Caring about the world and about the kind of shape you will be leaving it in for your children or grandchildren is of growing importance to many.  As a result, increasing numbers of Canadians are putting their money where their values are, by turning to socially responsible investing as a way to achieve investment performance while making a positive difference.

In fact, Investors Group was one of the first major Canadian financial institutions to offer a mutual fund that featured heightened social ideals with the launch of Investors Summa SRI^™ Fund in 1987. Overmore than 20 years, Investors Summa SRI Fund has become the largest socially responsible fund in Canada¹.

The addition of global and environmental mandates, Investors Summa Global SRI™ Fund & Class*, and Investors Summa Global Environmental Leaders™ Fund & Class*, together with Investors Summa SRI Fund & Class* form the Investors Summa Fund Family™ . The Investors Summa Fund Family provides Canadians with a selection of socially responsible investments that benefits from our money management experience, proven track record andsolid long-term performance. 

The right investment should not only help you reach your financial goals, but it should also support your values.  If you are interested in learning more about integrating socially responsible investments into your portfolio, please give me a call today.

Darcy Feth is a consultant with Investors Group - they believe you can invest for both performance and social good at the same time. He can be reached at 250.762.3329 Ext. 374  or toll free at 1.877.541.2255 or via email: darcy.feth@investorsgroup.com

Occasionally I hear someone say to me, “why invest in Summa fund, when this other fund does better?” This is usually spoken by the performance chasers. They are the ones that will boastfully speak of how they made “a killing” on a certain stock or fund, but never talk about the investments that didn’t work out. Like the gambler who talks about his big winnings but doesn’t mention the thousands he’s lost over the years.

The fact is that 91.5% of a portfolio’s variability depends on asset mix, not stock selection (Source: Brinson, Singer, Beebower Study,Financial Analysts Journal, Feb ’91). What does that mean? It means that a well-designed portfolio with a good asset mix will get you long-term results. Don’t be fooled by chasing “winners”. Last year’s winner is often this year’s loser.

So how does this relate to green investing? You can include SRI funds in your portfolio as part of a well-structured, diverse portfolio and still get productive results over the long term. If you chase results, you have often already missed the opportunity, not to mention the fact that you will spend all of your time watching the markets and pulling your hair out.

So if performance is based on the asset mix and you have the opportunity to include green companies as part of that asset mix, what’s your excuse for not including an SRI fund in your portfolio?

If you have any questions, please call me.

Darcy Feth is a consultant with Investors Group - they believe you can invest for both performance and social good at the same time. He can be reached at 250.762.3329 Ext. 374  or toll free at 1.877.541.2255 or via email: darcy.feth@investorsgroup.com

I am proud to say that I was born in Kelowna and was ecstatic to move back here 2 years ago after being in Edmonton for the past decade. Not that I dislike Edmonton, but I love the Okanagan and all it has to offer during all 4 seasons. Living my early years on an orchard in Rutland provided me with many great experiences with nature. Blossoms in spring, fresh fruit off the tree in summer, and Mom’s canning in the fall. So when I had the opportunity to return to the Okanagan, I jumped at it.

It was about that time that I joined Investors Group. I had spent the past decade as a business analyst helping dealers in the automotive industry grow their business and increase profits. While satisfying, I had a desire to do this for individuals as opposed to businesses as I thought it would be more gratifying. I was right!

Whether it be helping a young family balance RRSPs, RESPs, and insurance planning or protecting the assets of elderly clients through tax planning and estate planning, it is all extremely rewarding. I am fortunate to be with a company that offers all of those services, has a long history (83 years!), and is a leader in financial planning in Canada.

Part of being a leader is providing options for investors. On January 12, 1987, Investors Group offered one of the first Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) funds when they introduced the Summa fund. Summa now has a long history of strong returns and can complement any portfolio.

The most common question I get asked is How do the companies get selected? First, there is “negative screening” – excludes companies that do not pass initial screening such as alcohol, cigarettes, and weapons. Secondly, there is “best of breed” which means that the company has higher than average standards in their industry. This would mean low polluters, companies with strong sustainability programs, etc. Finally, there is engagement. The fund managers speak directly to the companies about their practices. When all 3 of these criteria are met, then the company is considered for the fund. Of course, a good financial plan is expected, too! If you look at the historical returns of the fund, you don’t have to sacrifice performance to invest in an SRI fund. Investors Group now has 8 SRI funds, including a Global Environmental Leaders Fund, and last year we added an SRI portfolio which now means you can build your entire portfolio around Socially Responsible Investing.

This is my first contribution to the blog but there is plenty more to share. If anyone has questions they may contact me at (250) 762-3329.