Ethical Funds

Oliver Roylance-Smith

Ethical funds provide a way for investors to exclude companies which have a negative effect on the environment, or which violate human rights. Investing in ethical funds can also offer an opportunity for growth as part of a balanced portfolio. You can find our selection of ethical investment funds in the tables below, where we've provided a range of funds for income and growth.

Oliver Roylance-Smith , Head of Investment and Savings
Growth Select Funds - Ethical UK Equity
Fund ManagerFundFund Manager Initial Charge¹Your SavingSaving On ISA²AMC³Select Fund°Fact SheetApply Now
Ethical Equity0%5.50%£5871.50% 1.30%yesFactsheetMore Info >
The primary investment objective is to maximise total return by investment in equities and equity type securities in companies based in the UK, principally conducting business in the UK or listed in the UK stock market which meets the funds predefined ethical criteria. See latest fund factsheet for details.

¹The Initial Charge after 100% of the Fair Investment Company Charge has been rebated as well as any fund manager discounts we can pass on to you if applicable.

²Based on 2011/12 ISA allowance of £10,680 when you invest through Fair Investment Company Fund Supermarket.

³AMC is the Annual Management Charge applied by the Fund Manager. By using our Fund Supermarket we can rebate up to 0.20% of the AMC back to you. This rebate is paid into a cash account which is set up for you when you first invest.

°Select Fund - Has a OBSR A Star Rating or more and a 100% initial charge discount.

Popular Funds - Ethical UK Equity
Fund ManagerFundFund Manager Initial Charge¹Your SavingSaving On ISA²AMC³Fact SheetApply Now
Sustainable Future UK Growth0.5%3.50%£3731.50% 1.30%FactsheetMore Info >
To produce long-term capital appreciation through investment principally in UK equities based on price and prospects of above average earnings growth. Limited investment in UK bond markets may be made from time to time. All investments will be expected to conform to our social and environmental criteria. The Fund may invest in any of the following financial instruments: transferable securities, money market instruments, units in collective investment schemes, deposits and derivatives and forward transactions. See latest fund factsheet for details.
Ethical Trust0%0%N/A1.00% 0.90%FactsheetMore Info >
To provide the potential for growth by investing in a portfolio of companies in the FTSE 350 Index, whose business meets a range of ethical and environmental guidelines. To achieve accurate tracking of the performance of this modified index, the trust will invest in a broad spread of representative companies from the index. To provide an income where required. See latest fund factsheet for details.

¹The Initial Charge after 100% of the Fair Investment Company Charge has been rebated as well as any fund manager discounts we can pass on to you if applicable.

²Based on 2011/12 ISA allowance of £10,680 when you invest through Fair Investment Company.

³AMC is the Annual Management Charge applied by the Fund Manager. By using our Fund Supermarket we can rebate up to 0.20% of the AMC back to you. This rebate is paid into a cash account which is set up for you when you first invest.

Select Growth Funds - Ethical Bond
Fund ManagerFundFund Manager Initial Charge¹Your SavingSaving On ISA²AMC³Income Yield*Select Fund°Fact SheetApply Now
Ethical Corporate Bond0%4.50%£4801.00% 0.90%4.40%yesFactsheetApply Now >
Income Paid Quarterly. The primary investment objective is to maximise total return (income plus capital) by investing in sterling denominated bonds issued by a company or organisation which meets the funds predefined ethical criteria. See latest fund factsheet for details.

¹The Initial Charge after 100% of the Fair Investment Company Charge has been rebated as well as any fund manager discounts we can pass on to you if applicable.

²Based on 2011/12 ISA allowance of £10,680 when you invest through Fair Investment Company Fund Supermarket.

³AMC is the Annual Management Charge applied by the Fund Manager. By using our Fund Supermarket we can rebate up to 0.20% of the AMC back to you. This rebate is paid into a cash account which is set up for you when you first invest.

°Select Fund - Has a OBSR A Star Rating or more and a 100% initial charge discount.

 

Bonds: To provide the potential for overall returns these funds invest in bonds, also known as fixed interest securities. This is achieved by receiving regular interest on loans to companies or governments. There is a chance the bond issuer could fall into financial difficulty and will not be able to pay the interest or the loan back, which could result in a fall in your investment returns. Bonds can also be sensitive to trends in interest rate movements and if interest rates go up, the returns on your investment are likely to fall as bonds can become less attractive. On the other hand, if interest rates fall, bonds are likely to become more attractive and your investment returns increase.

Popular Funds - Ethical Bond
Fund ManagerFundFund Manager Initial Charge¹Your SavingSaving On ISA²AMC³Income Yield*Fact SheetApply Now
Amity Sterling Bond 0%3.75%£4001.25% 1.15%5.15%FactsheetApply Now >
Income Paid Quarterly.The Fund aims to achieve attractive income from investing in UK Government and good quality sterling fixed interest securities including UK government bonds, corporate bonds, preference shares, convertibles and other loan stock issued by companies which make a positive contribution to society and the environment through sustainable and socially responsible practices. The Fund seeks to avoid investment in certain areas such as companies which have a material involvement in alcohol, tobacco and weapon production, gambling and publication of violent or explicit materials. See latest fund factsheet for details.
Sustainable Future Corporate bond0.5%3.50%£3731.00% 0.90%4.50%FactsheetApply Now >
Income Paid Quarterly. To produce a high level of investment income through diversified investment principally in sterling denominated fixed interest securities issued by corporates, governments and supranational institutions. Limited investment in non-sterling denominated fixed interest securities may be made from time to time. All investments will be expected to conform to our social and environmental criteria. The Fund may invest in any of the following financial instruments: transferable securities, money market instruments, units in collective investment schemes, deposits, derivatives and forward transactions. See latest fund factsheet for details.
Ethical Bond0.5%4.50%£4801.00% 0.90%4.20%FactsheetApply Now >
Income Paid Twice Yearly. The Fund aims to maximise returns through investment primarily in fixed interest securities of an ethically screened and diversified list of companies. The Fund may also invest in warrants, collective investment schemes, money market instruments and derivatives. The Fund will invest in investment grade and high yield securities. Government securities are excluded. Non-sterling denominated issues are permitted and any currency exposure will normally be hedged back to sterling. To manage risk the Fund will aim to achieve a wide degree of diversification across the available issuers and the manager will adopt a rigorous credit management process. Derivatives may be used to increase, reduce and maintain the investment exposure of the Fund including use of single name CDS and interest rate swaps in addition to EPM. See latest fund factsheet for details.

*Current Income Yields are Gross, Variable and Not Guaranteed as at 28/02/12 - See Fund Factsheet for details.

¹The Initial Charge after 100% of the Fair Investment Company Charge has been rebated as well as any fund manager discounts we can pass on to you if applicable.

²Based on 2011/12 ISA allowance of £10,680 when you invest through Fair Investment Company.

³AMC is the Annual Management Charge applied by the Fund Manager. By using our Fund Supermarket we can rebate up to 0.20% of the AMC back to you. This rebate is paid into a cash account which is set up for you when you first invest.

 

Bonds: To provide the potential for overall returns these funds invest in bonds, also known as fixed interest securities. This is achieved by receiving regular interest on loans to companies or governments. There is a chance the bond issuer could fall into financial difficulty and will not be able to pay the interest or the loan back, which could result in a fall in your investment returns. Bonds can also be sensitive to trends in interest rate movements and if interest rates go up, the returns on your investment are likely to fall as bonds can become less attractive. On the other hand, if interest rates fall, bonds are likely to become more attractive and your investment returns increase.

 

The traditional approach to ethical investment has been one of screening with some funds negatively screening companies to exclude those firms that operate in certain fields e.g. tobacco or gambling. Positive screening works on a "best in class" approach with fund managers selecting companies that are making positive steps to demonstrate socially responsible practices with regards to how they operate. In more recent times climate change has become a driver for new funds with company selections being made on attitudes to environmental issues. In selecting a fund ensure you read the fund factsheet so you understand the fund objectives and the type of companies the fund manager selects. Some funds are higher risk than others investing in future technologies while others are more conservative in their approach.

 Important Risk Information:

This website contains information only and does not constitute advice or a personal recommendation in any way whatsoever. The value of investments and income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the full amount invested. The tax efficiency of ISAs is based on current tax law and there is no guarantee that tax rules will stay the same in the future.

Different types of investment carry different levels of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure that you read the Important Risk Information for further details. Prior to making any decision to invest, you should ensure that you are familiar with the risks associated with a particular investment and should read the product literature. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of a particular investment, both in respect of its objectives and its risk profile, you should seek independent financial advice.