The integration of the sustainable development goals into Spanish sociallly responsible investment funds

Abstract

In the last few years the concept of sustainable development has become very popular. In this sense, financial sector has not overlooked this new inclination and has offered to the market new types of financial product related with the sustainable development, the Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) assets. One of the most marketed assets nowadays in Spain are the SRI Funds. This study aims to examine the means by which SRI Funds form their investment portfolios, to investigate how the SDG are integrated into them and to examine the main differences between SRI Funds and the traditional ones. In order to undertake the study, two different samples of investment funds marketed in Spain were taken: one of SRI Funds and another of traditional funds. The analysis suggests that the investment in SRI Funds means a higher yield and consequently a higher risk compared to traditional funds. In addition, the SRI Funds have shown a positive attitude respect the SDG, highlighting “Climate Action” and “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” as the most integrated goals by the funds.