The Pricing of Exchange Traded Funds and the Roles of Primary and Secondary Market Participants

Abstract

We study the pricing of exchange traded funds (ETFs) and the associated arbitrage trading of them in the primary and secondary markets. We find a direct relation between primary and secondary market trading that is consistent with market-makers using the primary market to hedge their inventory risk in the secondary market, as well as to facilitate arbitrage. Such trading in both markets keeps ETF prices in line with their net asset value. We conclude that the existence of the primary market enhances secondary market efficiency.