Performance of Smart Beta ETFs in US stocks market

Abstract

This project empirically analyses the performance of Smart Beta ETFs through absolute return, relative return and the risk-adjusted return basis over the last decade as well as examine the components of the risk factors exposure in Smart Beta strategy. The samples data that provide in this paper consists of Smart Beta Exchanged Traded Funds (ETFs) in US stocks market. The results show that Smart Beta strategy does not be able to keep up with its persistent performance through time as shown during 2009-2019 period. Moreover, there is no such year that Smart Beta ETFs could generate an abnormal return that statistically significant. The evidence also illustrates that the return of Smart Beta ETFs is not sufficient statistical significance that could beat the market benchmark (S&P 500) in all absolute, relative and risk-adjusted return basis.