How does the fintech sector react to signals from central bank digital currencies?

•A signal index of CBDC reflecting its official attention was innovatively constructed.•The fintech index was extended to cover the determined time frame.•It was found the positively time-varying response of the fintech sector to the CBDC signals.•The response intensity of fintech sector to the CBDC signals was reducing over time. This study analyzes how the fintech sector reacts to central bank digital currency (CBDC) signals released by central banks. First, we innovatively construct a signal index for the CBDC. Second, by collecting data from January 2012 to February 2022, the positively time-varying response of the fintech sector to the CBDC signals is found. Meanwhile, the response intensity reduces over time, thereby reflecting the weakening sensibility of the fintech sector to the CBDC signals. Third, shocks of symbolic events regarding the CBDC in the fintech sector are captured to further confirm the response to signals.