We present a general equilibrium model in which heterogeneous investors choose among bonds, stocks, and an Index Fund holding the market portfolio. We show that, under standard assumptions, an equilibrium exists. We then derive predictions for equilibrium asset prices, investor behavior, and...

This study evaluates whether exchange traded funds (ETFs) threaten fnancial market stability by testing two hypotheses relating the growing importance of ETFs to increased market volatility and rising equity valuations. We estimate quantile cointegration models using Standard & Poor's 500 Index...

In recent years, exchange-traded fund (ETF) markets have grown exponentially due to their rising popularity amongst retail investors with a preference for passive investments. However, the effect of this rising popularity on the performance of ETF markets remains understudied. Therefore, the...

Leveraged ETFs provide a convenient mechanism to dynamically change portfolio exposure and can be successfully used to construct robust portfolios that perform well during equity market drops. We start with a classical 60 percent Bonds/ 40 percent Stocks portfolio with monthly rebalancing that...

ETFs attract a larger proportion of institutional investors than do the underlying markets. The price of an ETF will deviate from the price of the underlying, if institutional investors are less prone to investor sentiment-driven mispricing, than are retail investors. We employ a unique...

Leveraged ETFs provide a convenient mechanism to dynamically change portfolio exposure. A classical portfolio insurance strategy of Black-Jones-Perold can be easily implemented with leveraged ETFs. More complex dynamic portfolio strategies that also can be implemented using leveraged ETFs. We...

We find that hedge funds’ ETF option positions predict cross-sectional differences in the future volatility of underlying ETFs. The predictive power is strongest for straddle positions and non-equity ETFs. A tracking portfolio of straddles based on funds’ straddle positions earns quarterly...

The popularity of passive investing through index mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has grown substantially over recent years, displacing higher-cost active investment styles. A shift towards passive investing could affect securities markets in two key ways. First, it could result in...