Tracking Error: Why Deviation from a Benchmark Shouldn't Dissuade Passive Investors from ESG

There’s a fading but lingering misconception that socially responsible investing (SRI) means sacrificing returns against a benchmark. The source of concern—and misconception—can often be traced to confusion around the tracking error. By understanding what’s behind a portfolio’s deviation from the performance of its benchmark, investors will see how to make it work in a responsible portfolio.