Investing and Guns

White Brook’s mandate precludes investments in vice, death, and exploitation. Up until last week, the middle term always received the most questions and side eyed looks. No death? What’s that mean? 

It means no guns. 

It’s difficult to be puritanical in life, the world operates in shades of grey, but in my view the automatic weapon is amongst the most destructive inventions ever created; it’s fundamentally destructive; it’s intrinsically undemocratic; and they kill kids.

For many high net worth individuals, prudently investing their money is as responsible for their enhanced economic status as their day jobs. If that describes you or what you aspire to be, you may want to find out what “work” your money is doing. Do you own stock in gun manufacturers and defense companies? Do they own “sporting goods” retailers that operate in rural markets and substantially benefit from the retail sale of guns and ammunition? Do the ETF’s that you own? Do the mutual funds?

It’s likely.

There are socially responsible options available. There are indexes, there are ETFs, there are mutual funds, and there are socially responsible active investment managers. There’s also significant and growing evidence that portfolios that invest in socially and environmentally responsible companies perform at least as well as those that don’t.

As a holder of stock and debt securities, it’s important to recognize the power that you have as an investor. An organization that does not earn its cost of capital cannot exist for long. Investors are the source of that capital. The availability of that capital determines the price. If you care about issues that effect society at large and kids in particular, think about investing your money in a way that reflects those values.

Sincerely,

Basil Alsikafi

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. This document provides information not intended to meet objectives or suitability requirements of any specific individual. This information is provided for educational or discussion purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. The information contained herein has been drawn from sources which we believe to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. This report is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities herein named. We may or may not continue to hold any of the securities mentioned. White Brook Capital LLC and/or their respective officers, directors, partners or employees may from time to time acquire, hold or sell securities named in this report. It should not be assumed that any of the securities transactions or holdings discussed were or will prove to be profitable, or that the investment decisions we make in the future will be profitable or will equal the investment performance of the securities discussed herein.