Abstract
Using stated choice experiments, this
paper tests the causal effect of mutual funds’ commitment to the ESG investing
by signing the UNPRI on individual investors’ preference for mutual funds. I
find that signing the UNPRI will make mutual funds more attractive to
investors. The estimated WTP is approximately 4% in terms of the annual
management fees, both statistically and economically significant. The effect of
signing the UNPRI on investor preference is not significantly different among
investors with different sex, income, risk attitude, and mutual fund investment
experience. However, it is larger among the older investors than the younger.
JEL classification numbers: G20, G50.
Keywords: UNPRI, Choice
Experiment, ESG.