Nedgroup Investments' unique contribution to building social fabric of SA

While the Nedgroup Investments Balanced Fund (previously the Nedgroup Investments Renaissance Fund) has undergone a few changes recently - the appointment of Orthogonal Investments to manage the fund (1 July 2007) and its name change (1 August 2007) - its unique approach to socially responsible investing remains.

Nic Andrew, Head of Nedgroup Investments, says the fund's unique approach to socially responsible investing enables it to provide a sustainable income stream, through the donation of a portion of the fee income earned (not the investors investment return or capital appreciation) to community organisations that play a vital role in building stronger communities throughout South Africa.

The Nedgroup Investments Balanced Fund has contributed close to R160 000 during the past quarter to Childline, Habitat for Humanity, NICRO, and Rape Crisis respectively. Since 1999 close on R2.4 million has been donated by Nedgroup Investments to the four charities to help build their resources.

"Unlike other social investment funds, which are often restricted in terms of where they can invest, this fund is not limited to investments in certain stocks, but can invest across the equity, bond, money and property markets. In fact, the portfolio is structured in such a way as to generate optimal returns, providing investors with unconstrained investment performance and a regular income stream for the four welfare organisations", says Andrew.