An Econometric Analysis of ETF and ETF Futures in Financial and Energy Markets Using Generated Regressors

Abstract

It is well known that there is an intrinsic link between the financial and energy sectors, which can be analysed through their spillover effects, which are measures of how the shocks to returns in different assets affect each other’s subsequent volatility in both spot and futures markets. Financial derivatives, which are not only highly representative of the underlying indices, but can also be traded on both the spot and futures markets, include Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), a tradable spot index whose aim is to replicate the return of an underlying benchmark index. When ETF futures are not available to examine spillover effects, “generated regressors” are useful for constructing both financial ETF futures and energy ETF futures. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the co-volatility spillovers within and across the U.S. energy and financial sectors in both spot and futures markets, by using “generated regressors” and a multivariate conditional volatility model, namely diagonal BEKK. The daily data used are from 23 December 1998–22 April 2016. The dataset is analysed in its entirety and is also subdivided into three distinct subsets. The empirical results show there is a significant relationship between the financial ETF and energy ETF in the spot and futures markets. Therefore, financial and energy ETFs are suitable for constructing a financial portfolio from an optimal risk management perspective and also for dynamic hedging purposes.