Get Real! Individuals Prefer More Sustainable Investments
87 Pages Posted: 21 Nov 2018 Last revised: 28 Oct 2020
Date Written: February 21, 2019
Abstract
In two survey experiments (n=1,669 and n=3,186), we address the question whether people put their pension savings on the table to promote sustainability. First, pension fund members get a real vote on the fund’s engagement strategy. A majority of members (67.9%) votes for increased and intensified engagement based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Then, members can provide feedback on the implementation by the fund. The support for the updated engagement strategy stays strong. Members also back the fund’s decision to additionally screen equity portfolios based on SDGs. Support for sustainable investments is largely driven by social preferences.
Keywords: survey experiment, social preferences, socially responsible investments, sustainable finance, experimental finance
JEL Classification: G02, G20, G23, G28
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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