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The Effect of ESG performance on the stock market during the COVID-19 Pandemic — Evidence from Japan

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  • Liu, Lian
  • Nemoto, Naoko
  • Lu, Changrong

Abstract

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices can play a crucial role in promoting green recovery by fostering sustainable and responsible economic growth. Based on a novel dataset of Japanese listed companies from January 2016 to December 2021, this study examines the effect of corporate (ESG) performance on the Japanese stock market during the COVID-19 pandemic. We contribute additional evidence to the literature by exploring the unique role of ESG factors that affect stock markets during economic downturns. The results of the study show a positive association between corporate ESG performance and stock returns during the COVID-19 period. Furthermore, we demonstrate that strong ESG performance contributed to enhanced stock market stability and increased market liquidity in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results provide a rationale for implementing supportive measures and regulations that encourage companies to adopt and disclose robust ESG practices. By doing so, they can contribute to the stability and liquidity of the stock market and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Lian & Nemoto, Naoko & Lu, Changrong, 2023. "The Effect of ESG performance on the stock market during the COVID-19 Pandemic — Evidence from Japan," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 702-712.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:79:y:2023:i:c:p:702-712
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2023.06.038
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    2. Ahmed El Oubani, 2024. "Investor sentiment and sustainable investment: evidence from North African stock markets," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 1-20, December.
    3. Wu, Hua & Zhang, Ke & Li, Renyu, 2024. "ESG score, analyst coverage and corporate resilience," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 62(PB).
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    5. Chen, Yongtai & Ren, Yi-Shuai & Narayan, Seema & Huynh, Ngoc Quang Anh, 2024. "Does climate risk impact firms' ESG performance? Evidence from China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 683-695.
    6. Yang, Sharon S. & Huang, Jr-Wei & Li, Wei-Hsien, 2024. "Institutional investor stewardship and material sustainability information: Evidence from Taiwan," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ESG performance; Stock market; COVID-19; Japan;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • F34 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Lending and Debt Problems

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