Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores and portfolio performance: evidence from South Africa

The study examines the impact of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings on portfolio performance. In addition to using the individual ESG components, we also overcome the shortcomings of an alpha-based performance evaluation by applying a wide range of portfolio performance indicators and examine how the performance indicators vary over different time periods. Using data from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, over the period 2012 to 2022, the study found that portfolios with higher ESG scores have superior returns, particularly at the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest that ESG fund construction should not be overlooked, and that portfolio managers who consider ESG ratings in stock selection may achieve better overall fund performance.