The firm says investing in fossil fuel companies that are working to reduce their carbon footprint is an "underappreciated opportunity."

In the next 10 years, companies will be measured by the way they treat their workers.

The ruling on Northwestern's 403(b) plan will affect cases challenging imprudent fiduciary actions with 401(k) plans as well.

Twice as many loss-making firms raised capital last year as did profitable ones, giving many companies additional liquidity to weather investors' tighter purse strings this year.