Replication methods of ETFs

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This is how ETFs replicate their index: A summary of all replication methods of ETFs. The aim is to replicate the index as accurately and cost-effectively as possible.

Replication methods of ETFs
 
The goal of each ETF is to replicate its index as closely and cost-effectively as possible. At the same time, the ETF investor receives all income from the securities in the underlying index. Therefore you participate in dividends and interest payments with ETFs.
 

How ETFs track their index

Various methods have emerged to replicate the index. The classic method is physical replication. If the ETF directly holds the all securities of the index, this is known as full replication.

However, full replication is not always possible. Thus, further procedures for replicating the index have emerged over time. Especially for very large, illiquid or international market indices, fully replicated ETFs reach their limits. Broad market indices are mostly replicated by computer-assisted optimisation methods that require fewer securities than the original index for replication (sampling).

Synthetic replication allows ETF investors to invest in new markets and investment classes. The ETF does not invest in the underlying markets, but only maps them. The ETF holds a diversified basket of liquid securities. Especially, costs, tax considerations and tracking quality led to the development of this replication method. Synthetic ETFs are able to replicate some indices more efficiently and better through swaps. Asset classes, such as commodities and the money market, were made investable via swap ETFs.

The following table shows the different replication methods in comparison.
 

Replication methods of ETFs in comparison

Physical Physical (Sampling) Synthetical
Replication method Full replication Sampling Swap based
Description The index is replicated 1:1 The ETF holds a selection
of securities
The index replicates the index by using a financial derivative (swap)
Underlyings Equities, Bonds Equities, Bonds Equities, Bonds, Commodities, Money Market (EONIA etc.), Short and Leverage indices
Typical characteristics
of index components
Liquid securities Illiquid securities Liquid and illiquid securities, investment restrictions (trade restrictions, taxation), different time zones
Typical number
of securities in the index
Low High Low to high
Sample indices FTSE 100, Eurostoxx 50,
Dow Jones 30
MSCI World, MSCI Emerging Markets MSCI World, MSCI Emerging Markets, Eurostoxx 50, Commodities indices, Short FTSE 100, Leveraged FTSE 100
 
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