Finances

HOW CAN YOU BECOME A “SUSTAINABLE” INVESTOR?

Your values are important to you – might generate poor returns during a and so are your investments. But period of rising oil prices. Therefore, you don’t have to keep these two you may prefer to invest in a fund that parts of your life separate if you pursue integrates environmental, social and sustainable investing. governance considerations into the If you haven’t heard of this term, you specific sectors or types of companies. might know it by other names: socially You can further dilute this risk by owning responsible investing, values- based a wide array of sustainable funds that investing and environmental, social and use different approaches or processes governance (ESG) investing. Essen- to invest in sustainable companies. tially, sustainable investing incorporates However, while diversification can non-financial or indirect financial con- reduce the effects of volatility on your siderations, specifically environmental portfolio, it can’t guaran- tee profits or concerns (climate change, renewable protect against all losses. energy, water scarcity), social concerns (human rights, product safety or liability) • TRACK RECORD – As you have and governance issues (corporate be- no doubt heard, past performance havior, executive compensation, lobbying can’t guarantee future results, so you and so on). As a sustainable investor, you may not want to focus too much on a would invest in companies that take what fund’s historical returns. Still, it might you’d consider a positive stance on these be worthwhile to assess how one fund issues, or are at least improving in these has performed over time in comparison areas, and you’d avoid businesses that with similar funds or an index. Many fall on what you perceive as the negative sustainable- investing funds are newer side. or weren’t always invested sustainably, There are many ways to implement considering is relevant. a sustainable investing approach that addresses your specific concerns with Here’s something else to keep in mind: varying levels of diversification and The universe of mutual funds is vast, and control. Some investors select individual some funds may not market themselves stocks of companies they are comfortable as “sustainable,” but still include supporting. But you might find it more sustainable considerations in their affordable, and more efficient, to invest investment selections. These funds could in mutual funds or exchange-traded provide you with more options. funds (ETFs) that focus on sustainable investments. Finally, consider including charitable When exploring sustainable mutual funds In some cases, you may decide that’s and ETFs, make sure you look beyond a better way to meet your financial the name of the fund to assess whether its and non-financial investing goals than ESG approach aligns with your personal limiting your investment choices. interests and goals. Also, look for these key elements: By following a sustainable investing • DIVERSIFICATION – By definition, donations in your financial strategy, you mutual funds that concentrate on can express your beliefs in a tangible sustainable investments might exclude way – while still working to achieve your entire industries, which could hurt your long-term goals. portfolio’s performance if the excluded investment process without excluding so be sure the track record you are contributions in your investment strategy. approach or incorporating charitable investments perform better than the This article was written by Edward Jones rest of the market. For example, a fund for use by your local Edward Jones that excludes all oil-related companies Financial Advisor.

Cole St. Clair, Edward Jones Financial Advisor 13610 N Scottsdale Road Suite 8 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 480-948-1028

Local Agent Buys North Valley Homes for Cash

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Eaton Vance

Event details Date:

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 How can my investment approach reflect my values? Time: Join the conversation 6:00 PM Appetizers and drinks Interest in responsible investing is intensifying, as a growing number of investors are discovering the possibility of earning competitive returns Location: with portfolios that reflect their values. Tommy Bahama Restaurant 15205 N Kierland Blvd Join us for a seminar that will introduce you to the world of Scottsdale, AZ 85254 responsible investing. You’ll discover how companies are incorporating Event details Hosted by Cole St. Clair environmental, social and governance (ESG) best practices into their Date: For further details, please businesses — and the role you can have as an investor to affect Tuesday, February 19, 2019 contact: Join the conversation positive change. Reserve your place now because space is limited. Time: 6:00 PM Marlaina Traut Office of Cole St. Clair Edward Jones Interest in responsible investing is intensifying, as a growing number of investors are discovering the possibility of earning competitive returns Location: Appetizers and drinks 480-948-1028 Marlaina.Traut@EdwardJones.com with portfolios that reflect their values. Tommy Bahama Restaurant 15205 N Kierland Blvd Join us for a seminar that will introduce you to the world of Scottsdale, AZ 85254 responsible investing. You’ll discover how companies are incorporating Hosted by Cole St. Clair environmental, social and governance (ESG) best practices into their For further details, please businesses — and the role you can have as an investor to affect contact: positive change. Marlaina Traut Office of Cole St. Clair Reserve your place now because space is limited. Edward Jones 480-948-1028 Marlaina.Traut@EdwardJones.com

Not FDIC Insured • Not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose Value Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Impact investing and/or Environmental Social Governance (ESG) investing has certain risks based on the fact that ESG criteria excludes securities of certain issuers for nonfinancial reasons and therefore, investors may forgo some market opportunities and the universe of investments available will be smaller.

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