Sustainability Preferences in a Market Crisis: Evidence From Australia

ABSTRACT We examine individual retirement portfolio rebalances towards ESG funds during the pandemic period and the ensuing market crash. Our sample comprises over 22,000 portfolio rebalances performed by individual members of a large Australian defined contribution pension fund. The results show that demand for ESG funds among pension fund members declined substantially during the market crash. Younger and female members are more likely to rebalance towards ESG funds during the sample period, but these relationships are moderated by the market crash. We also show that members rebalance smaller amounts towards ESG funds during the market crash. Overall, the market crash had a pronounced effect on the sustainability preferences of pension fund members.