Desjardins Global Asset Management (DGAM) has launched the Desjardins Developed ex-USA ex-Canada Multifactor-Controlled Volatility ETF (DFD) on the Toronto Stock Exchange, providing access to a portfolio of global stocks excluding Canada and the US which have been weighted to amplify exposure to a selection of equity market risk factors – value, momentum, size and low volatility.
The fund tracks the performance of the Scientific Beta Developed ex-USA ex-Canada Multifactor-Controlled Volatility Index, developed by Scientific Beta, a commercial venture of EDHEC Risk Institute. It has a management fee of 0.60%.
The launch follows quickly on the heels of the firm’s introduction of two ETFs which utilize the same underlying methodology but target US and Canadian equities. These include the Desjardins Canada Multifactor-Controlled Volatility ETF (DFC) which tracks the Scientific Beta Canada Multifactor-Controlled Volatility Index, and the Desjardins USA Multifactor-Controlled Volatility ETF (DFU) which tracks the Scientific Beta USA Multifactor-Controlled Volatility Index.
Each fund has management fees of 0.50%.
“In combination with existing equity ETFs, this logical next step allows our investors to access global developed equity markets through our innovative and value-adding approach,” said Nicolas Richard, chief executive officer of DGAM.
DGAM is still expected to unveil the Desjardins Emerging Markets Multifactor-Controlled Volatility ETF before the end of Q2 2017.