Which of the following statements is true?

Sovereign debt being susceptible to distortion effects based on ESG ratings highlights the impact that non-financial factors can have on financial instruments. As ESG ratings incorporate various environmental, social, and governance criteria, they can influence how investors perceive the risk and value of sovereign bonds. For example, a country’s poor environmental record or social unrest could lead to lower credit ratings or higher yields on its bonds, reflecting heightened risk for investors. This recognition of the importance of ESG factors in assessing sovereign risk indicates how these ratings can distort perceptions of creditworthiness and market dynamics.

The other options present valid points but do not accurately capture the unique context of sovereign debt in relation to ESG ratings. ESG is not simply a standalone component; it interacts with many elements of the investment process. While long-term performance may correlate with ESG adoption, it does not universally outweigh short-term risks, which can vary significantly by market and context. Lastly, while proprietary ESG data can indeed be a differentiator for investment firms, asserting that this is true does not speak to the broader systemic implications for sovereign debt and ESG ratings specifically.