US-based asset manager WisdomTree has expanded its range of thematic exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with a product tracking listed companies in the energy transition metals sector from developed and emerging markets. The WisdomTree Energy Transition Metals and Rare Earths Miners UCITS ETF, which achieves performance by following a proprietary index, will be listed on Börse Xetra, Borsa Italiana, and the London Stock Exchange. The asset manager, which has approximately US$107 billion in assets under management globally, partnered with energy transition consulting firm Wood Mackenzie on stock selection for the index. The index includes companies that meet WisdomTree’s ESG criteria and are involved in the exploration and processing of metals used in energy transition technologies. These include electric vehicles, transmission, charging, energy storage, solar, wind, and hydrogen. The index also includes firms involved in the mining, refining or smelting of metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, iridium, aluminium, zinc, tin, silver and platinum. “The transition to more renewable and sustainable energy sources could be the largest driver of metal demand over the coming decades,” said Chris Gannatti, Global Head of Research at WisdomTree. “With the supply shortages currently being experienced, companies involved in the energy transition metals value chain will need to play an integral role as the race to extract more crucial metals takes centre stage.”
