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The role of ESG performance during times of financial crisis: Evidence from COVID-19 in China

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  • Broadstock, David C.
  • Chan, Kalok
  • Cheng, Louis T.W.
  • Wang, Xiaowei

Abstract

We examine the role of ESG performance during market-wide financial crisis, triggered in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The unique circumstances create an inimitable opportunity to question if investors interpret ESG performance as a signal of future stock performance and/or risk mitigation. Using a novel dataset covering China’s CSI300 constituents, we show (i) high-ESG portfolios generally outperform low-ESG portfolios (ii) ESG performance mitigates financial risk during financial crisis and (iii) the role of ESG performance is attenuated in ‘normal’ times, confirming its incremental importance during crisis. We phrase the results in the context of ESG investment practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Broadstock, David C. & Chan, Kalok & Cheng, Louis T.W. & Wang, Xiaowei, 2021. "The role of ESG performance during times of financial crisis: Evidence from COVID-19 in China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 38(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:38:y:2021:i:c:s1544612320309983
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2020.101716
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