ESG performance and sustainability concerns exposure

Abstract

This paper analyzes stock returns' sensitivity to the newly introduced sustainability concerns index based on media indicators from LSEG MarketPsych for the US market from 2010 to 2023. While the results demonstrate that better ESG performance mitigates equities' sensitivity to sustainability concerns in society, the effects are mainly driven by firms' governance rather than environmental or social performance. This study underscores the vital role of good governance and management among ESG criteria for firms in promoting the stability of stock returns to changes in public concerns regarding sustainability issues.