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.