Title: The evolution of exchange traded funds (ETF): a bibliometric analysis and future research directions

Authors: A. Nishath Sultana; T.A.M. Hameed Kan

Addresses: MEASI Institute of Management, Chennai, 600014, Tamilnadu, India Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, 600014, Tamilnadu, India ' MEASI Institute of Management, Chennai, 600014, Tamilnadu, India Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, 600014, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract: This bibliometric analysis investigates 218 journal papers on exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from 2004 to 2024, retrieved from SCOPUS. Employing bibliometric tools, we analysed publication trends, citations per paper, and influential works. Results reveal a steady increase in ETF publications, peaking in 2021 with 30 papers. Citation analysis highlights that earlier works are heavily cited, reflecting their foundational impact, while recent publications in 2023 and 2024 show reduced citations, suggesting a saturation of research interest or focus shift in the field. These trends underscore ETFs' evolving research landscape, where foundational studies maintain enduring influence despite shifts in publication activity, demonstrating the field's maturing dynamics and the importance of sustaining impactful, innovative research.

Keywords: ETFs; exchange traded funds; bibliometric analysis; research themes; publication metrics; scholarly trends; financial instruments; investment strategies; citation analysis; academic publications; quantitative research metrics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTGM.2024.145834

International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, 2024 Vol.20 No.3/4, pp.141 - 158

Received: 24 Sep 2024
Accepted: 04 Nov 2024
Published online: 29 Apr 2025 *

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