Socially Enhanced Indexing

Abstract

While socially responsible investing (SRI) is large and growing, current SRI offerings have shortcomings—including style biases, excessive expenses, tracking error and an incomplete menu of screens. We propose using factor-based models in SRI-screened investment universes to create “socially enhanced indexing” or SRI enhanced indexing. Using commercial software and readily available portfolio screens, socially enhanced indexing offers mass customization of values-based investment programs on the cheap.