How does Negative Screening function in an investment strategy?

Negative screening is an investment strategy that specifically involves the exclusion of companies from an investment portfolio based on certain negative criteria. This approach allows investors to align their investment choices with personal values, ethical considerations, or social and environmental standards.

By omitting firms that do not meet these criteria—such as those involved in fossil fuels, tobacco production, or human rights violations—investors can create a portfolio that reflects their beliefs and promotes practices they consider responsible or sustainable. This method contrasts with other strategies that may focus on criteria such as financial performance or industry leadership. Therefore, the essence of negative screening lies in its emphasis on exclusion based on unfavorable characteristics or practices, rather than promoting specific types of firms or technologies.