not issued in connection with any proposed offering of securities. It was issued without regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific recipient and does not contain investment recommendations. Bank of America and its affiliates do not accept any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages or losses arising from any use of this report or its contents. The information in this report was obtained from sources believed to be accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. The opinions herein are those of U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, are made as of the date of this material, and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee the views and opinions expressed in this communication will come to pass. Other affiliates may have opinions that are different from and/or inconsistent with the opinions expressed herein and may have banking, lending and/or other commercial relationships with Bank of America and its affiliates.
This publication is designed to provide general information about economics, asset classes and strategies. It is for discussion purposes only, since the availability and effectiveness of any strategy are dependent upon each individual's facts and circumstances. Always consult with your independent attorney, tax advisor and investment manager for final recommendations and before changing or implementing any financial strategy.
Other Important Information
All sector and asset allocation recommendations must be considered in the context of an individual investor's goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. Not all recommendations will be suitable for all investors.
Equity securities are subject to stock market fluctuations that occur in response to economic and business developments.
Global investing poses special risks, including foreign taxation, currency fluctuation, risk associated with possible differences in financial standards and other monetary and political risks.
Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities.
S&P 500 Index: S&P 500 Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks.
Unlike mutual funds, indices are not managed and do not incur fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
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