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Imbalanced ESG investing?

Author

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  • Agoraki, Maria-Eleni K.
  • Kouretas, Georgios P.
  • Wu, Haoran
  • Zhao, Binru

Abstract

This study investigates the imbalance of ESG investing across its environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G) pillars. We find that E plays a more significant role in influencing the imbalance level, and mutual funds prioritize mitigating E risks over S and G risks, which is more pronounced in funds with higher sustainability ratings. Moreover, our findings indicate that investors respond to ESG imbalance, with the level of imbalance showing a negative impact on fund flows, especially for funds with higher sustainability ratings. However, this negative relationship is mitigated as climate change concerns increase. Furthermore, we find that political ideology plays a role in the ESG imbalance, with the imbalance of funds in blue states being more driven by lower environmental considerations compared to those in red states. Additionally, we observe that the ESG imbalance is positively associated with various fund risks. Our study offers implications for policymakers and stakeholders in the asset management industry regarding ESG investing practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Agoraki, Maria-Eleni K. & Kouretas, Georgios P. & Wu, Haoran & Zhao, Binru, 2025. "Imbalanced ESG investing?," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:93:y:2025:i:c:s0929119925000781
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2025.102810
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    JEL classification:

    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions

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