Are there certain types of investments you refuse to make?
When it comes to investing your options are wide open. You can find a stock in just about every field there is. But there are some investments that seem to be a little more controversial than others.
Here are the top five most controversial investments.
Firearms & Related Stocks
Gun violence has led firearms and their related stocks to be a controversial investment. However, one could argue that violence will occur whether there are firearms or not. In addition firearms also save thousands of lives per year, the media only chooses to cover the negative side.
When President Obama was elected a frenzy began. With talk of tighter gun laws we saw gun stocks shoot through the roof.
My family owns two sporting goods stores and I can vouch for the fact that guns can be a good investment. As long as guns are well maintained they rarely ever depreciate and when there’s talk of gun laws changing, their values sky rocket.
Of course, if you don’t like the idea of investing in physical firearms you can invest in the only two publicly traded firearms companies in America: Ruger (NYSE: RGR) or Smith & Wesson (SWHC).
Medical Marijuana Stocks
The legalization of medical marijuana is slowly spreading across more and more states even though it is still illegal according to the federal government. The questionable legal status isn’t the only thing that makes this investment controversial though: many believe that marijuana really has no medicinal value and can be easily abused.
Whether you’re for it or against it more and more medical marijuana stocks are popping up.
Tobacco Company Stocks
Worldwide, tobacco causes more than five million deaths per year which is why the stocks of tobacco companies has made it on the list.
So, is it unethical to invest in tobacco companies?
On one hand you know that tobacco causes serious illnesses and even death. On the other hand the people who choose to use tobacco are well aware of the risks.
Stocks of Companies Who Test on Animals
Perhaps one of the most controversial investments to make is in companies who test their products on animals.
Unlike certain “unethical” investments that have to do with some type, of vice animals don’t have any choice. Animal testing is mostly used in the cosmetic industries. So, if you’re against testing on animals be sure to research any companies who may do testing before you invest.
Alcohol Related Stocks
Each year in the United States there are about 88,000 alcohol related deaths. There are more than a million DUI (driving under the influence) arrests made per year and the National Institutes of Health reports that about 15% of the US population are “problem drinkers.”
So, it’s no wonder why investing in the stocks of alcohol manufactures is controversial.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to investing you have to use your own moral code. You’re the only one who can distinguish what’s right and wrong.
For example, I own a few guns because target shooting is one of my favorite hobbies. I’ve also recently bought Ruger’s stock. I invested a little bit of money in medical marijuana stocks as well. However, I would not invest in companies who do animal testing or in alcohol manufacturers.
That’s what does and doesn’t feel right to me. You’re the only who can determine if an investment is right for you.
What other controversial investments can you think of?