We assess the quality of opening and closing prices for Nasdaq stocks by examining the effect that opening and closing call auctions (introduced in 2004) have had on price formation. Our use of measurement intervals of one minute or less sharpens the picture of intra-day volatility...

We identify an alternative source of ETF shorting related to the market maker liquidity provision and creation/redemption activities. This “operational shorting” arises due to a regulatory exemption, allowing ETF market makers to satisfy excess demand in secondary markets by selling ETF...

Due to a regulatory exemption, ETF market makers can satisfy excess demand in secondary markets by selling ETF shares that have not yet been created. While this ability to “operationally short” is not unique to ETFs, it plays a more prominent role in ETF liquidity provision, and results in...