This year's demand for ethical investments is set to double 2006 sales figures, according to a financial services company.

A study of sales performance by investments specialists Fidelity FundsNetwork reveals that the first four months of 2007 have witnessed an 83 per cent growth in the ethical investments sector compared to last year.

Consequently, the investments organisation anticipates that growth will top 100 per cent before the year is out if current trends are continued.

David Dalton-Brown, head of the investments company , explained that the global political agenda is being reflected in the financing arena.

With an increasing emphasis placed on looking after the world and its resources, it's not surprising that the popularity of ethical funds continues to grow, he said.

It's a trend that we expect to continue.

Earlier this month, rival investments firm Clerical Medical reported that there has been a 109 per cent rise in the price of soya oil and an 81 per cent hike in the value of palm oil over the last five years.

The financial services provider's group economist Tim Crawford attributed the rising worth of soft commodities in part to increasing demand for biofuels.