Many socially responsible funds are now available to investors who factor their values into their investment choices. For example, the Appleseed Fund avoids tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, gambling, weapons systems or pornography, The TIAA-CREF Social Choice Equity Premier Fund invests in companies that are “strong stewards of the environment,” devoted to serving local communities and committed to high labor standards. Are socially responsible funds attractive to you? Would it matter if they are less profitable than other alternatives? How much less profitable? Do you now, or will you in the future, use them in saving for your own retirement?
