Between 2020 and 2018, the field of socially responsible investment grew to a valuation of 17.1 trillion USD. Companies that align with ethical investment now hold 33% of assets managed in the United States, too, and that number is poised to grow in the near future. 

What is ethical investing?

Ethical investments support businesses responsible for positive social or environmental change. Instead of investing in corporations with horrible discrimination policies and histories, many consumers instead search for companies that promote employees regardless of gender, race, or disabled status. Understanding ethical stocks & shares investing is an increasingly important tool for modern traders interested in building socially responsible portfolios. Luckily, trusted authorities in the world of financial brokers and investments, AskTraders, have put together a guide to make finding smart investments a bit easier.

What can consumers who are interested in socially responsible and ethical investing look for when considering new investments? From workers’ rights to environmentally conscious companies and more, here are some business activities and issues to keep in mind. 

Environmentally conscious companies and stocks

Discussion about the environment and the many ways humans can negatively affect it is increasing as temperatures rise worldwide. The search for environmentally friendly businesses and businesses dedicated to actively improving the environment is on the rise. Many potential investors are on the lookout for stocks that seem to represent decisive action on the issue of environmental health.

If this issue is important to you, you should look out for businesses taking action, not simply those paying lip service to the idea. A corporation that extolls the virtues of green energy while sending massive carbon emissions into the environment daily, in other words, is probably not the best investment you could make. Look at future goals and steps that have been taken in the past to advance the good of the environment. 

Animal welfare

The idea of “cruelty-free” products has been an increasingly important one for decades. The concept has become an important one in the broader financial industry, even outside of industries that might be traditionally tied to things such as animal testing. More and more consumers want to know if the creation or use of a product involves harming an animal and if the people running companies support animal welfare. 

From cruelty-free stocks to stocks that emphasise vegan products, there are many businesses espousing animal rights around the world. And while they might not be the most profitable, investors interested in ethical trades should keep this issue at the forefront of their minds. 

Equality

Social justice continues to be an important aspect of today’s society. What do the companies you are considering investing in say about equal hiring and employment practices? Do their actions match those claims? Consider equal opportunity records and policies before investment. Be diligent with research, too, and keep in mind that equality refers to gender equality as well as racial equality and even disabled worker equality. There are many ways companies can show support for diverse populations (or ways in which they can ignore them). 

Workers’ rights

Another crucial ethical investment consideration is how companies handle workers’ rights demands. Some businesses are actively on the lookout for issues impacting their employees’ health and productivity, especially as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. Others, however, are less concerned. From employing children to firing ill or disabled employees and much more, the issue of workers’ rights is an ever-evolving one. 

Finding the perfect ethical investments

What issues are important to you? Finding the perfect ethical investments begins with investors who know what matters to them. List some of the issues most important to you, be it something listed above or an entirely new issue. Now look for businesses that align with those topics. Do your research before investing, and do not be swayed by polished websites with no substance. You are looking for action, not simply well-written declarations. 

Are you ready to get started with ethical investing? Keep the information above in mind, and do not be afraid to reach out to professionals for help. Remember that investing is not a race, no matter how exciting the initial rush might be, and sometimes sleeping on a decision is the best way to move forward.