ABSTRACT
Empirical stylized facts in the literature concerning “sin” versus “angel” stocks
display asymmetry. Through an experiment, we examine whether such biases can be microfounded via individuals’ preferences and belief formations. We find that negative
environmental and social externalities have thrice the impact of positive externalities on
investments, ceteris paribus. Further, negative externalities modestly increase pessimism about
investment prospects while positive externalities have no discernible impact. The asymmetry
is pervasive, heterogeneous, and comparable to the magnitude observed in loss-aversion.
Beyond rationalizing stylized empirical facts, our findings help direct the growing theoretical
literature that models the implications of non-pecuniary individual investor behavior.