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Investors' preferences for sustainable investments: Evidence from the U.S. using an experimental approach

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  • Harasheh, Murad
  • Bouteska, Ahmed
  • Manita, Riadh

Abstract

In addition to the classical risk-return approach in investment, there is an increasing awareness of integrating sustainable development goals (SDGs) as a new dimension to value creation. However, limited research has been conducted, offering mixed results. Therefore, we examined investor preferences for investment funds that contribute to achieving the SDGs of clean water and sanitation. We used a choice experiment to analyze the funds' value for U.S. investors, adopting a survey approach based on 581 actual observations from October to December 2022. The findings reveal that investors show stronger preferences for portfolios that contribute to the development goals; they are willing to forgo returns when investments contain SDGs or are provided by sustainable banks. These findings have implications for investors and fund managers.

Suggested Citation

  • Harasheh, Murad & Bouteska, Ahmed & Manita, Riadh, 2024. "Investors' preferences for sustainable investments: Evidence from the U.S. using an experimental approach," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 234(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:234:y:2024:i:c:s0165176523004548
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2023.111428
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    Cited by:

    1. Dong, Xinzhong & Wang, Ying, 2024. "Intellectual property, resource curse, and the path to sustainable investment in China," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    2. Hongyu Xiang, 2024. "Commitment to the ESG investing and Individual Mutual Fund Investors’ Preference: Evidence from Stated Choice Experiments," Journal of Applied Finance & Banking, SCIENPRESS Ltd, vol. 14(2), pages 1-6.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Investor preferences; Sustainability; Investment decisions; U.S. environment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading

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