UKSIF, the sustainable investment and finance association, have commented on the IMA’s quarterly statistics, which identify a growing interest in ethical investments.

The Investment Management Association (IMA) recent quarterly statistics issued show that net retail sales of ethical funds totalled £98 million in the second quarter of 2010.

This is well above the average of the past four quarters and the highest net sales figure since the fourth quarter of 2007.

Deputy Chief Executive of UKSIF Adam Ognall says:

“Investment in ethical funds has returned to levels not seen since the credit crunch took hold in 2007. It is a very positive sign that increasing numbers of investors want to make money and make a difference.

“As the economy continues to stutter, consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of their investments and the opportunity for their finance and investment decisions to have a positive long-term impact.

“Modern green and ethical investment is now an attractive choice for mainstream investors.”

UKSIF, the organisers of National Ethical Investment Week, says that it is exactly these sorts of issues for ethical investors that will be discussed as part of the annual National Ethical Investment Week which runs this year from November 7-13.

UKSIF is the coordinator of National Ethical Investment Week which includes more than 200 members such as financial advisers, asset managers, charities, banks, research providers, pension funds, and other non-governmental organisations who get involved in a week of promotions and activities.

UKSIF promotes responsible investment and other forms of finance that support ethical economic development.