Performance

When the first ethical unit trust launched, in 1984 the Department of Trade insisted on a wealth warning: "Because of the restricted number of companies this fund may invest in, investors should not expect the same returns that conventional funds offer."

After one year, the fund achieved a 30% return, outperforming all but nine of the 1,100 unit trusts then available.   The wealth warning was never seen again.  But its ghost lingers on . . .

It was the first of many instances that undermined the Myth of Ethical Underperformance.  But because it is so easy to believe, it still persists as a seemingly unassailable misconception. If you would like to see our special report "The Ethical Advantage" about ethical performance in depth, Click Here.

But be careful.  Not all of the 88 ethical funds perform well.  As with everything, there are leaders and laggards.  You could get ethical funds from any adviser, but you may prefer to speak with a specialist adviser, such as Barchester Green, who can help you find the most appropriate funds for your needs, circumstances and values.  We have also known many of the best fund managers personally for many years.  

Investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested.

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