Leveraged/Inverse ETFs and Volatility in the Korean Market

Abstract

There have been the concerns that leveraged and inverse ETFs contribute to the financial crisis of 2007～2008. Several researchers have investigated this important issue. However, there is no consensus yet whether leveraged and inverse ETFs destabilize a financial market. Financial stability is an important subject for policy makers, practitioners and academia. ETFs are one of the most important financial innovations. In particular, leveraged and inverse become more and more influential. Therefore, such lack of academic and practical consensus is a significant challenge. In this paper, we analyze whether leveraged and inverse ETFs affect the price and volatility of Korean market. Thus, our research contributes to the body of literature and to the design of public policies and trading strategies. Our research can also advance the development of ETF industry, one of the fastest growing and promising sector in the Korean financial market.