Hawksmoor Investment Management has launched a portfolio dedicated to sustainable investments.
The Sustainable World Balanced Model Portfolio is an extension of the company’s model portfolio service, which was first launched in 2009, and draws on the expertise gained from its discretionary ethical portfolio management service.
The funds in the new portfolio will invest in companies that make a positive impact on the environment or on society, such as water management, and social inclusion.
They will also invest in companies that demonstrate positive characteristics and are exposed to positive themes such as renewable energy, and sustainable transport.
They will exclude investment in companies whose products or services are damaging to the environment or society, such as gambling.
The portfolio is designed for investors with a moderate risk profile, and aims to generate competitive rates of return over the long-term – some of which by way of income.
James Clark, senior fund analyst and portfolio manager, said: “The Sustainable World Balanced Model Portfolio can utilise a growing universe of high-quality funds, forming an innovative investment solution for ethically-minded clients of financial advisers.”
Alan Chan, director and chartered financial planner at London-based IFS Wealth & Pensions, said: “The ethical and sustainable market is a big one for us.
"There are not enough ethical funds outside of the UK and US, particularly in emerging markets, Asia and so on, so ideally we’d like to see more specialist funds focusing on these markets."
He pointed to Rathbones which recently launched a global sustainable fund, saying these were signs of increasing demand in this area.
He added: "We would be watching these new funds closely and if they satisfy our due diligence then we may look to include them in our client investment portfolios in the future."
aamina.zafar@ft.com
