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Socially responsible investing worldwide: Do markets value corporate social responsibility?

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  • Guillermo Badía
  • Maria C. Cortez
  • Luis Ferruz

Abstract

This study examines the performance of socially responsible stock portfolios based on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings in four regions: North America, Europe, Japan, and Asia Pacific. Our findings reveal that the financial impact of socially responsible investing is geographically dependent, varies over time, and relies on the screening dimension considered. Our results support the errors‐in‐expectations hypothesis in the European and Japanese markets, but any mispricing of socially responsible stocks faded over time as markets become aware of the financial implications of corporate social responsibility. In the Asia Pacific market, the results are consistent with the shunned‐stock hypothesis. Furthermore, the results suggest that ESG value‐relevant information is properly valued in North America. Overall, we conclude that different markets have gone through different stages with regard to their understanding of the impact of sustainable practices on firm valuations.

Suggested Citation

  • Guillermo Badía & Maria C. Cortez & Luis Ferruz, 2020. "Socially responsible investing worldwide: Do markets value corporate social responsibility?," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(6), pages 2751-2764, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:corsem:v:27:y:2020:i:6:p:2751-2764
    DOI: 10.1002/csr.1999
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