BBT equity funds outperform industry benchmarks.

For the first half of 2004, equity (stock) funds managed by Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) significantly outperformed their comparable industry benchmarks, according to a release from the agency. "During a challenging period for investment managers, BBT achieved this performance relative to broad market indexes while pursuing its socially responsible investment goals," the release stated.

In the Brethren Pension Plan, the Common Stock Fund gained 6 percent while the Standard and Poor's 500 Index advanced 3.4 percent. The Balanced Fund returned 3.5 percent while a comparable blended index returned 2 percent. The Bond Fund matched the performance of the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index, with both falling .2 percent.

In the Brethren Foundation, the Domestic Stock Fund picked up 5.8 percent compared with the Standard and Poor's 500 Index 3.4 percent. The Small Cap Fund gained 10.9 percent while the Russell 2000 Index managed a 6.8 percent return. The International Stock Fund beat the Morgan Stanley Europe/Australia/Far East Index, 4.8 percent compared to 4.6. The Balanced Fund gained 3.5 percent. The Bond Fund, with a .2 percent gain, outperformed the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index, which lost .2 percent.

BBT reported that the Common Stock Fund and the Domestic Stock Fund benefitted from strong performance in the "value sector"‑‑stocks that investors believe are trading for less than their true market value. "The value portion of each fund gained almost 14 percent over the six‑month period, resulting in the overall strong performance for each fund," the release said.

BBT investments exclude securities of companies generating more than ten percent of their revenues from gambling, alcohol, tobacco, or prime defense contracts. Pension Plan members and Foundation investors can direct a portion of their accounts into the Community Development Investment Fund, which supports loans to community organizations. "These results for Brethren Benefit Trust investments continue to prove that investors need not give up market returns to invest in a manner consistent with their social values," said Wil Nolen, BBT president.

Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
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