How your investment choices can make a positive impact

When it comes to shopping for everyday items, consumers today are generally a lot more conscious about how the products they buy impact the environment and the people who make them. The same goes for investing. In recent years, responsible investing has grown both in popularity and in the number of options available. Aligning your portfolio to your values can be a win-win, allowing you to support causes that are important to you while also achieving market gains. In fact, including non-financial factors like a company’s carbon emissions or labour practices in your investment decisions can give you a better understanding of an investment’s long-term potential. With this in mind, responsible investing is an important consideration for anyone with money in the market.

Pick an approach that works for you

There are many different approaches to responsible investing, from excluding investments that don’t meet ESG criteria to focusing on investments aimed at actively solving environmental or social issues. Here are the 4 most common approaches to responsible investing that individual investors and investment managers can use as a guide when building a portfolio.

Get started today

It can be surprisingly easy to get started with responsible investing. One of the simplest ways is by investing in a portfolio or mutual fund that’s managed by a professional. Most of the equity and fixed  income portfolios use an ESG integration approach to develop a deeper understanding of portfolio companies and their risks offered by CIBC Asset Management. It’s even possible to invest specifically in companies committed to moving away from fossil fuels and into renewable energy through the CIBC Clean Energy Index ETF.

If you’re looking to align your investments with your personal values and combine socially responsible investing and best-in-class ESG approaches, use our CIBC Sustainable Investment Strategies. Industries such as tobacco, weapons, and adult entertainment are excluded, and there is greater exposure to companies that are leaders within their sector or industry at managing ESG risk. The portfolios also have a lower carbon footprint than the market average, and CIBC has committed to donating 5% of all management fees for these strategies to organizations supporting climate transition activities.

Your advisor can help you explore these options and find the right fit for your goals.