But, as one might expect,social funds have turned in performance that puts most of them, on average, roughly in the middle of the pack. However, the performance of the DSI index indicates that a socially conscious portfolio can produce competitive rates of return, provided that it is adequately diversified. While social investing criteria won't necessarily hurt investment performance, it is also no substitute for education, prudence and careful selection of a good investment advisor. For most investors, this strategy can be followed without compromising social and ethical principles. Another strategy might be to invest in real estate in oil-producing regions or natural gas futures contracts.
Money is important .
Without it, dreams like college education for our children and comfortable retirement are impossible. But,increasingly, investors have realized that a cleaner, more equitable and peaceful world is also an important part of the return on their investment. From all available evidence, the answer seems to be that the socially conscious investor can, at the very least, do a swell as anyone else.