Abstract:
The paper investigates whether green bonds are priced at a premium compared to conventional bonds by analyzing the yield spread between green bonds and comparable conventional bonds (where a negative yield spread indicates a premium). The study also examines the factors influencing the yield difference including the effect of participating in Paris Agreement to the green bond premium. Initially, the paper expected to find a negative green bond premium, indicating that green bonds have lower yields than comparable conventional bonds, as investors are willing to accept lower yields for the ESG benefits associated with green projects. However, the paper obtained contradictory results. Additionally, participating in the Paris Agreement cannot be used to explain the green bond premium in US markets.