WisdomTree has expanded its range of quality and dividend ETFs with the launch of a UK equities strategy.
The WisdomTree UK Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF (UGRW) is listed on the London Stock Exchange with a total expense ratio (TER) of 0.29%.
UGRW tracks the WisdomTree UK Quality Dividend Growth index tracking “high-quality” dividend-paying companies listed in the UK.
The index targets companies with a “high return on equity, high return on assets and high medium-term earnings growth”.
Companies that do not meet WisdomTree’s ESG criteria will be excluded.
The launch takes the number of ETFs in the asset manager’s regional quality divided range to four, with global, US and eurozone equities also tracked.
The range has grown to over $1.3bn since its launch in 2016.
Earlier this year, WisdomTree and euro and US dollar-hedged share classes to both its WisdomTree Global Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF (GGRA) and its WisdomTree US Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF (DGRA).
Pierre Debru (pictured), head of quantitative research and multi-asset solutions at WisdomTree, said: “High-quality companies are known for their stability and resilience, even amid market volatility and economic downturns.
“These companies tend to have strong balance sheets, low debt levels and robust cash flows. A quality-focused investment can make portfolios more resilient, helping investors build wealth over the long term and weather the inevitable storms along the way.”
Alexis Marinof, head of Europe at WisdomTree, added: “With our quality dividend growth range continuing to grow and attract more interest, the time was right to expand the suite of ETFs and launch a UK-focused approach of our flagship equity strategy for UK investors.”
Last month, the group launched the WisdomTree US Efficient Core UCITS ETF (NTSX), an alternative exposure to the traditional 60/40 portfolio via a basket of US equities and Treasury futures.
