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Geopolitical turmoil and investor green preference: Evidence from the corporate bond market

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  • Fiorillo, Paolo
  • Meles, Antonio
  • Salerno, Dario
  • Verdoliva, Vincenzo

Abstract

In this study, we analyze a sample of 1,630 corporate green bonds issued internationally between November 2012 and January 2024 to investigate the yield differences between green and non-green bonds. Our findings reveal a small greenium, particularly significant in the secondary market among carbon-intensive industries, first-time green bond issuers, and riskier issuances. We show that Geopolitical Risk (GPR) significantly influences the greenium in the secondary market, primarily driven by geopolitical acts rather than threats. Additionally, we establish that third-party certifications and corporate exposure to environmental risk are critical in explaining the GPR-greenium relationship. These results underscore the importance of GPR in enhancing investor preference for green bonds, offering important implications for both practice and policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Fiorillo, Paolo & Meles, Antonio & Salerno, Dario & Verdoliva, Vincenzo, 2024. "Geopolitical turmoil and investor green preference: Evidence from the corporate bond market," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jimfin:v:149:y:2024:i:c:s0261560624002055
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jimonfin.2024.103218
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Green bond; Greenium; Corporate bond market; Geopolitical Risk;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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