Do climate policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk transmit opportunity or threat to the green market? Evidence from non-linear ARDL

Abstract

This paper examines the asymmetric impacts of climate policy uncertainty (CPU), and geopolitical risk (GPR) on US green bond (GB) returns. By using the non-linear ARDL model and monthly data for GB, CPU and GPR from January 2016 to August 2022, our empirical findings show that in the short run, GB returns are negatively affected by both positive and negative shocks to GPR. In the long term, GB returns are positively impacted by negative shocks in GPR and negatively affected by positive shocks in GPR. CPU on the other hand shows an insignificant symmetric effect. These results have vital implications for policymakers and fund managers. Policymakers should consider implementing policies that reduce uncertainties and ensure stability in the green bond market. For fund managers, there is the need to adopt dynamic approaches to portfolio management, considering the evolving nature of geopolitical risks and their impact on green bond performance.