ETF Sampling and Index Arbitrage
56 Pages Posted: 14 Jan 2020 Last revised: 16 Aug 2023
Date Written: Aug 15, 2023
Abstract
This paper shows that exchange-traded funds (ETFs) "sample" their indexes, systematically underweighting or omitting illiquid index stocks. As a result, arbitrage activity between the ETF and its index has heterogeneous effects on underlying asset markets. Using an instrumental variables approach, we find that the trading activity of ETFs reduces liquidity and price efficiency and increases volatility and co-movement for liquid stocks, but has no effect on illiquid stocks. Our results demonstrate that the effects of passive investing on asset markets depend on how passive funds replicate their target index.
Keywords: exchange-traded funds, passive investment, index, replication strategy, market quality
JEL Classification: G11, G12, G20
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation