A new research explains that in Australia more investors are moving their support from the tobacco and fossil fuel industries in favour of more ethical and socially responsible investments. Data show that managed funds held in ethical and sustainable investments increased by 51% in the past 12 months to more than $25bn. According to the Responsible Investment Association Australasia, the number of these investors has significantly increased for the first time in a decade. In relation to that, experts outline that the responsible investment sector will probably continue to grow. Estimates also stress that there is an important trend towards increased consumer interest and scrutiny on the sector. Additionally, the increased establishment of equities funds with a focus on responsible investment have managed to deliver healthy returns, experts say. In this context, the research outlines that ethical investing is increasingly growing especially due to a greater awareness about sustainable issues. In this way, establishing new concrete policies which might be able to reach a more socially and environmentally aware population, it represents a key objective. In this framework, the government should foster investments in companies that have positive impacts, and in industries of the future such as healthcare, clean technology, promoting global connectivity. The gLAWcal Team LIBEAC project Wednesday, 23 July 2014 (Source: The Guardian)