Unfortunately, abortion is alive and well on Wall Street. And, many pro-life investors are unwittingly making a killing from this killing business.

While Planned Parenthood and other women’s rights groups have been extremely successful in a campaign to draw support from America’s corporations, Wall Street support for abortion comes in a variety of formats. 

Some companies, such as Pediatrix, are direct participants in the abortion business. Some, such as Stericycle, indirectly provide critical services needed by the industry (Stericycle contracts with PP clinics to dispose of aborted babies). Danco Labs, and similar companies, manufacture abortion inducing drugs. Yet others, like Starbucks, provide financial support through corporate giving to organizations like Planned Parenthood - America's largest provider of abortion services.

So, you ask, “What’s a pro-life investor to do?” In short, the same thing liberal investors have been doing for years - participate in a Values-Based Investing (VBI) program - specifically a Biblically-Responsible Investing (BRI) program. 

Until recently, VBI funds have been dominated by socially- liberal causes. Now, however, conservative-minded investors can take advantage of this concept. Many Christian financial advisors now have tools to screen companies and mutual funds that contradict biblical values.

There's a moral dilemma facing many Christian investors. The question surrounds the concept of moral investing. Where does a Christian investor draw the line? We are sometimes encouraged to forego purchases by boycotting companies that engage in anti-Christian behavior. And, while the intent is noble, I would suggest that there is an even greater (and more important) consideration.

Certainly, there is Biblical support for avoiding (where possible) doing business with such companies, but what about OWNING such a company? Should a Christian OWN a company that produces pornography or participates in the abortion industry? 

As stockholders in such companies, Christians ARE owners. Each share of stock represents a proportional ownership interest in the company. Shareholders in a company have bought that company's stock because they have expressed an interest in profiting from the company's business activities. 

So, I ask again. Should a Christian OWN stock in such a company? Is it possible to own stock in the porn or casino industries, and at the same time genuinely pray for an end to porn and gambling? What about a company in the abortion business? Can we OWN it and pray for an end to the holocaust that makes it profitable? 

You say, "But I just own mutual funds or a variable annuity." Guess what... ownership of shares in a mutual fund or variable annuity represents proportional interest in the underlying stocks - so we remain stockholders in every company that mutual fund holds in it's portfolio. Do you know what you OWN? 

As gold has soared, there has been much speculation as to when the gold bubble will burst.  And, with its recent slide, many wonder if its already bursting. 

Is gold overvalued?  Taking into consideration its historic pricing in inflation-adjusted dollars, gold is actually nowhere near its previous highs.  At its inflation-adjusted peak in 1980, gold was trading at about $850/ounce.  Based on today’s prices, one would assume that gold is trading at multiples over its historic highs.  In reality, gold would have to reach almost $2,420/ounce to match its inflation-adjusted 1980 high.  

With such widespread uncertainty in the world economy and a deepening concern over the stability of the world’s major currencies, investors are turning to gold as a safe haven.  As a result, gold's prices have skyrocketed.  That being said, is there really any reason for investors to feel any better about the world markets and economy?  In fact, the current pullback is likely no more than a brief respite before the next shoe drops on the economic news front.

Since President Nixon removed the US Dollar (USD) from the gold standard in 1971, our currency has been manipulated by the Federal Reserve to the point of near worthlessness.  Over the 24 months proceeding September 2011, the USD lost as much as 31% against the currencies of Japan, Switzerland, Australia and Canada, and lost more than 20% to the much maligned Euro in the last 18 months alone.  There's no realistic reason to believe this devaluing isn't going to continue.

With the USD and other major currencies in a tailspin, investors are turning to gold as a trusted store of value and the increased demand has driven its prices northward. 

So, will gold's trend continue?  Adjusted for inflation, it would appear there is more room for growth.  Any significant trend downward would depend largely on the world’s economic powers exercising good stewardship.  Given their track record, I’d bet on gold!

The Storehouse Advisor: Steve Arnold (steve@storehouseadvisors.com)

You are a Christian investor - investing what the Lord has entrusted to your care.  Which of the following health care corporations would you prefer to own and profit from?  Where would the Lord prefer His money be placed?  Let's hear your thoughts... 

Lifepoint Hospitals (LPNT), based in Brentwood, TN, operates 52 facilities in 17 states, employing almost 17,000.  Lifepoint is driven by its High Five guiding principles, which “guide our actions and decision making and define what communities can expect from us as a healthcare partner.”  Aside from its outstanding record of satisfaction and care, Lifepoint is also civic minded.  In response to Haiti’s earthquake disaster, Lifepoint founded the national Hope for Haiti campaign, which has proven to be one of the most important contributors to Haiti relief efforts.  Lifepoint’s CEO even finds time to serve his church as worship leader.  

Stericycle (SRCL) is a $7 Billion corporation providing medical waste services in nine countries.   According to sources, Stericycle maintains contracts with more than 500 Planned Parenthood clinics, and hundreds more abortion facilities around the US and the world.  Under these contracts, Stericycle agrees to dispose of the medical waste generated by these facilities.  Of course, abortion procedures produce aborted babies, which Stericycle must incinerate under the terms of its contracts.  Among the larger mutual fund families to hold Stericycle are American Funds, Fidelity, Vanguard and Morgan Stanley.  Contact Storehouse Advisory Group to see if your mutual fund or 401(k) is holding Stericycle, and therefore subjecting you to profit from abortion-related businesses.

Send comments to: steve@storehouseadvisors.com