Performance Of Exchange-traded Funds Research Articles

Sustainable investing in extreme market conditions: doing well while doing good

PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify environmental, social and governance (ESG)-focused funds that can effectively uphold ethical principles while also delivering competitive financial returns by evaluating the performance of 24 well-established exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The study also compares the performance of four widely recognized ETFs representing NASDAQ (ticker: QQQ), S&P500 (SPY), Dow Jones (DIA) and Russell 2000 (IWM) with the sample of 24 ESG funds.Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilizes four complementary measures, namely Sharpe, Sortino, Omega and Calmar ratios, to assess the risk-adjusted return performance of ETFs, with a particular emphasis on extreme downside risk.FindingsThe findings indicate that ESG-focused ETFs can predominantly outperform DIA and IWM in the last five years (1 November 2018–22 March 2023). However, when compared to QQQ and SPY, only ICLN, SUSA and DSI consistently delivered competitive risk-adjusted returns. The performance of DSI and SUSA is almost equivalent to QQQ and SPY even during the last ten years.Practical implicationsThe paper conducts a risk-return analysis of alternative ESG investment funds, suggesting that not all ETFs are created equal and that careful selection is vital for achieving different investment objectives. It is imperative to recognize that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future outcomes, requiring consideration of other factors in the post-evaluation phase.Social implicationsThe study provides evidence to support the “doing well while doing good” hypothesis, indicating that competitive returns are achievable while also engaging in socially responsible investment.Originality/valueThis study fills a vital gap in the literature on ESG investment by highlighting that the choice of funds stands as the primary factor responsible for the conflicting findings by previous studies.

Liquidity Risk, Return Performance, and Tracking Error: Synthetic vs. Physical ETFs

As the global ETF market continues to grow, the significance of understanding replication strategies has become increasingly apparent. This study examines the compensation of synthetic exchange-traded funds (ETFs) due to their greater risk exposure than physical ETFs, using ETFs listed on developed European markets from 2009 to 2020. This is the first study to investigate liquidity risk related to the replication strategy of ETFs. We investigate the difference in systematic liquidity risk between synthetic and physical ETFs using a liquidity-adjusted capital asset pricing model (LCAPM). Our findings suggest that synthetic ETFs have higher liquidity risks than physical ETFs and offer additional returns within the low-liquidity group. We also analyze the tracking performance of ETFs based on their type and find that the synthetic replication method reduces tracking errors within the high-liquidity group. Specifically, the enhanced tracking performance of synthetic ETFs becomes more prominent during periods of liquidity shocks than in regular periods. These findings shed light on key considerations for resolving puzzles in tracking errors.

Effects of size on the exchange-traded funds performance

Effects of size on the exchange-traded funds performance

A Study on Performance Of Exchange Traded Funds in Indian Capital Market

A Study on Performance Of Exchange Traded Funds in Indian Capital Market

Environmental, Social and Governance Responsibility, financial performance and assets: A study of Exchange Traded Funds

Two research questions are examined in this study with a sample of 168 passive Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). The first one asks whether a high Environmental, Social and Governance Responsibility (ESG) rating induces investors to allocate more money in an ETF. The empirical findings indicate that the level of assets is not affected by the ESG rating whatsoever, but it is affected by factors such as the historical performance, the expense ratio and the age of each fund. The second question raised concerns the relationship between the performance of an ETF and its ESG rating. The hypothesis examined is that the higher the ESG rating of an ETF is, the higher the return of the ETF should be. The results do not confirm this hypothesis. Not surprisingly, to a large extent, the performance of ETFs is driven by the return of the tracking indexes. To a lesser degree, expense ratio bears a negative impact on ETFs’ performance.

Preface

Preface

Exchange-traded Funds in India Amid COVID-19 Crisis: An Empirical Analysis of the Performance

Since their inception in 2002, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in India have made significant progress. The lacklustre record of active investing and the dual benefits of low-cost diversification have elevated the asset class’s credibility. During the COVID-19 crisis, equities ETFs have demonstrated greater resilience than other investment options. Our examination of 35 ETFs that mirror broader indices indicates the performance of Indian ETFs amid the economic shock caused by COVID-19. A comprehensive analysis of the daily NAV, trading price, and benchmark price data from 2015 to the present, post-identification of the pandemic period, indicates three significant inferences: First, tracking errors persist, with significant increases in all three tracking measures throughout the COVID-19 period. Second, during the COVID-19 period, the existence of pricing inefficiencies transitions from discount to premium, with an average daily value of 57.485. Nonetheless, the rate of short-term disequilibrium corrections accelerates dramatically during the COVID-19 phase. Thirdly, it took only eight days during COVID-19 to erase 50% of the disequilibrium between NAV and market price, compared to 170 days before COVID-19. During the COVID-19 era, we also notice a rise in the co-integration between ETF returns and benchmark performance and an increase in the adjustment rate from 18% to 61% per unit of time. The research findings provide portfolio managers and regulators with a comprehensive view of the performance of ETFs before and after an economic shock and offer educational benefits to a growing investor base.

Understanding the dynamics of investment factors and exchange-traded funds performance in the U.S. market 2018-2022

The increasing popularity of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) among retail and professional investors necessitates a deeper understanding of their value-creation process. Recognizing inconsistencies between stated investment strategies and portfolio exposures is crucial for appropriate rebalancing in accordance with investment policy statements. Against the backdrop of evolving investment factors during the pandemic and changing geopolitical circumstances, the performance of ETFs has undergone significant shifts. Analyzing the directional changes of prevailing investment factors within specific macro environments is essential for optimizing portfolios composed out of ETFs. This study has a dual objective: firstly, to comprehend the dominant investment factors and their dynamics in the U.S. market, and secondly, to evaluate the performance of ETFs that adhere to specific investment philosophies and strategies. To achieve these objectives, the Fama-French three and five-factor models were employed to analyze a dataset comprising 72 U.S. ETFs. These ETFs were then categorized into four portfolios based on investment style and size. Performance appraisal measures were utilized to compare portfolios on a risk-adjusted basis relative to the benchmark. The bear market that commenced in early 2022 had a universally negative impact on observed ETFs due to their longonly exposures. This inflection point also marked a shift in the relative performance between value and growth styles, as well as the outperformance of more conservative investing approaches, underscoring the importance of adapting to changing market conditions. Additionally, the absence of a size premium throughout the observed period confirms investors' preference for large-cap stocks as a resilient factor. Furthermore, the size effect exerted a universal negative influence due to the size drift of ETFs employing a stated large-size investment strategy. During the observed period, the value style experienced a significant recovery, characterized by higher book-to-price ratios, operating profits, and more conservative investment policies that produced superior results compared to the previous longer period. The findings of this research enhance our understanding of the influence of investment factors on U.S. ETF performance, providing valuable insights for investors and portfolio managers who may need to adjust their strategies in response to observed changes in market dynamics.

Has sustainable investing made an impact in the period of COVID-19?: evidence from Australian exchange traded funds

ABSTRACT We study the impact of sustainability on the financial performance of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the period of COVID-19. Using a sample of 244 Australian ETFs rated by Morningstar in April 2020, we conducted the portfolio analysis and cross-sectional regression analysis, and the results show that ETF portfolios with lower carbon risk and fossil fuel exposure tend to outperform. However, ETF portfolios with higher social risk tend to deliver a better performance. We also find that ETF portfolios with high environmental risk, governance risk, carbon risk and fossil fuel exposure are more likely to experience high volatility in stock returns. The findings will serve as an important point of reference for investors, businesses and wider stakeholders. The sustainable investing is proving to be resilient during the COVID-19 and a closer look at ESG risks is a lens through which business leaders can build better and more resilient enterprises.

A volatility-match approach to measure performance: the case of socially responsible exchange traded funds (ETFs)

PurposeThis study examines the risk-adjusted performance of socially responsible exchange traded funds (SR ETFs) in comparison to conventional ETFs.Design/methodology/approachThe main empirical result is based on a risk-adjusted performance metric that does not rely on a linear framework. It measures the difference between the returns of an ETF and the returns of a volatility-match and efficient portfolio. In addition, performance is measured using alpha based on single and multifactor formulations.FindingsResults show that the performance of SRI ETFs is not different from the performance of conventional ETFs.Originality/valueGiven the results of the study, socially aware investors can choose to invest in SRI ETFs without sacrificing performance.

An Evaluation of the Tracking Performance of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): The Case of Indian Index ETFs

The present study investigates how efficiently India-domiciled exchange traded funds (ETFs) replicate the returns of their underlying indices and analyses the factors that determine the tracking performance. We use a three-pronged approach involving Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) regression, cointegration-Vector Error Correction Model methodology and tracking errors (TEs) to assess tracking efficiency. Random-effects panel regression is employed to evaluate how fund-specific factors influence tracking ability. We find that ETFs carry significantly lower exposure towards their indices than what their objective would suggest. Long-run linkages with benchmarks exist for most ETFs, but the price deviations from the indices are fairly persistent. The TEs for the majority of the funds are large and non-trivial. Bid-ask spreads, price-net asset value deviations, fund’s age and, to some extent, its size are the primary factors that influence tracking performance. ETFs in developed markets such as the USA and Europe have been found to exhibit superior benchmarking abilities. The study is expected to assist investors in developing a more efficient ETF portfolio and to help fund providers improve the quality of their offerings.

The Performance of Exchange-Traded Funds

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are commonly regarded as an efficient, low-cost alternative to actively managed mutual funds, yet their perceived superiority is largely anecdotal. We evaluate the performance of a comprehensive, survivorship-bias-free sample of US equity ETFs following the approach that has been commonly used to evaluate the performance of actively managed mutual funds. We find that ETFs have collectively lagged the market by an amount similar to the widely documented underperformance of active mutual funds. We perform textual and regression-based analysis to identify factor ETFs and show that most of these have also failed to beat the market. We conclude that, from a pure performance perspective, the allure of ETFs finds little support in the data. TOPICS:Factor-based models, mutual fund performance, passive strategies, exchange-traded funds and applications Key Findings ▪ ETFs have collectively lagged the market by about the same amount as active mutual funds. ▪ Most smart beta ETFs have also failed to beat the market. ▪ From a pure performance perspective, the allure of ETFs finds little support in the data.

Performance Dynamics of International Exchange-Traded Funds

Asynchronous trading hours between the markets of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and their benchmarks not only make it difficult to apply a full replication strategy but also make the creation/redemption process ineffective and consequently distress the performance of international ETFs. Despite the exponential growth of the ETF industry in general and international ETFs in particular, the performance of international ETFs is under-researched. Therefore, this study evaluates the performance of US-listed international ETFs by analyzing the returns, volatilities, tracking ability and pricing efficiency. The study findings are useful for investors interested in understanding the performance dynamics of international ETFs.

ESG ratings and financial performance of exchange-traded funds during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has experienced economic and social fragility, which calls for alternative approaches to navigate towards sustainable outcomes. While recent studies show that responsible investments (RI) are resilient during the economic downturn caused by crises such as COVID-19, there has been little exploration into exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Using ANOVA and multivariate regression models, we analyze the differences and relationship between the financial returns of ETFs and their Eco-fund ratings during the COVID-19 pandemic-related financial market crash. Our results indicate that higher levels of the sustainability performance of ETFs do not safeguard investments from financial losses during a severe market downturn. These results contribute to the research by exposing weaknesses of current sustainability scores and rating methods to provide an initial analysis of RI during the COVID-19 pandemic

Practical Applications of Active Indexing with ETFs: Disruption and Implications

Practical Applications Summary In Active Indexing with ETFs: Disruption and Implications, from the Summer 2019 issue of The Journal of Index Investing, Joanne M. Hill of CboeVest discusses how exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have revolutionized the asset management, trading, and exchange businesses, and how investment professionals should respond. According to Hill, the proliferation, transparency, and cost/performance benefit of ETFs give investors greater choice, ease, and value. But at the same time, their wide availability and use of quantitative rules-based strategies are disrupting traditional asset management. Hill asserts that the strong relative performance of ETFs is causing investors to increasingly eschew traditional discretionary money management based on qualitative stock selection. Additionally, index firms—which provide the benchmarks for ETFs—are gaining influence in the development and marketing of investment products. Hill argues that the move toward rules-based, smart-beta investing means active management via ETF indexing will become more common as a trading strategy and in portfolio management, presenting a challenge to asset managers and financial markets. She advises ETF sponsors to apply new approaches to the content, marketing, and distribution of their products, and to train their sales forces to capably inform customers about all aspects of ETFs. TOPICS:Exchange-traded funds and applications, passive strategies, mutual fund performance

Can Expense Ratios Signal Performance? An Analysis of Equity ETFs & Mutual Funds

This study examines the impact of the emergence of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as an alternative investment vehicle to mutual funds. As the number of ETFs continues to rise, we investigate potential risks and disadvantages posed by ETFs in comparison to traditional mutual funds. ­We compare the returns, performance, and expense ratios of ETFs to those of mutual funds. We find that expense ratios are positively correlated with actively managed mutual fund returns and that passive funds have outperformed active funds since their inception. There is downward pressure on mutual fund fees over time, suggesting increased competition between mutual funds and ETFs. We also find, up to a certain threshold, actively managed funds are worth their costs. KEYWORDS: Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF); Mutual Fund; Investing; Fee Structure; Expense Ratio; Passive (Active) Investing; Portfolio Management; Indexing

The performance of ETFs on developed and emerging markets with consideration of regional diversity

This study evaluates the performance of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) by using various tracking error calculation approaches. The aim of the paper is, on the one hand, an evaluation of the performance of ETFs relative to their benchmarking indexes and, on the other, an endeavour to specify any relationship between this performance and both geographical location and the degree of market development. The research was conducted on the basis of 18 different ETFs issued by iShares, six for each of three regions: both Americas, Asia and Europe. The sole criterion for ETF's selection was the benchmark. All data were collected with daily frequency. They range from January 2013 to December 2019. The results indicate that ETFs do not mimic their corresponding indexes well. Calculated tracking errors do not equal zero and are often significantly negative. Furthermore, the value of tracking errors depends on the region and the degree of market development.

The Performance of Exchange-Traded Funds

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are commonly regarded as an efficient, low-cost alternative to actively managed mutual funds, yet their perceived superiority is largely anecdotal. We evaluate the performance of a comprehensive, survivorship bias-free sample of US equity ETFs following the same approach that has been commonly used to evaluate the performance of actively managed mutual funds. We find that ETFs have collectively lagged the market by an amount that appears similar to the widely documented underperformance of active mutual funds. We perform textual and regression-based analysis to identify factor ETFs and show that most of these have also failed to beat the market. We conclude that, from a pure performance perspective, the allure of ETFs finds little support in the data.

Measuring Performance of Exchange Traded Funds

Fund selection is an important issue for investors. This topic has spawned abundant academic literature. Nonetheless, most of the time, these works concern only active management, whereas many investors, such as institutional investors, prefer to invest in index funds. The tools developed in the case of active management are also not suitable for evaluating the performance of these index funds. This explains why information ratios are usually used to compare the performance of passive funds. However, we show that this measure is not pertinent, especially when the tracking error volatility of the index fund is small. The objective of an exchange traded fund (ETF) is precisely to offer an investment vehicle that presents a very low tracking error compared to its benchmark. In this paper, we propose a performance measure based on the value-at-risk framework, which is perfectly adapted to passive management and ETFs. Depending on three parameters (performance difference, tracking error volatility and liquidity spread), this efficiency measure is easy to compute and may help investors in their fund selection process. We provide some examples, and show how liquidity is more of an issue for institutional investors than retail investors.

ETFS – performance, tracking errors and their determinants in Europe and the USA

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have grown considerably since their first introduction two and a half decades ago, becoming one of the most popular passive investment vehicles among retail and professional investors. However, their tracking ability is often questioned. In this paper we estimate tracking errors from a sample of 15 American and European ETFs utilizing three different methods. We find that American ETFs seem to exhibit lower tracking errors than European ETFs in all measurements of tracking error. We also analyse and discuss the factors that influence tracking error. Fund size and expense ratios are found to be affecting the tracking ability of ETFs. The results of this study concerning the performance and tracking error determinants of ETFs are consistent with the evidence presented in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare American and European ETFs in terms of their tracking ability and their tracking error determinants.