The WisdomTree Megatrends UCITS ETF (WMGT) is the 11th ETF in WisdomTree’s thematic equity UCITS ETF range, the firm said in a statement. WMGT, which aims to track the price and yield performance before fees and expenses of the WisdomTree Global Megatrends Equity Index, has a total expense ratio of 0.50 per cent. WMGT has been listed on Börse Xetra, and will list on the London Stock Exchange on 12 December 2023, the firm added.

The proprietary Index is designed to track the performance of global companies involved in global megatrends including social, technological, environmental or geopolitical shifts defined in the WisdomTree Thematic Classification that meet WisdomTree’s ESG criteria.

The launch of the WisdomTree Megatrends UCITS ETF signals the evolution of WisdomTree’s leading thematic ETF and research platform. Since 2018, WisdomTree has launched multiple expert-driven thematic ETFs and developed world-class research on the construction of single thematic strategies and thematic portfolios, the firm continued.

Leveraging WisdomTree’s thematic research, the WisdomTree Megatrends UCITS ETF is built around three layers of alpha generation – strategic thematic asset allocation, tactical thematic asset allocation, and thematic stock selection.

“Through the strategy, investors are able to gain exposure to the most important and transformative themes, benefit from short-term trends in thematics, maximise diversification between themes and growth potential, while minimising exposure to mega caps through a focus on pure play up-and-coming companies,” Chris Gannatti, global head of research at WisdomTree, said. 

Gresham House
Specialist alternative asset manager has just closed its Guernsey-domiciled sustainable infrastructure fund, The British Sustainable Infrastructure Fund (BSIF) II.

The fund, which is backed by twelve investors – eight local government pension schemes and four family offices – has raised just under £450 million ($566 million), the firm said in a statement. The capital has been allocated to accelerate the deployment of innovative, real asset-based solutions to tackle environmental and social challenges facing the UK.

Portfolio companies supported by the fund include alt-net providers connecting rural communities to gigabit broadband, habitat banks supporting developers to deliver biodiversity net gain, alongside local projects, and vertical farms championing innovative agriculture techniques.

Vertical farming uses LED lighting to enable all-year-round fruit and vegetable production, using up to 95 per cent less water than traditional farming and no pesticides.

“Guernsey’s work in the sustainable finance sector is pioneering and we are pleased to work in a jurisdiction that adheres to similar values as us,” Peter Bachmann, managing director of sustainable infrastructure, said. “We are very pleased to have welcomed eight new limited partners to BSIF II, and believe our focus on impact driving returns will perform well financially whilst capturing the attention of forward-thinking real asset investors. BSIF II is the next step for our platform, which we look forward to continuing to scale with future funds.”

Carey Olsen’s Guernsey corporate team advised on the structuring, establishment and regulation of BSIF II as a registered collective investment scheme in Guernsey. Ocorion provided administration and accounting services to the fund from its Guernsey office. See more about the firm’s investments in forestry, which form the largest part of its business, and vertical farming here.