If you’re seeking the ability to align your financial goals with your personal values and social concerns that are important to you, social impact investing (SII) may be a consideration for your portfolio. “Socially-responsible, sustainable, values-based, ethical, green, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), and impact” are some of the many terms commonly used to describe social impact investing. <span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

While the goals are generally the same – to generate measurable social and environmental impact along with financial returns – the strategies vary in approach.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>By combining traditional socially responsible exclusions with a disciplined analysis of ESG factors, Wells Fargo has developed an integrated approach to social impact investing. <span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Gaining in popularity</b></p>
Over the past 20 years, there have been big changes in the investment industry.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>One of the most significant has been the growth of social impact investing.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>Traditionally known as socially responsible investing (SRI), this approach excluded so called “sin stocks” (alcohol, tobacco, weapons manufacturing, adult entertainment, gambling) from investment portfolios.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>It has expanded to proactively seek best-in-class companies that incorporate strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies into their business practices.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Invest in issues important to you</b></p>
Do you have concerns about the environment or human rights?<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>Are you interested in supporting the ethical treatment of animals or do you simply wish to avoid investing in companies whose business practices are in conflict with your beliefs?<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Wells Fargo offers a range of choices to invest in companies whose policies and practices are compatible with what matters to you. We can help you build a portfolio based on research, analysis and products that align with your investment goals and philosophy and avoid selecting companies with poor ESG performance or those that conflict with your philosophy.

Keep in mind, however, that all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>A strategy’s social policy could cause it to forgo opportunities to gain exposure to certain industries, companies, sectors or regions of the economy which could cause it to underperform similar portfolios that do not have a social policy. A socially responsible investing style may shift in and out of favor.

Contact us for more information on how to incorporate social impact investing into your investment planning.

<i>This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Whitney McDaniel, CFP®, Associate Vice President – Investments in Beaufort, SC at [843] 524-1114.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>Any third-party posts, reviews or comments associated with this listing are not endorsed by Wells Fargo Advisors and do not necessarily represent the views of Whitney McDaniel or Wells Fargo Advisors and have not been reviewed by the Firm for completeness or accuracy.</i>

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