WisdomTree Launches Managed Futures Strategy ETF

WisdomTree is introducing the WisdomTree Managed Futures Strategy Fund (WDTI).

WDTI is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that employs a quantitative, rules-based strategy designed to provide returns that correspond to the performance of the Diversified Trends Indicator. It is listed on the NYSE Arca with an expense ratio of 0.95%.   

According to a press release, the Diversified Trends Indicator or the DTI Index is a long/short rules-based, managed futures strategy developed by Alpha Financial Technologies (AFT) and its founder, Victor Sperandeo. The DTI Index began live calculation in 2004 and incorporates a diversified group of 24 liquid components of exchange-traded commodity and financial futures contracts.   

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The announcement said WDTI seeks to provide:  

  • Diversification through uncorrelated asset mix and a long/short strategy; 
  • Potential to profit from rising and falling markets; 
  • Potential to perform in inflationary and deflationary environments; and 
  • Exposure to commodities which are currently enjoying strong global demand.  

Consultant Relations Under New Leadership at Putnam

Putnam Investments announced the promotions of Robert E. Alan to Head of North America Consultant Relations and Keith E. Thomas to Head of International Consultant Relations.

Alan and Thomas will lead Putnam’s efforts to work with the consultants who advise institutional investors on investment strategy and the selection of managers. Putnam said the appointments are an effort to significantly bolster its global institutional management consultant relations capabilities.  

According to a press release, Alan joined the company in 2006 as a Senior Vice President and Consultant Relations Manager, North America, West Region, and subsequently moved to the Northeast to serve as Consultant Relations Manager North America, East Region. He has more than 17 years of investment industry experience, having earlier worked in consultant relations for Babson Capital Management and Fidelity Management Trust Company and as an internal wholesaler at Fidelity Investments Institutional Services Company. He holds a B.S. degree from Bentley University and will be based in Boston. 

Thomas has more than two decades of experience in the investment industry, the announcement said. He joined Putnam in 2006 as Consultant Relations Manager and subsequently served as Head of European Consultant Relations and International Account Manager. Previously, he was responsible for both consultant and multi-manager relationships at Resolution Asset Management in the United Kingdom. He also held senior institutional business roles at Baring Asset Management, and began his career as a consultant with William M. Mercer Ltd. He is a graduate of Cheshunt Grammar School and will be based in London. 

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