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The Unexpected Activeness of Passive Investors: A World-Wide Analysis of ETFs

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  • Massa, Massimo
  • Cheng, Si
  • Zhang, Hong

Abstract

The global ETF industry provides more complicated investment vehicles than just low-cost index trackers. Instead, we find that the real investments of ETFs deviates from their benchmarks to leverage informational advantages (which leads to a surprising stock-selection ability), and to help affiliated OEFs through cross-trading. These effects are more prevalent in ETFs domiciled in Europe. Market awareness of such additional risk is reflected in ETF outflows. These results have important normative implications for consumer protection and financial stability

Suggested Citation

  • Massa, Massimo & Cheng, Si & Zhang, Hong, 2017. "The Unexpected Activeness of Passive Investors: A World-Wide Analysis of ETFs," CEPR Discussion Papers 11988, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:11988
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Etfs; Subsidization; Banks; Shadow banking; Distress;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G20 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - General

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