The impact of ESG rating changes on fund shareholding

This study examines the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) rating changes on fund shareholding based on rating data from five agencies. Using a sample of Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies in China spanning from 2019 to 2021, we find robust evidence that the mean value of ESG ratings by agencies positively impact the number of fund holdings, while the standard deviation of ESG ratings by agencies have no impact on the number of fund holdings. Additionally, the mean value of ESG ratings by agencies have a greater impact on the number of fund holdings among state-owned and industrial companies, and the mean value of ESG ratings by agencies has a larger impact on the number of fund holdings in a one-year window than in a six-month window. Moreover, we find that the mean value of ESG ratings by agencies negatively impact the stock price volatility. The results show that ESG rating changes play a positive role in the decision-making of fund shareholding and in promoting the sustainable development of firms.