This quarter’s issue of the Investing with Intent newsletter explores values-driven divestment in a turbulent political climate, the meaning of conviction in impact investing, the challenges of AI and copyright, and rising opportunities in renewable energy and shareholder advocacy.
Sustainability crept into mainstream consciousness in the late ‘80s, and while it started as an offshoot of the environmental movement, it migrated into business, finance, and government policy soon thereafter. In 1990, there were about a dozen socially responsible mutual funds, and today, there are over 500. Since it launched nearly 20 years ago, the
A year of relative economic stability and prosperity, in 2024 Natural Investments maintained a steady growth period. Natural Investments grew 18 percent to $1.7 billion in socially responsible investment (SRI) assets under management between new clients seeking SRI and market value increase. Natural Investments channels capital into investments with intentional and measurable impact, while meeting
In the second quarter of 2025, the looming possibility of high tariffs continued to play a significant role in driving the U.S. and global economies. However, the trade policy worst-case scenarios championed by the current administration have yet to materialize, as they continue to threaten— but ultimately back away from—their most severe tariff policies. Tech
Natural investments’ clients know the value of socially responsible portfolio management— but what about friends or family who haven’t accumulated the capital for such services but still want the money they save to make a difference in the world? This is exactly why our firm continues to have a mutually strengthening relationship with Hope Credit
People on the economic margins in the united states are often unable to access loans from banks and credit unions when they encounter an unexpected expense. According to the Federal Reserve, in 2023, more than 35 percent of the U.S. population would not be able to cover a $400 emergency expense with cash. People without
This quarter’s issue of the Investing With Intent newsletter offers ways to stay true to your values in the shifting political landscape, how to protect your home in the age of climate change, and highlights what one firm is doing to light the way for socially responsible investing.
The changing climate is inextricably linked with our capital markets. In the face of this rapidly changing reality, economists are scrambling to price its impacts into financial models. It’s increasingly clear that many of the constants we once relied on—energy, water, homes, insurance, and public safety—are now unpredictable variables with climate-related disasters destabilizing our daily
Day in and day out, we continue to hear about artificial intelligence (AI). Whether it’s a new company introducing a faster, more cost-effective model or an AI capable of generating hyper-realistic images that blur the line between human and machine, AI is advancing at an astonishing rate. But what exactly is AI, and what impact
Before the turn of the century, sustainable and socially responsible investing (SRI) was a small portion of the overall financial system. Of the thousands of mutual funds in the market, a couple dozen carried the “green” or “socially responsible” description. Committed SRI fund companies had a general mission and vision to encourage greater corporate responsibility
This quarter’s In the News recaps articles reporting on big banks reactions to the current political climate and the new buzzword for ESG.