WisdomTree Newsletter 17 Jan 2024
Welcome to the 10th issue of WisdomTree's newsletter, and our first edition for 2024. In this update, we will provide highlights on the latest market news and trends across all major asset classes. Additionally, we will share our latest insights resources, podcasts and company news.
💥Product news
Our flagship equity ETF surpasses $1 billion in AUM: WisdomTree Global Quality Dividend Growth ETF
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for the WisdomTree Global Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF: it has recently surpassed $1 billion in AUM! Discover the advantages of our Global Quality Dividend Growth strategy and understand why we consider the right quality strategy to be an essential element of a well-rounded equity portfolio.
To discover more about our strategy, please visit our dedicated page.
WisdomTree Megatrends UCITS ETF (WMGT) now listed on Borsa Italiana
We are delighted to announce the cross-listing of the WisdomTree Megatrends UCITS ETF (WMGT) on Borsa Italiana.
To learn more about our strategy, please visit our dedicated page.
📝 Latest Insights
Spot Bitcoin ETFs arrive in the US: What does it mean for investors and the crypto market?
After a long journey, the first spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds were approved in the United States of America. This is the latest step on the path to bitcoin, and digital assets more generally, becoming mainstream. To help clarify how this chain of events unfolded, and where the story could go next, this is a summary of a discussion with Ryan Louvar, Chief Legal Officer at WisdomTree, which took place in full on the Crypto Clarified podcast.
Read more here.
Why expertise matters for thematic ETFs
Do passive exchange-traded products provide expert stock selection? Some investors don’t think so. At WisdomTree, we have designed an approach that embeds expert stock selection within passive ETFs. We advocate for this method especially in the realm of thematic investing where it can give investors more thoughtful exposures. This blog discusses why doing so matters.
Read more here.
Five cutting-edge innovations redefining battery technology
Battery technology is at an exciting juncture. Cutting-edge innovation across multiple fronts is opening new frontiers of growth. This blog uncovers five of the latest emerging technologies from the world of batteries: from futuristic flying SUVs to game-changing energy solutions. Explore the innovations shaping the future of transportation and consumer electronics.
Read more here.
📻 Podcasts
Crypto Clarified: US Spot Bitcoin ETF - the iTunes of Bitcoin
In this conversation, Benjamin Dean interviews Ryan Louvar, Chief Legal Officer at WisdomTree, about the recent approval of Bitcoin ETFs in the United States. They discuss the obstacles that had to be overcome, including the need for a regulated spot Bitcoin market. They also touch on the implications of the ETF approval and the potential for broader adoption of digital assets. The conversation highlights the long-term journey of Bitcoin and the diversifier effect it can have in investment portfolios. They conclude by discussing the future outlook for the digital asset industry and the plans of WisdomTree.
The Next Big Thing Megatrends and Thematic Investing in 2023
In this episode, Chris is joined by Mobeen Tahir, Director, Macroeconomic Research and Tactical Solutions here at WisdomTree. Together they discuss the performance and challenges of thematic investing in 2023. They explore the impact of rising interest rates on thematic investments, particularly in the energy transition space. They also delve into the advancements in green technologies, such as solid-state batteries and sustainable aviation fuels. The conversation then shifts to AI, the semiconductor supply chain and cybersecurity.
Crypto Clarified: Why Data Matters with Erin Friez
In this episode, Ben is joined by Erin Friez, Co-Founder and COO, Digital Asset Research. Together they discuss the importance of good data in the crypto space and the challenges of obtaining reliable data. They touch on red flags observed with FTX and Binance and the impact of regulatory issues on market perception. Looking ahead to 2024, they highlight the regulatory landscape and the potential for tokenization to drive market growth.
📈 Market Commentary
COMMODITIES: Temperature outlook points to natural gas price declines
A cold snap in the US drove Henry Hub natural gas prices up 43% in the month to 12th January 2024. That rally took natural gas prices back to October 2023 levels, after sharp drops in price in November 2023. Although parts of the US are still experiencing record-breaking cold weather, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s forecast for the coming 6-10 days (published on 16th January 2024) points to all the lower 48 States having more than a 30% chance of having above-average temperatures (and no regions with a 30% chance of having below-average temperatures). We believe it will be hard for natural gas to hold onto such gains considering this.
COMMODITIES: Increased volatility in aluminium prices
A series of disruptions in the supply chain, particularly in bauxite and alumina production, has led to increased volatility in aluminium prices. Factors such as mining restrictions in key regions of China, concerns about bauxite shipments from Guinea following an explosion, and pollution-related production cuts have tightened the domestic bauxite market. This, along with higher freight costs, has contributed to a moderate increase in import bauxite prices. Additionally, the surge in alumina prices, driven by a shortage of bauxite and environmental cuts in major production regions of Northern China, has further impacted the aluminium market.
All data sourced from Bloomberg, as of 17 January 2023.
Thank you for reading our latest newsletter.
This material is prepared by WisdomTree and its affiliates and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. The opinions expressed are as of the date of production and may change as subsequent conditions vary. The information and opinions contained in this material are derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by WisdomTree, nor any affiliate, nor any of their officers, employees or agents. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.