Etikett: sugar

El Niño: the impact on agricultural commodities

El Niño: the impact on agricultural commodities WisdomTreeEl Niño refers to a climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean that has a global impact on weather patterns. The name, which loosely translates to ‘Christ child’, traces its origin back to Peruvian fisherman in the 1600s, who observed that fish yields would often decline around Christmas time as sea water temperatures rose. The effects of El Niño include specific wind patterns across the Pacific Ocean, heavy rain in South America, and droughts in Australia and parts of Asia including India and Indonesia.

With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasting a 96% probability of an El Niño weather event during the current Northern Hemisphere winter, there is a strong chance that we could see some weather abnormalities in the coming months.

Figure 1. The probability of El Niño occurring this year

Why El Niño matters for agricultural commodity prices

El Niño can have a significant impact on the fortunes of the agricultural industry, as the growing of agricultural products is highly sensitive to weather patterns. The right amount of sun and rain at the right time is important to produce the optimal yield. For example, droughts can ruin a crop because of insufficient water, while floods can wash away plants, or delay the process of harvesting a good crop from the ground, causing it to spoil.

While El Niño can have a considerable effect on agricultural commodity prices, the specific impact on the price of any individual commodity will depend on the El Niño’s amplitude and timing, as well as locational factors such as where the crop is grown and how prepared the farmers are for extreme conditions.

Figure 2. Weather impact of El Niño

Source: NOAA

Analysing the impact on agricultural commodity prices

When assessing likely El Niño effects, the first step is to consider the time of the year that El Niño is likely to begin. In this case, the NOAA believes that the event is likely to arrive in the Northern Hemisphere winter this year, but there is a good chance that it could linger into the Northern Hemisphere summer with a lower intensity. The next step is to assess which part of the crop cycle it will affect. According to research by Iizumi et al., a weather disturbance during the ‘reproductive’ growth period of the crop cycle tends to have the largest impact on crop yields.

Using insights from Iizumi et al. we have assessed the possible near-term impact from an El Niño on crops that are in the reproductive phase of growth. We summarise our key thoughts below:

Bullish on sugar, cocoa, and wheat

Agricultural commodities that we are bullish on in the event of an El Niño include sugar, cocoa, and wheat.

Sugar production is highly concentrated in India and certain regions of Brazil. If El Niño occurs, it’s likely that both countries could see below-average rainfall and drier conditions, and this could drive prices higher.

Indonesia, which produces 10% of global cocoa supply, could also be directly affected by an El Niño, and dry warm weather in Indonesia could potentially drive cocoa prices higher.

Australia, which produces 4% of global wheat supply, is another country that could face dry weather if El Niño emerges. This could have a positive impact on wheat prices, although much of the wheat harvest is expected to be completed by mid-January, which should limit the impact of an El Niño.

Bearish on soybean, corn and Arabica coffee

In contrast, we are bearish on soybean, corn, and Arabica coffee.

Brazil and Argentina, who together are responsible for almost half of the world’s soybean supply, are likely to experience favourable growing conditions in the event of an El Niño. As such, an El Niño could prove to be price negative for soybean prices.

Figure 3. The effect of El Niño on soybean growing during the December to March reproductive growth phase

Source: Adapted by WisdomTree from “Impacts of Southern Oscillation on the global yields of major crops” by Iizumi et al, May 2014

Forecasts are not an indicator of future performance and any investments are subject to risks and uncertainties.

The effects of El Niño on corn are less significant, but could be mildly positive for growing conditions in South America and parts of Australia, and hence slightly price bearish.

Arabica coffee production is highly concentrated in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Central America. These countries could experience favourable growing conditions, and given that most of the coffee in these regions will be in a reproductive growth phase in the months ahead, we could see a positive supply shock to the commodity, which would be bearish for prices.

Other factors

We caution that the analysis above is based on the pure effect of an El Niño event and does not consider the many other factors that can impact crop yields. We’ll also point out that agricultural commodity prices can be affected by a number of other developments such as exchange-rate movements and trade policies. However, the analysis is useful as a rough guide as to how commodity prices could potentially be affected if we do experience an El Niño event in the near term.

DISCLAIMER

The content on this document is issued by WisdomTree UK Ltd (“WTUK”), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”). Our Conflicts of Interest Policy and Inventory are available on request.

Contrarians appear to sell US Dollar and buy sugar

Contrarians appear to sell US Dollar and buy sugar

ETF Securities Weekly Flows Analysis – Contrarians appear to sell US Dollar and buy sugar

Highlights

  • US$6.7mn inflows into short USD long EUR ETPs as investors place contrarian trades.
  • Gold outflows resumed after two weeks of inflow.
  • Falling sugar prices draw out potential bargain-hunters.

Download the complete report (.pdf)

US$6.7mn inflows into short USD long EUR ETPs as investors place contrarian trades. In a week where US 10-year Treasury yield temporarily rose above 3% for the first time since 2014, which unleashed pent-up US Dollar strength, ETP investors appeared to take on a contrarian trade. The US Dollar basket rose 1.4% with particular strength against the Euro (1.6%). The Euro depreciated the most on Thursday following acknowledgment from the European Central Bank (ECB) that economic data has been weak in the recent past and that economic developments will need to be closely watched during Q2. While Mario Draghi, the ECB’s President, offered balance in comments highlighting that weakness could be due to temporary factors and come in the shadow of a strong spurt of growth at the end of 2017, the overall tone was judged by the market to be dovish. ETP investors however, appear positioned the Euro to reverse the depreciation seen last week.

Gold outflows resumed after two weeks of inflows. Rising Treasury yields and an appreciating US Dollar drove gold prices 1.1% lower and led to US$23.1 outflows from gold ETPs. That brings a break to several weeks of inflows, when gold had seen support from rising geopolitical risk. A historic summit between North Korea and South Korea last week led to an accord to completely “cease all hostile acts against each other” and work on denuclearising the Korean peninsula. That has taken some of the geopolitical premium off gold.

Falling sugar prices draw out potential bargain-hunters. Last week’s inflows of US$8.9mn into long sugar ETPs were the largest since January 2015. Sugar prices have tumbled 23% since the beginning of the year with global sugar markets amply supplied. With the EU having lifted its export quotas on sugar last year and plenty of supply coming from the major raw cane sugar producers like Brazil and India, sugar has come under pressure. However, as we switch over to the 2018/19 season, some speculate that more cane will be diverted to ethanol production in Brazil, amid higher oil prices (ethanol is alternative fuel in Brazil, with most cars able to consume either gasoline or ethanol). That could leave less cane available for sugar and potentially higher prices.

Outflows from platinum and palladium ETPs follow weak car sales. Platinum ETPs had outflows of US$7.1mn while palladium ETPs had outflows of US$10.6mn. Both metals are used in autocatalysts and so are sensitive to auto sales. European passenger car sales declined 5.3% y-o-y in March 2018 (marking the first fall in March since 2014) and commercial vehicles fell 2.5% y-o-y in March 2018.

Important Information

General

This communication has been issued and approved for the purpose of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (“ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”).

The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information.

This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change.

Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents. ETFS UK is required by the FCA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction. No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit. Telephone calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes.

Coffee offers upside potential in a depressed soft commodity market

Coffee offers upside potential in a depressed soft commodity market

ETF Securities Commodity Research – Coffee offers upside potential in a depressed soft commodity market

Summary

  • Soft commodities are skirting close to their decade-lows set in 2015
  • Apart from Arabica coffee, softs are likely to remain in the doldrums
  • Cane sugar production is high and competition from EU beet sugar will intensify
  • In the absence of a meaningful weather disruption, cocoa production will remain strong

Arabica coffee

Brazil – which accounts for about 45% of global Arabica coffee output – has just completed its 2017/18 harvest. While output was always expected to be lower than last year due to the biennial cycles present in the country, production fell significantly short due to poor weather. Output is likely to be more than 20% below 2016/17 for Brazil (-9 million 60kg bags). Hopes for a rebound in the 2018/19 coffee crop in Brazil have become dimmer as a lack of rain has hampered the flowering of coffee bushes. Although rain has now commenced, it is late and development of new nodes on coffee bushes are likely to remain inadequate.

Mexico and Central America (20% of global production) have commenced their 2017/18 harvest. So far the output from the region looks strong and we could see a 1 million bag increase in production (6%). Production in Mexico Honduras and Nicaragua seems to have improved after years of coffee leaf rust problems, although El Salvador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica are still suffering from this fungus which reduces coffee yields.

Colombia (15% of global production) is likely remain close to last year’s levels which was at a decade high. There has been 30% growth in Colombian production over the past 10 years.

Despite strong production elsewhere, a decline in Brazilian output and weakening prospects for the country this year could act as a catalyst for prices. While in previous years, Brazil has been able to sell abundant stocks from prior years during poor harvests, its stocks have fallen significantly and supply tightness will likely be felt this year.

Brazil: September 2017 rainfall (departure from average 1961-1990 levels)

Sugar

We are likely to end two years of supply deficits this year. Brazil, the largest producer of cane (22% of global production) has seen close to 6% year on year growth in sugar production in the season so far. It’s not that more sugar cane has been cultivated this year, but that more cane has been diverted to sugar production instead of ethanol production. With oil prices trading below US$60/bbl we are unlikely to see a pickup in ethanol production (ethanol is an alternative car fuel in Brazil).

India, the second largest producer of cane sugar (15%) has received heavy rainfall in recent weeks, helping to fill its reservoirs. Although the monsoon rains appeared to have slowed prematurely several weeks ago, rain came back vigorously, leaving the season’s rainfall close to normal levels. Both the area of planting and sugar yield are expected to rise increasing production by more than 15%.

Thailand, has also experienced a good monsoon season which will help it raise its cane sugar production by over 10%.

The European Union is a producer of beet sugar rather than cane sugar. However, the abolition of production and export quotas from the EU this month will mean that there will be more beet sugar available to compete with cane sugar. The EU projects that by 2026 EU sugar production will rise by 6% over 2016 levels. That appears to be an overly conservative estimate. The USDA’s EU office projects EU sugar production to rise 20% in 2017/18 alone, surpassing the 2014/15 high, while exports will rise by a third.

Under such strong supply growth, we don’t see sugar prices making a recovery.

Cocoa

The 2016/17 cocoa year has just completed with an 18% growth in production over the previous year. Milder Harmattan winds this year have significantly reduced crop damage in Africa (where 70% of the world’s cocoa comes from). Stocks have risen 26% over the year, increasing the stocks to grinding ratio from 34% in 2015/16 to 42% in 2016/17.

The main crop harvests commence this month in the largest producing countries (Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana). Weather conditions have so far been perfect indicating we are likely to see another surplus year in 2017/18.
On the demand side, grinding data has been stagnant. Despite weak prices, confectionary companies don’t appear to have reversed the thrifting of cocoa they pursued in previous years when prices were higher.

La Niña risks

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has increased its probability of a La Niña weather pattern emerging this northern hemisphere winter to 55-60%. However, if the event occurs it is unlikely to change our view of price direction considerably. The weather pattern is likely to be weak if it emerges at all. If anything we expect that dryness in Brazil will continue to hamper the flowering and budding process for coffee (which will continue to be price positive).Dryness in Brazil could promote the gains in sucrose content of cane if accompanied by more sunlight, raising the yield for Brazilian sugar (remaining price negative).

Coolness in West Africa could reduce heat damage, helping to sustain high yields (price negative). But we caution that previous La Ninas have not consistently been production-positive for the crop. According to the International Cocoa Organisation, while El Niños have a statistically significant positive effect on output, La Niña’s positive effects on output fail to be statistically significant.

For more information contact:

Catarina Donat Marques
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 20 7448 4386
E catarina.donatmarques@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

This communication has been issued and approved for the purpose of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (“ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”).

The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change. Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents.

ETFS UK is required by the FCA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction. No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

 

 

Defensives gain as ”Trumpflation” fades

Defensives gain as ”Trumpflation” fades

Commodity Monthly Monitor Defensives gain as ”Trumpflation” fades Your reference guide to commodity markets. Includes the latest outlook for each commodity sector and major developments for individual commodities.

Summary

•    Agricultural prices under pressure from rising global output.

•    Industrial metals saw their prices plummet as “Trumpflation” is fading away.

•    Crude oil gains as market remains optimistic on an OPEC deal extension.

•    The rise of geopolitical risks after US air strikes against Syria boost precious metals.

Globally, economic growth is becoming more broad-based, although growth rates remain well below their 40 year average in the developed world. US interest rates are beginning a steady rate hike path. Core inflationary pressures in the rest of the developed world are broadly rising, suggesting other central banks will have to follow the Federal Reserve or risk “falling behind the curve”. We question if interest rate normalisation can occur with so much government debt and such low productivity, and consequently see central banks having to strike a very fine balance between the twin dangers of inflation and recession. Increasing commodity prices have been a primary driver of inflation in recent years. The rise of populism and potential reversal of globalisation could further stoke inflationary pressures, but these trends are contingent on the delivery of political campaign promises, which look increasingly difficult. We see central bankers beginning to adopt a form of dovish monetary policy tightening, preferring to allow inflation to run above target. Sentiment towards commodities has just come off all-time highs, highlighting “peak bullishness”. In a broader context for commodities, given that prices are generally below the marginal cost of production, global growth continues to improve and we are seeing the early signs of supply side destruction, the fundamentals remain intact. It just maybe worth waiting for speculative positioning to cool down a little bit.

  • Agricultural prices under pressure from rising global output. Soft commodities, sugar and cocoa, led the declines in the agricultural sector as favourable growing conditions in South America (for sugar) and Africa (for cocoa) prompted better crop harvest. The trend looks set to continue.
  • Industrial metals saw their prices plummet as “Trumpflation” is fading away. Market participants are acknowledging the divergence between the US President’s promises during his campaign and what he is able to deliver. The Sentix Sentiment on US economy expectations started to fade recently. We however remain positive on the complex in the longer run on robust fundamentals and the enforcement of China environmental policy.
  • Crude oil gains as market remains optimistic on an OPEC deal extension. Following strong compliance by individual member countries toward the deal to cut production, the market is optimistic that the deal will be extended. With poor compliance from non-member countries and surging US production, we are more pessimistic than the market.
  • The rise of geopolitical risks after US air strikes against Syria boost precious metals. Gold and silver rebounded by 5% on average over the past month as investors poured money into safe haven assets. The tensions between the US and Russia, and the US and North Korea should continue to support gold prices in the near term

For followers of our CONTRARIAN MODEL we have the following signals this month.

BUY                              TICKER Soybean                       SOYB , ESOY (EUR Hedged) LSOB (2x) Soybean Oil                 SOYO, LSYO (2x)

SELL Gold                             SBUL, 3AUS (3x short) Silver                           SSIL, SI3S (3x short) Live Cattle                   SLCT

For more information contact:

ETF Securities Research team ETF Securities (UK) Limited T +44 (0) 207 448 4336 E info@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

The analyses in the above tables are purely for information purposes. They do not reflect the performance of any ETF Securities’ products . The futures and roll returns are not necessarily investable.

General

This communication has been provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (“ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”). This communication is only targeted at qualified or professional investors. The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value. This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States. This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change. Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective, officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents. ETFS UK is required by the FCA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction. No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

A tactical play to political uncertainties

A tactical play to political uncertainties

ETF Securities Asset Allocation Research – A tactical play to political uncertainties

Highlights

  • For February, the tactical portfolio is reducing its allocation in US and French equities while overweighting Canada, India, Brazil, Russia and Turkey.
  • After two months underweighting most bonds except US investment grade, the tactical portfolio is taking a neutral position on rising interest rates and inflation expectations.
  • Within commodities, the portfolio tactically underweights nickel and tin, increasing allocation in corn and sugar while remaining neutral on energy and precious metals.

For February, the tactical portfolio is reducing its allocation in US and French equities while overweighting Canada, India, Brazil, Russia and Turkey.

After two months underweighting most bonds except US investment grade, the tactical portfolio is taking a neutral position on rising interest rates and inflation expectations.

Within commodities, the portfolio tactically underweights nickel and tin, increasing allocation in corn and sugar while remaining neutral on energy and precious metals.

Political uncertainties around the world are growing and may last longer than the market expects. While the divorce between the UK and the EU remains full of uncertainties, the German, French and Dutch elections are likely to add further uncertainty. Although we feel many elections pledges are unlikely to become a reality, the US may not be the trade partner the UK is seeking for as, since his inauguration, President Trump has been loosely delivering on what he has promised during his campaign. While market volatility has not picked-up yet, inflation is rising in the US, EU and UK, increasing the risk of central bank policy errors.

February 2017 positioning

Although very close to its lower band, the market volatility index (VIX) still stands between its historical average and its lower band, suggesting a more balanced tactical split between equities and bonds. The portfolio therefore has 45% in equities, 45% in bonds and 10% in commodities while its strategic benchmark holds 55% in equities, 35% in bonds and 10% in commodities.

Within the equity space, the CAPE (Cyclically Adjusted Price to Earning) valuation model suggests reducing allocation in the US and four European countries while overweighting Canada, Brazil, Russia, India and Turkey. European countries to underweight include France but also Italy, Denmark and, due to rising valuations, Sweden replacing the Netherlands this month. The US CAPE ratio is at its highest since December 2014, standing 47% above its 10-years median. For January positioning, the France CAPE ratio was also at its highest since 2007 before declining slightly this month. Among the countries at the other end of the spectrum, Brazil and Russia continue to show the largest differentials between their CAPE ratios and their respective 10-year medians, suggesting that these countries remain largely undervalued and justifying a tactical increase in their weights.

The below table highlights how our tactical positions have changed for the past three months compared to the strategic benchmark and our new positions for February.


(click to enlarge)

For November and December 2016, the bond model suggested to underweight most bond categories with the exception of US investment grade, as inflation expectations and interest rate expectations in the US and the EU were at a turning point. Last month, the model suggested returning to the strategic portfolio weights as both rates were rising in tandem. With the CDS (Credit Default Swap) of each bond hovering around its historical average, the tactical portfolio keeps a neutral position for February as well.

For commodities, the contrarian model is taking a complete shift for grains and softs from underweighting wheat, soybeans, cotton and coffee for January positioning to overweighting corn and sugar for February. While the model suggested underweighting copper, lead and overweighting zinc for January, it now suggests underweighting nickel and tin. The model has been tactically neutral on precious metals for the second consecutive month and shifts from overweight to neutral on energy.

Portfolio performance

The tactical portfolio still has the lowest level of volatility compared to a traditional balanced 60/40 portfolio, and the strategic benchmark, improving the Sharpe ratio by 35% on average to 0.44 compared to 0.37 for the 60/40 and 0.30 for the strategic portfolio.


(click to enlarge)

Whilst underperforming the 60/40 benchmark by 0.2%, the tactical portfolio outperforms its strategic benchmark by 0.6% per year since January 2005.


(click to enlarge)

With the exception of equities, each asset class in the tactical portfolio outperforms its counterpart in the 60/40 and strategic benchmarks. The bond component outperforms by 0.6% on average while the commodity component outperforms by 0.2%, illustrating the efficiency of our fundamental-based models in improving the risk/return profile of their respective asset class as well as the tactical portfolio.

In addition, the tactical portfolio provides higher protection from the downside risk with a maximum drawdown of -27.2% compared to -38.5% for the 60/40 and -39% for the strategic benchmark.

Finally, the portfolio recovers faster to its previous peak (2.42 years versus 3.25 years for both benchmarks).

Portfolio methodologies

Our strategic benchmark follows a long-only strategy with 60 investments across three asset classes: commodities (25), equities (28) and bonds (7). As illustrated below, the initial weights are based on the weighting methodology of:

The Bloomberg Commodity Index for commodities

The MSCI AC World Index for equities

The Barclays bond indices for bonds

(click to enlarge)

The strategic portfolio represents a balanced portfolio with 55%, 35% and 10% allocated in equities, bonds and commodities respectively. Every month, the strategic portfolio rebalances into the weights set by the above benchmarks.

Our tactical portfolio aims to outperform its strategic benchmark by applying fundamental-based models to reflect our expertise in each asset class and our views of the global economy. The tactical portfolio rebalances every month to a new set of weights determined by the models below:

The equity-bond relative trade model sets the weights at the asset class level between equities and bonds while commodities will remain at 10% all the time

The CAPE model sets the weight for equities

The bond model sets the weight for bonds1

The contrarian model sets the weight for commodities

Important Information

General

This communication has been issued and approved for the purpose of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (“ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”).

The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change. Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents.

ETFS UK is required by the FCA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction. No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.