Schaffer, Sarah2022-08-122022-08-122022https://hdl.handle.net/11299/231050Investor preferences have long been analyzed to improve both portfolio management and company investor relations. The entry of new individuals investing combined with the economic uncertainty brought by COVID-19 is likely to show new investor preferences. This thesis examines the relationship between individual investors ownership and companies’ ESG scores to see if there is a heighten ESG preference for this class of investors. Results suggest that while ESG is a component of individual investors preference, it does not fully explain their trading decisions. Key Words: ESG, individual investors preferences, e-trading, COVID-19enCarlson School of ManagementFinanceSumma Cum LaudeThesis or Dissertation