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Contribution Details

Type Working Paper
Scope Discipline-based scholarship
Title A Factor-Tilt Approach to ESG Investing
Organization Unit
Authors
  • Tsuyoshi Iwata
  • Marc Weibel
Language
  • English
Institution University of Zurich
Series Name SSRN
Number 4456943
ISSN 1556-5068
Date 2023
Abstract Text This research examines the incorporation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into portfolio construction, focusing on identifying companies with strong ESG practices and their relationship with financial performance. Drawing on a US sample of companies and timely ESG data provided by RepRisk, the research proposes a relative approach for constructing a portfolio with a desired exposure to traditional risk premia while tilting the final portfolio towards a quantitative ESG objective. The methodology combines bottom-up and top-down approaches to identify a potential ESG alpha while neutralizing the relative exposure to risk premia associated with traditional factors. The findings indicate a significant and positive ESG premium in the US market while addressing criticisms regarding the lack of forward-looking ESG data. The study makes a novel contribution to the literature on ESG investing by demonstrating the potential of a more flexible and nuanced approach to portfolio construction that incorporates timely ESG information. The results have general implications for investors seeking to align their investments with ESG principles, achieve better risk-adjusted returns, and generate sustainable and resilient portfolios.
Free access at DOI
Digital Object Identifier 10.2139/ssrn.4456943
Other Identification Number merlin-id:23742
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