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ESG risk, economic policy uncertainty, and the downside risk: Evidence from US firms

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  • Tang, Chia-Hsien
  • Liu, Hung-Chun
  • Lee, Yen-Hsien
  • Hsu, Yuan-Teng

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between risk factors of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and the downside risk of U.S. firms and tackles the role of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) in this relationship. Our results show that the downside risk of firms, as measured by value-at-risk and lower partial moment, is positively affected by ESG risk scores, and that this effect becomes more pronounced as EPU rises. These results are robust to two other alternative measures of ESG risk. We argue that enhancing ESG management and adaptability to economic uncertainty is crucial for aligning with sustainable development goals. Our findings provide valuable insights for U.S. firms, investors, and policymakers looking to navigate the evolving risk landscape.

Suggested Citation

  • Tang, Chia-Hsien & Liu, Hung-Chun & Lee, Yen-Hsien & Hsu, Yuan-Teng, 2025. "ESG risk, economic policy uncertainty, and the downside risk: Evidence from US firms," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 75(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecofin:v:75:y:2025:i:pa:s1062940824002183
    DOI: 10.1016/j.najef.2024.102293
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    Cited by:

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    2. Ayadi, Imen & Abderrahman, Jahmane, 2025. "The impact of economic policy uncertainty and digital integration on ESG practices in European companies," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Downside risk; Value-at-risk; Lower partial moment; ESG risk; Economic policy uncertainty;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G1 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets
    • G18 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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