November 2008
Responsible winners
The funds below, in alphabetical order, have been among the best-performing SRI mutual funds over the past five years.
| Fund | Fund type | 5-year annualized total return | Expense ratio | Minimum initial investment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amana Growth (AMAGX) | Large-cap growth | 6.65% | 1.35% | $ 250 | Invests in companies that profit without crossing Islamic principles. For example, does not invest in alcohol or pork. Also does not invest in firms that derive significant income from traditional lending or carry significant debt themselves. |
| Neuberger Berman Socially Responsive (NBSRX) | Large-cap blend | 0.08 | 0.90 | 1,000 | Concentrated fund of 35 stocks screens for companies that demonstrate progressive employment practices. Low turnover of 16% annually helps keep the expense ratio down. |
New Alternatives (NALFX)  |
World stock, mid-cap | 1.90 | 0.95 | 2,500 | Invests globally in alternative energies. Largest holdings are wind-turbine maker Gamesa Corp. (Spain) and Vestas Wind Systems (Denmark). |
| Parnassus Equity Income (PRBLX) | Large-cap blend | 3.16 | 0.99 | 2,000 | Screens for companies that demonstrate respect for their employees and the environment. Overweighted in technology, particularly software. Doesn’t invest in nuclear energy, but does buy oil and gas exploration stocks. |
Timothy Plan Large/Mid Value A (TLVAX)  |
Large-cap blend | 2.11 | 1.44 | 1,000 | Faith-based fund has clobbered the S&P 500 in each of the past three years thanks to its exposure in the petroleum industries. Owns no media companies and few software stocks. |
| 4.75% front load. 5.25% front load. |
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