WisdomTree launches Global High Dividend UCITS ETF

WisdomTree launched the WisdomTree Global High Dividend UCITS ETF (WDIV), which aims to track the WisdomTree Global High Dividend UCITS Index. The fund has a total expense ratio of 0.35% and is listed on Xetra, Borsa Italiana and the SIX Swiss Exchange. It will begin trading on the London Stock Exchange on 2 July 2026.

WDIV uses a dividend-weighted approach rather than market-cap weighting. The index selects companies based on dividend yield and weights holdings according to the dividends they pay, rather than company size.

Eligible companies must meet liquidity, dividend and ESG criteria before being ranked by yield. The index picks the 300 highest-yielding firms and weights them by an adjusted dividend stream. Diversification controls limit concentration across individual stocks, sectors and countries.

A proprietary Composite Risk Score is applied in the selection and weighting process. The score combines quality and momentum metrics to exclude higher-risk companies and potential value traps while favouring firms with stronger fundamentals.

WisdomTree noted that companies that pay sustainable dividends often show stronger free cash flow discipline and a commitment to returning capital to shareholders. The firm also said dividend-paying stocks can provide a source of income and potential capital appreciation for investors.

Pierre Debru, Head of Research, Europe at WisdomTree, commented: “High dividend strategies have long been recognised as an effective way to access both income and value characteristics within equity markets. By combining dividend yield with quality and momentum screens, this strategy seeks to provide investors with a more disciplined approach to high dividend investing, helping avoid some of the risks associated with simply chasing the highest yields.”

WDIV expands WisdomTree’s range of high dividend ETFs in Europe, complementing its existing European, US and emerging markets products. The firm has used fundamentally weighted methodologies in its ETF lineup since its founding.