• S&P 500: +2.62% 
• Nasdaq: +4.18% 
• Stoxx Europe: +0.29% 
• MSCI All Country World Index (EUR): +2.42%  (the dollar fell -0.79%; the index in USD rose 2.56%).
• Global Fixed-Income Index (EUR): -0.50% (the dollar fell by -0.79%, the index in USD fell by -0.01%).

What’s going on with fixed-income securities?

Fixed income, particularly long-term bonds, posted significant declines during the month. The increase in debt supply, widening government deficits, rising energy prices, and greater uncertainty surrounding inflation and interest rates drove up the term-premium [1] demanded by investors. As a result, bond yields rose—most sharply for long-term maturities—and bond prices fell. Let’s elaborate on this explanation a bit further.

Gold rose by +9.67%, in line with the strong performance of the markets. Although its correlation with equities is usually low, it can increase during certain periods, such as the current one. Possible reasons include the following:

• There is fear in the markets
• Real interest rates are low or negative
• There is abundant liquidity
• The currency is weakening
• Inflation expectations are rising

As we have noted in previous comments, rising debt and widening fiscal deficits can contribute to currency depreciation. In practice, this amounts to a rise in prices: when the euro or the dollar lose value, they can purchase fewer goods and services.

Consequently, three of the aforementioned circumstances may currently be unfolding: greater liquidity, weakening currencies, and rising inflation expectations.

A significant portion of the market believes that a return of inflation to levels close to 2% may not occur quickly or easily. In fact, some investors are considering the possibility that, over the next few years, inflation will remain above the levels recorded in previous decades.

The possible causes of rising prices are as follows:

• Increased demand for goods and services, provided that supply remains constant.

This increased demand may reflect an improvement in economic activity. If it is supported by an increase in real income, productivity, or voluntary savings, the rise in prices could be interpreted—albeit with some caveats—as a healthy adjustment in relative prices. On the other hand, if it is primarily the result of artificial monetary or credit expansion, it may create imbalances and prove unsustainable.

• Rising production costs.

Rising costs for energy, raw materials, wages, or imported goods can be passed on to final prices. In this case, inflation would not necessarily reflect increased demand, but rather a reduction in available supply or a deterioration in production conditions.

• Shortages or supply issues.

Price increases can also be caused by shortages or supply-side issues, such as disruptions in supply chains, a lack of raw materials, logistical difficulties, natural disasters, or production constraints. In this case, prices rise not because demand is necessarily stronger, but because the quantity of available goods decreases.

• Increased debt, for example, to increase the government deficit.

A persistent government deficit can put upward pressure on prices, especially when it is financed through money creation or credit expansion that increases nominal demand faster than the supply of goods and services.

Most countries are widening their budget deficits and accumulating higher levels of debt. The following chart from the investment firm Doubleline shows the trend in interest payments as a percentage of government revenue in the United States. This indicator has just surpassed the record high of 18.4% set in 1991 and is now at historically high levels.

Source: Doubleline      

If you look closely, the previous peak of 18.4% was reached when interest rates were around 8%, whereas today they barely exceed 5%. According to the Doubleline report[2], although rates are currently lower, the U.S. government’s debt burden is much higher. Therefore, the fact that the cost of debt is reaching levels similar to those of 1991—despite lower rates—makes the yield on the 30-year bond particularly sensitive.

We must not forget that the private sector—and more specifically, the artificial intelligence sector—is projected to have capital expenditures of $760 billion this yearAs a result, it will have to compete with the government for available funding, which could drive up its financing costs.

This phenomenon bears some resemblance to what happened in the years leading up to the dot-com crisis, around the year 2000, when the euphoria generated by the emergence of the internet drove heavy investment in the technology sector, while many companies financed their expansion with the expectation of a very promising future. IThe chart shows, within the red box, the rise in the yield on the 30-year bond[3] rose in the years leading up to the crisis.

Source: Bloomberg and self-created

Shortly thereafter, the dot-com bubble burst, triggering a severe economic crisis. As the economic cycle deteriorated, the Federal Reserve significantly lowered interest rates in an effort to stimulate the economy. At the same time, expectations of slower growth and more contained inflation, along with the search for safe-haven assets, drove demand for government debt and pushed bond yields lower, including those on the 30-year U.S. Treasury bond.

What indicators can we use to gauge the level of investor concern? As we mentioned earlier, one of them is the term premium. The following chart shows the evolution of this premium, which has followed an upward trajectory throughout 2026.

Source: Bloomberg and sef-created

It is important to remember that the term premium reflects investors’ perceptions of future trends in interest rates, inflation, and economic conditions. A rise in the term premium indicates greater uncertainty, which investors price in by demanding higher yields[4] on both long-term government and corporate bonds.

The following chart shows the rise in the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond, one of the key benchmarks for fixed-income markets worldwide.

Source: Bloomberg and self-created

The rise in this yield has implications for long-term interest rates as a whole. When the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond rises, the market tends to adjust the required yields on other fixed-income assets as well, including corporate bonds.

In this context, one might ask whether current yield levels present an opportunity to add long-term bonds to a portfolio and aim for yields above 5%.

To provide a theoretical reference, we can use the earnings yield gap model, which is the difference between the S&P’s earnings yield and the bond yield[5] .      

Source: Bloomberg and self-created

The EYG is a benchmark used by some portfolio managers to assess the relative attractiveness of equities versus fixed income within an asset allocation strategy. When the spread narrows, the additional return offered by the stock market relative to the risk-free asset also decreases.

For much of the past two decades, equities have offered a higher earnings yield than long-term sovereign bonds. However, this spread has narrowed significantly in the United States; the S&P 500’s earnings yield is now very close to—and even slightly below—the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond.

In this context, the indicator’s performance in the United States supports the case for gradually reducing exposure to equities and increasing the weight of fixed income. If the earnings yield of the U.S. stock market stands at around 4.7% and the 10-year Treasury bond offers a yield close to 4.8%, investors can achieve a similar return in government bonds, with less uncertainty regarding earnings generation and lower sensitivity to potential downward revisions in corporate expectations. This comparison does not imply that equities should be abandoned, but it does suggest that their relative appeal has weakened.

Europe presents a different picture. The earnings yield gap between the STOXX Europe 600 and the 10-year German government bond remains around 3.8% in favor of equities. This largely reflects the valuation difference between the two markets: the U.S. stock market trades at a higher P/E ratio, associated with higher earnings growth expectations—particularly in the technology and growth sectors—whereas European equities trade at lower multiples and, therefore, offer a higher earnings yield. The positive European spread suggests that the European stock market retains a significant valuation premium relative to German debt, although it also incorporates structurally more moderate earnings growth prospects and a different sectoral composition.

Therefore, the earnings yield gap should be interpreted as a relative valuation benchmark, not as an isolated buy or sell signal. Its interpretation must be supplemented by earnings growth expectations, inflation trends, portfolio duration, the stance of monetary policy, the risk premium demanded for equities, and so on.

Furthermore, we cannot rule out a scenario in which inflation picks up again, forcing central banks to keep interest rates high for longer—or even to tighten monetary policy once more. In that case, bond yields could continue to rise, putting additional pressure on fixed-income prices, particularly for bonds with longer durations.

For this reason, a prudent strategy would be to gradually increase exposure to fixed income, avoiding concentrating purchases at a single point in time and diversifying the portfolio’s duration. The current improvement in yields makes it possible to build a fixed-income portfolio with higher yields to maturity than we have seen in recent years, but uncertainty regarding inflation and interest rates suggests a phased approach. In fixed income, patience is also part of the return; it is not so much about getting the exact entry point right as it is about gradually building a position capable of withstanding various macroeconomic scenarios.

For more Market Reviews: Click here.

[1] Term Premium:  It is the additional compensation that investors demand for committing their capital over a long period and assuming the uncertainty associated with future changes in interest rates, inflation, and economic conditions.

[2] Federal Interest Burden Exceeds 1991 High With 30-Year Yields at Only 5% – DoubleLine

[3] When many companies compete for financing, the demand for credit increases. As a result, investors demand a higher rate of return in exchange for lending them money.

[4] Bonds are sold, and their yield rises.

[5] The earnings yield is measured as the inverse of the P/E ratio (in this case, the estimated 12-month P/E ratio). The estimated P/E ratio is 21.35x, so the inverse is 4.68. For the yield, we use that of the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond, which is 4.76%. Any other bond can be used, as this one is risk-free and is typically taken as the opportunity cost.

Altum Faithful Investing does not simply propose an ethical investment methodology, or a sophisticated version of socially responsible investing. Faithful Investing is, above all, a concrete way of living one’s faith within the economic sphere—a call to evangelize one of the most influential, and often most dehumanized, arenas of modern society: the world of finance.

In a culture where capital is frequently treated as morally neutral and profitability is presented as the ultimate benchmark, Faithful Investing reaffirms a central principle of Catholic Social Teaching: every economic decision is also a moral decision.

For Catholic investors, religious institutions, foundations, and families seeking coherence with their faith, a fundamental question arises: How can one invest professionally and rigorously without compromising Catholic convictions?

Evangelizing Finance: Faith, Coherence, and Responsibility

At first glance, speaking about evangelization in the financial sphere may seem abstract. Yet the Church has consistently taught that economics cannot be separated from morality, and that capital must serve the common good.

Faithful Investing is grounded in three core convictions:

1. Money is not an end in itself, but a means.
2. Moral neutrality in investing is a myth: every investment supports certain business activities and practices.
3. Faith must permeate every dimension of life, including the stewardship of wealth.

From this perspective, Catholic investing becomes a way of transforming economic structures from within.

The Altum Investment Guidelines: Bringing Faith into Concrete Decisions

One of the greatest risks in ethical investing is remaining at the level of vague declarations. For this reason, Altum has developed the Altum Investment Guidelines—a clear and structured framework for applying Faithful Investing in a professional and practical way.

Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, these guidelines are built upon four pillars:

1. Promotion of Human Life

Faithful Investing seeks to build portfolios that support a culture of life. This includes avoiding investments in companies involved in abortion, contraception, indiscriminate weapons, or euthanasia.

It also excludes companies directly or indirectly engaged in embryonic stem cell research, research using stem cells derived from fetal tissue or embryos, or human cloning.

To ensure consistency and clarity, the Altum Faithful Investing team develops specific investment policies addressing each of these areas. These policies help investors translate the Catholic Magisterium into practical financial decisions.

A pharmaceutical company may demonstrate strong financial performance, yet still be excluded if a meaningful part of its business is connected to abortion or if it develops products through embryonic stem cell research. Faithful Investing goes beyond financial ratios—it applies a rigorous ethical filter.

2. Promotion of Human Dignity

Investing in alignment with faith means building portfolios that respect the dignity of workers, limit the spread of pornography, promote freedom from addiction, and safeguard religious liberty.

At Altum, we seek to invest in companies and assets that demonstrate responsible management practices, uphold human dignity, and operate with integrity in their relationships with employees, competitors, customers, and suppliers.

We avoid companies significantly involved in the production, distribution, or sale of pornographic material. We positively value businesses that help individuals overcome addictive behaviors, particularly those linked to cannabis or gambling.

We also exclude investments in governments or corporations that promote or engage in religious persecution or violate the fundamental right to religious freedom.

Companies with opaque supply chains or involvement in labor exploitation scandals are incompatible with a Catholic portfolio—even if they meet conventional ESG standards.

3. Protection of the Family and the Social Order

The family is the foundational cell of society. Accordingly, the Altum Investment Guidelines favor companies whose activities recognize and promote the social value and virtues of family life.

We avoid investing in companies or assets that actively oppose the Catholic understanding of marriage and family.

This approach extends far beyond traditional socially responsible investing, which rarely incorporates these considerations.

4. Care for Creation and the Common Good

Faith-consistent investing also requires an integral ecology—one that respects creation without falling into greenwashing, and that seeks to preserve the natural world for the integral development of future generations.

Companies involved in serious environmental controversies or abuse of natural resources are excluded from our portfolios. At the same time, we seek to promote positive environmental initiatives undertaken by governments and corporations that uphold the highest standards in their environmental conduct.

Faithful Investing vs. ESG: An Essential Difference

Though often conflated, Faithful Investing and ESG are not equivalent.

ESG frameworks are built upon criteria that can vary over time and often reflect shifting cultural or political trends. Faithful Investing, by contrast, rests on objective and enduring moral principles.

For Catholic investors, this distinction is critical. Faith is not a passing trend, and ethical standards cannot fluctuate with changing cultural, social, or regulatory contexts. Faithful Investing is anchored in the permanent moral principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Investing with integrity requires a stable and consistent framework grounded in values that do not change.

Professional Investment Tools at the Service of Faith

Evangelizing finance does not mean abandoning technical rigor. On the contrary, Catholic investing demands professional excellence.

Altum’s mission is precisely this: to place professional investment tools at the service of faith. Solutions such as Altum Explorer enable investors to integrate ethical and financial analysis, applying customized filters based on the Altum Investment Guidelines. This makes it possible to clearly identify which companies are compatible with Catholic values—and which are not.

With these tools, investors can build genuinely Catholic portfolios, apply faith-based equity screening, and manage wealth with coherence, transparency, and technical excellence.

A Faith That Is Also Invested

Faithful Investing demonstrates that faith and finance are not only compatible—they can strengthen one another. Evangelizing the financial world becomes possible when clear principles, professional tools, and a deep conviction align: capital must serve the human person.

At Altum, we believe that investing well is also a form of witness. And today, perhaps more than ever, the world needs investors who live their faith coherently—even in the markets.

For more Faithful Investing, click here.

Is investing according to ESG criteria enough to ensure coherence with my faith and Catholic values?

The rise of ethical investing and socially responsible investing has undoubtedly represented a step forward compared to purely profit-driven financial models. However, for Catholic investors, ESG often raises serious concerns regarding moral consistency, long-term stability, and alignment with the Social Doctrine of the Church.

This is where Catholic investing and faith-based investing offer a deeper and more coherent alternative.

What is ESG investing and why has it become so influential?

ESG investing evaluates companies based on three main criteria: Environmental, Social, and Governance factors. These indicators aim to measure how companies manage environmental risks, treat employees and communities, and structure corporate governance.

As a result, ESG has become the backbone of modern socially responsible investing, influencing asset managers, pension funds, and institutional investors worldwide. Many see ESG as a practical way to integrate ethics into finance.

However, while ESG may encourage certain positive behaviors, it does not provide a complete moral framework—especially for those seeking Catholic values in investing.

The structural limitations of ESG for Catholic investors

One of the main weaknesses of ESG investing lies in its subjectivity. ESG scores vary widely depending on the rating agency, methodology, and cultural context. What is considered “socially responsible” today may change tomorrow.

For Catholic investors, these contradictions make ESG insufficient as a tool for Catholic responsible investing. ESG does not distinguish between negotiable and non-negotiable moral issues, nor does it rely on objective, permanent ethical principles.

Catholic investing: beyond ethical labels

Catholic investing is not simply another version of ethical investing. It is rooted in a moral vision that places the human person at the center of economic life.

Grounded in the Social Doctrine of the Church, Catholic investing evaluates economic activity through principles that are stable, universal, and not subject to ideological trends. These include:

• Respect for human life from conception to natural death
• Human dignity
• The protection of the family
• The care of creation
• The pursuit of the common good

This framework allows Catholic investors to practice purposeful investing with clarity and coherence.

This distinction is essential. ESG may be a starting point for some investors, but for Catholics, it cannot replace a framework grounded in objective moral teaching.

A common misconception is that Catholic or Christian investing requires sacrificing returns. In reality, applying clear ethical criteria often strengthens risk management and long-term performance.

By avoiding companies exposed to legal, reputational, and regulatory risks, Catholic responsible investing contributes to sustainable value creation. Integrity and profitability are not opposites—they reinforce each other.

Faith-based Investing: Investing with purpose in a changing world

In the ESG era, Catholic investors are called to go further than labels and marketing claims. True faith-based investing requires discernment, formation, and the right tools.

Investing coherently becomes a form of testimony—a way of living faith consistently, even in financial decisions.

One of the main challenges Catholic investors have faced historically is access to reliable, structured, and transparent information. How can one know whether a company truly aligns with Catholic moral principles? How can a portfolio be constructed with rigor, without sacrificing professional financial analysis?

The answer lies in professional investing tools specifically designed for faith-based investing.

Altum Explorer is a professional stock screening tool developed to serve Catholic investors seeking coherence and excellence.

Unlike generic ESG tools, Altum Explorer:

• Applies filters based on the Social Doctrine of the Church
• Analyzes companies’ real economic activities, not just public policies
• Identifies hidden ethical risks
• Suggests compliant alternatives

It functions as a Catholic investing tool for asset managers, advisors, and institutions committed to building truly faith-aligned portfolios.

Faith-based investing offers a solid response to the limitations of ESG. Through Catholic investing, investors can align their capital with their deepest convictions without compromising professional standards.

At Altum, we believe coherence is not optional. It is a call to live faith fully—also in finance—by placing the human person, truth, and the common good at the center of every investment decision.

For more Faithful Investing, click here.

A Faith-Based Concern

Catholic investing is gaining traction among individuals and institutions seeking to align their portfolios with Christian values. Yet, many find that the popular framework of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing does not deliver what faith-based investors truly need. In this article, we explore why ESG fails Catholic investors and outline a path forward grounded in the principles of faith-based investing, ethical investing and Catholic values in investing.

Why ESG falls Short for Catholic Investors

1. Lack of alignment with Catholic moral doctrine
   Though ESG addresses broad societal concerns, it often fails to align with the specific moral and theological criteria that Catholic investors require. For instance, Catholic institutions may screen for issues such as abortion, embryonic stem-cell research, or promotion of contraception — issues that fall outside many standard ESG frameworks.
2. Ambiguity, inconsistent data, and green-/social-washing
   A major challenge for ESG is the lack of standardisation, transparency, and reliability of ESG ratings and criteria. For Catholic investors, this ambiguity creates real risk: an investment might appear ESG-friendly but still engage in activities contrary to Catholic teaching. As one analysis puts it, ESG investing as a movement is “failing Christian investors”. Moreover, when ESG becomes a branding exercise rather than a rigorous moral screening, Catholic investors may unknowingly participate in “compromised” investments.
3. Prioritising external metrics rather than the human person
   Catholic social teaching emphasises the human person at the centre of economic life. However, many ESG frameworks focus on headline metrics (carbon footprint, board diversity, social sentiment) rather than the dignity of work, the family, or the care and protection of creation. Faith-based investors need more than ESG; they need a “faithful investing” alternative rooted in Catholic social thought. Thus, while ESG may optimise for “doing no harm” or “reducing risk”, faith-based investing go beyond traditional ESG filters excluding companies involved in abortion or embryonic stem cell research, but we also actively seek those that create value in line with human dignity — for example, healthcare firms using induced pluripotent stem cells instead of human embryonic stem cells or businesses fostering fair employment and community development.
4. The risk of mission drift When Catholic organisations rely solely on third-party ESG funds or apply generic ESG screening, they risk diluting or drifting from their mission. The broader ESG universe is vast and not always consistent with the narrower demands of Catholic responsible investing or faith-based investing. For example, a fund may be labelled “ESG” but still invest in companies that assist or supply entities involved in morally problematic areas, such as pornography or abortion care services. Catholic investors need to ensure coherence with Catholic values in investing, not merely alignment with an ESG label.

What Catholic Investors Should Do Instead

1. Adopt a Faith-based investing framework rooted in Catholic values
Rather than relying on generic ESG filters, Catholic investors should adopt a framework of faith-based investing that begins with Catholic values: human dignity, promotion of family, respect for human life, and stewardship of creation. Professional investing tools or stock screening tools custom-designed for Catholic investing, such as Altum Explorer, help implement that vision.

2. Use tools with Catholic-specific screening criteria
When evaluating investments, adopt a tool that allows exclusion of morally incompatible sectors (e.g., abortion, contraception, embryonic stem-cell research, pornography, human trafficking) and inclusion of companies that affirm life and family, responsible governance, and social purpose.

3. Engage proactively rather than passively
Faithful investing involves not only excluding bad actors but also engaging good companies to improve their practices. Catholic investors should act as stewardship agents, voting proxies, and engaging management in line with values. This distinguishes faithful investing from passive ESG indexation.

4. Focus on long-term stewardship, not just short-term metrics
Catholic investing is about a horizon beyond quarterly earnings. It is about sustainable human flourishing through investments aligned with Catholic values in investing. Thus, portfolio decisions must account for the long horizon, the dignity of the person, and the welfare of future generations.

5. Partner with investment advisors experienced in Catholic investing
Seek professional investment advisors who understand not just markets, but also the moral landscape of Catholic investment. Advisors who specialise in Catholic responsible investing or Christian investing tools will better serve your mission-driven portfolio

Why this matters for Catholic Institutions and Individuals

Catholic institutions (dioceses, religious orders, foundations) and individual Catholic investors have a deeper mission than simply maximising returns. They aim to steward resources faithfully, to invest not only wisely but morally, to protect and promote the common good. When generic ESG fails to deliver on these fronts, Catholic investing — and by extension, faithful investing — provides a stronger, values-consistent alternative.

In our increasingly complex financial universe, trusting generic labels is not enough. Catholic investors must insist on coherence between the investment portfolio and Catholic values in investing. That’s why ethical investing and socially responsible investing must be anchored in faith, not just financial fashion.

Catholic investing begins with the person, not just performance. While ESG investing has brought welcome attention to environmental, social, and governance issues, it falls short for Catholic investors because of misalignment with Catholic moral doctrine, ambiguous data, mission drift, and a lack of person-centred focus.

By adopting a faith-based investing approach, using proper screening tools, engaging proactively, and choosing advisors aligned with Catholic investment principles, Catholic investors can build portfolios that are not only financially competent but morally coherent.

For investors seeking more than the ESG label, the path of faith-based investing offers a clear, principled, value-driven alternative.

For more articles on faith-based investing, click here.

Through the Altum Investment Guidelines, we seek to integrate Christian values into every investment decision, following four fundamental pillars: Promotion of Life, Promotion of Family, Promotion of Human Dignity, and Care and Protection of Creation. These principles not only guide our decisions but also provide a clear framework for constructing investment portfolios consistent with the Catholic faith without compromising financial objectives.

The Four Pillars of Altum Faithful Investing

Altum believes that faith-consistent investing is not only possible but a responsibility for Catholic investors. The four pillars upon which our methodology is based are fundamental and influence our investment decisions.

Promotion of Human Life

Human life, from conception to natural death, is the basic principle guiding all our decisions at Altum. The Social Teaching of the Church defends that life is sacred and inviolable, and therefore, we cannot invest in companies whose practices go against this fundamental principle.

Altum actively avoids investments in companies that are involved in abortion, euthanasia or the manufacture of abortifacients and contraceptives. We also discourage investments in companies involved in embryonic stem cell research, which is contrary to Catholic values. This principle is key to our Altum Investment Guidelines, as we believe that every investment should reflect absolute respect for human life at all stages. On the other hand, we seek companies that promote a culture of life, investing in those that protect and value human life in each of their business decisions.

Promotion of Family

The family, as the fundamental institution, is another key pillar of Altum’s investment decisions. In our vision, the family must be protected and promoted at all levels. This includes not only defending traditional marriage but also supporting policies that promote family stability, education, and the well-being of children.

We avoid investments in companies that support or promote ideologies that go against the Christian understanding of family, such as gender ideology, which denies the complementary nature of the sexes and undermines the natural structure of family. Altum supports companies that respect the Catholic view of marriage, understanding marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

Investing in companies that foster family-friendly labor policies, such as access to parental leave, is a key criterion in our strategy. Through these investments, we aim to strengthen family structures and contribute to the well-being of future generations.

Promotion of Human Dignity

Human dignity is at the heart of the Social Teaching of the Church. Each person is created in the image and likeness of God, and therefore, his or her dignity must be respected in all circumstances. At Altum, we promote investments in companies that respect human rights and decent working conditions. This means avoiding investing in companies that exploit their workers, are involved in pornography, or do not respect their employees’ right to religious freedom.

At the same time, we evaluate companies’ internal policies on equal opportunity, respect for freedom of conscience, and non-discrimination practices.

Care for and Protection of Creation

Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ reminds us that caring for the environment is an act of moral and spiritual responsibility. At Altum, we believe that respect for creation is essential to achieve true social justice, as natural resources are not just material goods, but gifts from God that we must steward wisely.

Altum promotes investments in companies that practice environmental sustainability and seek to reduce their ecological impact. We avoid investments in companies that irresponsibly exploit natural resources or engage in industries that cause irreversible damage to the environment. This approach is aligned with the principles of the Social Teaching of the Church, which teaches that economic development must go hand in hand with the protection of the environment and the well-being of future generations.

At Altum Faithful Investing, we seek not only economic profitability, but also ethical profitability that is in line with the fundamental principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church. Our four pillars – Life, Family, Human Dignity, and Care and Protection of Creation – guide our investment decisions and ensure that our investment portfolios are consistent with Catholic values.

For more Faithful Investing, click here.

Exploring the Gambling and Casino Industry

The gambling industry includes different activities, such as:

• Casino Games: Games of chance like slots, roulette, and blackjack.
• Sports Betting: Wagering on sports events.
• Lotteries: Ticket-based games offering financial prizes.
• Online Gambling: Digital platforms allowing 24/7 access to betting.

The global expansion of online gambling — highlighted in recent data and projections — reveals both its economic significance and its ethical concerns. Accessibility, anonymity, and aggressive marketing have made gambling easier to engage in — and harder to resist .

The Morality of Investing in Casinos and Gambling

According to Catholic moral theology, gambling in moderation is not inherently sinful. A friendly card game or a lottery ticket may be morally neutral. However, problems arise when gambling is structured to generate addiction, when it preys on the poor, or when it causes harm to individuals, families, and communities.

Casinos and gambling platforms are often designed to maximize the player’s time, spending, and dependency. Algorithms, lighting, sound, and layout are not neutral — they are carefully engineered to keep people playing. From this point of view, the industry becomes morally problematic, especially when profits come from those most vulnerable.

According to Faithful Investing, investors must avoid industries that violate the principle of the common good. The gambling industry undermines the common good by promoting behavior that fosters isolation, individualism, debt, and even despair — all of which run contrary to the teachings of the Gospel.

Evaluating the Gambling Industry Through the Lens of Faithful Investing

When evaluating whether a gambling-related company is compatible with Catholic investing principles, investors should ask:

• Does this company promote human dignity or exploit human weakness?
• Does it contribute to the common good, or does it profit from addiction and vulnerability?
• Does it support solidarity, or does it drive individuals into isolation and financial hardship?

Faithful Investing requires a higher standard than legal compliance or profitability. It demands that our financial decisions express our moral convictions and contribute to the building of a more just and compassionate society.

Practical Guidelines for Ethical Investing in the Gambling Sector

For Catholic investors, here are key recommendations based on Faithful Investing principles:

• Avoid Companies that Exploit Addictive Behavior: Any company whose business model depends on encouraging excessive gambling should be excluded.
• Assess Marketing Practices: Ethical companies should avoid misleading advertisements or promotions that target vulnerable groups, such as the youth or economically disadvantaged.
• Review Corporate Responsibility Policies: Companies must demonstrate real efforts to minimize social harm, including self-exclusion tools, limits on betting, and transparency in odds and payouts.
• Check Legal and Ethical Compliance: Mere legality is not enough. Companies must also operate within ethical frameworks that align with Catholic teaching.

Conclusion: Aligning Investments with Catholic Values

Faithful Investing invites Catholics to consider how their capital shapes the world. The gambling industry, though often glamorized and normalized, thrives on weakness, dependence, and false hope. Investing in such an industry not only risks complicity in systemic harm, but also contradicts the Gospel’s call to love, dignity, and justice.

In conclusion, Faithful Investing encourages us to look beyond returns and to ask a deeper question: What kind of world are we building through our investments? A Catholic investor committed to human dignity and the common good must approach the gambling industry with a firm ethical stance — one that favors integrity over profit, solidarity over exploitation, and eternal values over temporary gains.

For more Faithful Investing, click here.

Investing in the arms industry often presents a significant moral dilemma for Catholic investors. The teachings of the Catholic Church provide clear guidelines regarding the use of weapons, war, and the arms industry. In Faithful Investing, investment decisions must be aligned with Catholic principles that promote peace, human dignity, and respect for life.

The Church’s Teachings on War and Arms Production

In 1994, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace published a document titled “The International Arms Trade: An Ethical Reflection”, which outlined five key principles regarding war and arms trade. These principles serve as the foundation for evaluating whether investing in the arms industry aligns with Catholic values. The five principles are:

1. No to War: War is never an appropriate means of resolving conflicts. The Church advocates diplomacy and dialogue as alternatives to violence.
2. Right to Legitimate Defense: Nations have the right to defend themselves when attacked, but only under conditions of necessity and proportionality.
3. Duty to Help the Innocent: The international community has a moral obligation to intervene when there are grave violations of human rights.
4. Principle of Sufficiency: States may possess weapons only to the extent necessary for their defense. Excessive accumulation and indiscriminate trade of weapons are immoral.
5. Weapons Are Not Ordinary Goods: The trade of weapons must be regulated to prevent irresponsible sales, especially to vulnerable countries.

These principles distinguish between discriminatory weapons (such as nuclear or chemical weapons) and conventional weapons (such as warships or aircraft), which may be legitimate if their use is lawful and the end-user is authorized.

The Morality of Investing in the Arms Industry

Faithful Investing does not categorically rule out investments in the defense sector, but it requires careful and ethical consideration. The Church teaches that discriminatory weapons, such as nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons, are always immoral because their effects cannot be limited to military targets and inevitably harm civilians. Conventional weapons, however, may be morally justifiable if they are used for legitimate defense purposes and in situations of necessity.

When considering investments in the arms industry, it is essential to adhere to three fundamental principles:

1. Avoiding Scandal: Investing in weapons could be interpreted as endorsing violence and war, causing confusion and damaging the credibility of the faith community.
2. Prudence: It is important to discern not only what is legal but also what is morally advisable. Investing in arms carries ethical risks that must be carefully evaluated.
3. The Common Good: The accumulation and trade of weapons can cause more harm than good, so it is essential to assess the social impact of such decisions.

Evaluating the Arms Industry Through the Lens of Faithful Investing

Companies involved in the arms industry must be evaluated based on the type of weapons they produce or trade. Discriminatory weapons, which cannot be limited to military use and affect civilian populations, should be avoided. Conventional weapons, on the other hand, may be justified if they are used for legitimate defense purposes or lawful activities, such as hunting or military defense.

In Faithful Investing, companies must also be assessed for their compliance with international regulations, such as the UN Arms Trade Treaty, which aims to prevent the illicit trafficking of conventional weapons. Additionally, companies should have policies in place to ensure their products are not used irresponsibly.

Practical Guidelines for Ethical Investing in the Arms Sector

For Catholic investors, Faithful Investing provides practical guidelines to navigate the moral complexities of the arms industry:

• Avoid Investments in Companies Producing Discriminatory Weapons: Any company involved in the production or trade of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons should be avoided.
• Ensure Compliance with International Regulations: Companies that produce conventional weapons must comply with international norms and regulations, including the UN Arms Trade Treaty, to ensure that their products are used for lawful and ethical purposes.
• Evaluate Corporate Responsibility: Companies must have clear policies to prevent the illicit diversion of weapons and ensure their products are sold only to legitimate and authorized users.

Aligning Investments with Catholic Values

In conclusion, Faithful Investing offers a pathway for Catholics to invest ethically in the defense sector. By adhering to the moral principles established by the Church, investors can make informed decisions that respect life, peace, and human dignity, contributing to a world that aligns with Catholic values.

To access our policy on the arms industry, click here.

Today, more and more investors are concerned about the ethical aspects of their financial decisions. In this context, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria have gained relevance as a way to measure companies’ commitment to certain sustainability standards. However, although ESG provides guidelines aimed at promoting good practices, it is often insufficient for Catholic investors who seek complete alignment with their faith and values. This is where Faithful Investing comes into play—an alternative that not only meets sustainability criteria but also respects and promotes ethical principles that are universal and immutable according to the Social Teaching of the Church.

What is ESG Investing and Why Isn’t it Enough for Catholics?

ESG focuses on evaluating companies based on three key areas: environmental performance, social responsibility, and corporate governance. However, this system has serious limitations. One of the main criticisms is the subjectivity in assessments and the lack of consistency between ESG rating agencies. For instance, a company might receive an excellent rating for its environmental practices, but simultaneously be involved in activities that contradict human values, such as funding abortion or supporting labor exploitation.

Moreover, ESG rating agencies use metrics that vary significantly between them, leading to contradictory evaluations. This creates uncertainty for investors who want to make decisions that are fully aligned with their moral and faith based values. At this point, Faithful Investing offers a strong and consistent alternative, which follows ethical principles based on immutable values such as respect for human dignity, family, and creation.

Faithful Investing: The Faith Based Alternative

Faithful Investing does not merely focus on environmental criteria or governance; it places the person at the center of all economic and social decisions. The Church teaches that all decisions should aim to promote the common good, justice, and human dignity. Thus, investments should align with principles that respect human life, marriage, and family, as well as the care for creation.

Unlike ESG investing, which can change over time and fluctuate according to social trends, Faithful Investing is based on firm and eternal principles. These principles are rooted in the Social Teaching of the Church, which provides a universal framework that is not influenced by fads or subjective assessments. Catholic investors who adopt this methodology can be confident that their investment decisions will always be aligned with their core beliefs.

Human Dignity and Catholic Values in Investing

One of the pillars of Faithful Investing is the respect for human dignity. Companies that promote life, human rights, and social justice should be prioritized in the selection of assets. This means avoiding investments in companies that engage in practices contrary to these values, such as those involved in the abortion industry, human trafficking, or child labor.

Unlike ESG investments, which may allow companies involved in activities that violate human rights, Faithful Investing requires a deeper level of scrutiny and an ethical filter based on unchanging principles. A Catholic values-based stock screener ensures that the invested capital does not support activities contrary to the faith.

The Benefits of Catholic Investing: Beyond Financial Returns

While Faithful Investing does not sacrifice financial returns, its primary goal is to create a positive and lasting impact on society. Faith based investing seeks to generate a Christian culture that transcends the financial realm. This means that investments are not only based on profitability but also on the social impact they have on the world.

Furthermore, this approach helps create a community of investors who, through their financial decisions, promote a more just, respectful, and faith-aligned world. Ultimately, it is about creating good works, not just good returns.

Why Faithful Investing is the Sustainable Alternative for Catholic Investors

Catholic investors who wish to make decisions grounded in their faith will find Faithful Investing to be the most coherent long-term choice. Unlike socially responsible (SRI) and ESG investments, which depend on varying interpretations of criteria, Faithful Investing follows a clear and consistent set of ethical principles that align with Church teachings.

The Social Teaching of the Church provides a framework of values that not only protects creation but also human dignity, the common good, and respect for family. These principles are timeless and apply regardless of market fluctuations or government policies.

In conclusion, Faithful Investing is much more than a financial strategy: it is a way to live out one’s faith through investment decisions. By choosing companies and funds that promote Catholic values, investors are not only seeking financial benefits but also making a positive impact on society and the world. Faithful Investing ensures that investments align with human dignity, family, life protection, and respect for creation.

ESG may be a starting point for those interested in ethical investing, but Faithful Investing offers consistency and stability that make it the ideal choice for those who want to invest in a manner that is fully aligned with their Catholic faith and deepest values.