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Contribution Details

Type Working Paper
Scope Discipline-based scholarship
Title Green Sentiment, Stock Returns, and Corporate Behavior
Organization Unit
Authors
  • Marie Briere
  • Stefano Ramelli
Language
  • English
Institution University of Zurich
Series Name SSRN
Number 3850923
ISSN 1556-5068
Number of Pages 51
Date 2023
Abstract Text In this paper, we propose a new method to estimate non-fundamental demand shocks for green financial assets based on the arbitrage activity of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). By estimating the monthly abnormal flows into environment-friendly ETFs, we construct a Green Sentiment Index that captures shifts in investors' appetite for environmental responsibility that are not yet priced in the value of the underlying assets. Our measure of green sentiment differs significantly from the news-based climate indexes proposed by the extant literature, and it has additional explanatory power on both stock returns and corporate decisions. Over the period 2010-2020, shifts in green sentiment anticipate a persistent stock-price out-performance of more environmentally responsible firms, (of approximately 53 basis points over six months for a one-standard-deviation higher green sentiment) as well as an increase in their capital investments and cash holdings, particularly for more equity-dependent ones.
Free access at DOI
Digital Object Identifier 10.2139/ssrn.3850923
Other Identification Number merlin-id:21663
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