PROSPECTUS
January 1, 2014
as revised June 3, 2014
Income Funds
WisdomTree Trust
WisdomTree Currency Strategy Funds | ||
Brazilian Real Strategy Fund (BZF) | ||
Chinese Yuan Strategy Fund (CYB) | ||
Commodity Currency Strategy Fund (CCX) | ||
Emerging Currency Strategy Fund (CEW) | ||
Indian Rupee Strategy Fund (ICN) | ||
WisdomTree Fixed Income Funds | ||
Asia Local Debt Fund (ALD) | ||
Australia & New Zealand Debt Fund (AUNZ) | ||
Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund (EMCB) | ||
Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund (ELD) | ||
Euro Debt Fund (EU) | ||
Strategic Corporate Bond Fund (CRDT) (formerly, Global Corporate Bond Fund (GLCB)) |
||
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: NYSE Arca, Inc. (except EMCB and CRDT are listed on NASDAQ). |
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC) HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
WisdomTree Trust
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: n ARE NOT FDIC INSURED n MAY LOSE VALUE n ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 1 |
WisdomTree Brazilian Real Strategy Fund
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks to achieve total returns reflective of both money market rates in Brazil available to foreign investors and changes in value of the Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The fees are expressed as a percentage of the Funds average net assets.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||||
Management Fees |
0.45 | % | ||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses |
0.00 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.45 | % |
Example
The following example is intended to help retail investors compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that such investors would incur over various periods if they invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of the shares at the end of those periods. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that retail investors may pay to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
$46 | $144 | $252 | $567 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal year, there was no portfolio turnover rate for the Fund since the Fund invested in short-term securities with maturities less than or equal to 365 days, which are excluded from portfolio turnover calculations.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF) that seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in short-term securities and instruments designed to provide exposure to Brazilian currency and money market rates. Because the market for money market securities in Brazil generally is less liquid and accessible to foreign investors than corresponding markets in more developed economies, the Fund intends to achieve exposure to Brazilian currency markets by investing primarily in short-term U.S. money market securities and forward currency contracts and swaps. The combination of U.S. money market securities with forward currency contracts and currency swaps is designed to provide exposure equivalent to money market securities denominated in Brazilian real. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange one currency for another at a future rate. The Fund also may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases securities or other obligations from a bank or securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell them to a counterparty at an agreed-upon date or upon demand and at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased obligations.
The Fund generally will maintain a weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less with respect to the money market securities in its portfolio. The Fund will not purchase any security with a remaining maturity of more than 397 calendar days. All U.S. money market securities acquired by the Fund will be rated in the upper two short-term ratings by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) or, if unrated, deemed to be of equivalent quality. The Fund does not seek to preserve capital in U.S. dollars.
2 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
The decision to secure exposure directly or indirectly will be a function of, among other things, market accessibility, credit exposure, and tax ramifications for foreign investors. If the Fund pursues direct investment, eligible investments include short-term securities issued by the Brazilian government and its agencies or instrumentalities, bank debt obligations and time deposits, bankers acceptances, commercial paper, short-term corporate debt obligations, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities.
The Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investments whose combined performance is tied economically to Brazil. If, subsequent to an investment, the 80% requirement is no longer met, the Funds future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy. The Trust will provide shareholders with sixty (60) days prior notice of any change to this policy for the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
You can lose money on your investment in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the sections in the Funds Prospectus, titled Additional Principal Risk Information About the Fund and Additional Non-Principal Risk Information.
n | Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Fund could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. |
n | Market Risk. The trading prices of currencies, fixed income securities and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. The Funds NAV and market price may fluctuate significantly in response to these factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time. |
n | Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market, at market prices. The trading prices of the Funds shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Funds daily NAV, and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV (premium) or less than the NAV (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. |
n | Capital Controls Risk. Economic conditions, such as volatile currency exchange rates and interest rates, political events and other conditions may, without prior warning, lead to intervention by the government of Brazil and the imposition of capital controls. Capital controls include the prohibition of, or restrictions on, the ability to transfer currency, securities or other assets. Capital controls may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities or currency, adversely affect the trading market and price for shares of the Fund, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Cash Redemption Risk. The Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. |
n | Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other instrument or a counterparty to a derivative or other contract may cause such issuer or counterparty to default, become unable to pay interest or principal due or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer or counterparty defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments. |
n | Currency Exchange Rate Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in Brazilian real, or in securities that provide exposure to Brazilian real, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated Brazilian real. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of the Brazilian real will affect the value of the Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. |
n | Derivatives Risk. The Fund will invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or inflation rate. The return on a derivative instrument may not correlate with the return of its underlying reference asset. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. In addition to the other risks associated with the use of derivatives |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 3 |
described elsewhere in this Prospectus, there are risks associated with the Funds use of forward currency contracts and futures contracts. With respect to forward currency contracts, these risks include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. With respect to futures contracts, these risks include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. |
n | Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in securities and instruments traded in developing or emerging markets, such as Brazil, or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and instruments or investments in more developed international markets. Such conditions may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund shares, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities, including the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. |
n | Geographic Concentration in Brazil. Because the Fund concentrates in investments providing exposure to Brazil, the Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within Brazil and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. The Brazilian economy is sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices and commodity markets. Additionally, the Brazilian economy generally has experienced and may continue to experience high inflation rates. While the Brazilian economy has experienced growth in recent years, there is no guarantee that this growth will continue. The Brazilian government currently imposes significant taxes on the transfer of currency. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Funds performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund. |
n | Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates and other factors, such as perception of an issuers creditworthiness. |
n | Issuer-Specific Risk. Issuer-specific events, including changes in the financial condition of an issuer, can have a negative impact on the value of the Fund. |
n | Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing in those few issuers, and may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. |
n | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will be successful or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
n | Offshore Investor Risk. The opportunity for offshore investors, such as the Fund, to access Brazilian markets can be limited due to a variety of factors including currency convertibility issues. These limitations and restrictions may adversely affect the availability, liquidity and pricing of securities in which the Fund seeks to invest. As a result, returns achieved by offshore investors, such as the Fund, could differ from those available to domestic investors in Brazil. |
n | Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term. |
n | Sovereign Debt Risk. Bonds issued by governments, sometimes referred to as sovereign debt, present risks not associated with investments in other types of bonds. The government or agency issuing the debt may be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal owed. In such instance, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuing government or agency. In the past, governments of emerging market countries have refused to honor their payment obligations on issued bonds. |
4 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Fund Performance
Historical Fund performance, which varies over time, can provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart that follows shows the annual total returns of the Fund for each full calendar year since the Fund commenced operations. The table that follows the bar chart shows the Funds average annual total returns, both before and after taxes. The table also shows how the Funds performance compares to the JP Morgan Emerging Local Markets Index Plus Brazil, a relevant broad-based securities index. Index returns do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
The Funds year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2013 was (4.54)%.
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
Return | Quarter/Year | |||||||
Highest Return |
20.20 | % | 2Q/2009 | |||||
Lowest Return |
(14.50 | )% | 3Q/2011 |
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ending December 31, 2012
WisdomTree Brazilian Real Strategy Fund | 1 Year | Since
Inception (5-14-2008) |
||||||
Return Before Taxes Based on NAV |
(2.92 | )% | 3.04 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
(2.92 | )% | 1.06 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
(1.90 | )% | 1.93 | % | ||||
JP Morgan Emerging Local Markets Index Plus Brazil (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
(2.11 | )% | 4.44 | % |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Mellon Capital Management Corporation serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
David C. Kwan, CFA, a Managing Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Zandra Zelaya, CFA, a Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. This means that shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc., and trade at market prices. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through brokers. Because Fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 5 |
The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of shares (Creation Units), which only certain institutions or large investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. Currently, Creation Units generally consist of 200,000 shares, though this may change from time to time. Creation Units are not expected to consist of less than 50,000 shares. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of money market securities closely approximating the holdings of the Fund or a designated basket of non-U.S. currency and/or an amount of U.S. cash.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an Intermediary), WisdomTree Asset Management or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediarys website for more information.
6 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
WisdomTree Chinese Yuan Strategy Fund
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks to achieve total returns reflective of both money market rates in China available to foreign investors and changes in value of the Chinese yuan relative to the U.S. dollar.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The fees are expressed as a percentage of the Funds average net assets.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||||
Management Fees |
0.45 | % | ||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses |
0.00 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.45 | % |
Example
The following example is intended to help retail investors compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that such investors would incur over various periods if they invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of the shares at the end of those periods. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that retail investors may pay to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
$46 | $144 | $252 | $567 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal year, there was no portfolio turnover rate for the Fund since the Fund invested in short-term securities with maturities less than or equal to 365 days, which are excluded from portfolio turnover calculations.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF) that seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in short-term securities and instruments designed to provide exposure to Chinese currency and money market rates. Because the market for money market securities in China generally is less liquid and accessible to foreign investors than corresponding markets in more developed economies, the Fund intends to achieve exposure to currency markets in China using a variety of investments and investment techniques. For example, the Fund will invest in short-term U.S. money market securities and forward currency contracts and currency swaps that settle in U.S. dollars. The combination of U.S. money market securities and forward currency contracts and swaps is designed to provide exposure equivalent to money market securities denominated in Chinese yuan. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange one currency for another at a future rate. The Fund also will invest in money market securities and other instruments, including forward currency contracts and swaps, denominated in Chinese yuan that trade and settle in Hong Kong and other markets outside of mainland China. The market for these yuan-denominated instruments is sometimes referred to as the CNH market. Eligible yuan-denominated investments include time deposits of commercial banks, short-term corporate debt, short-term debt issued by the government of China (including its agencies and instrumentalities), as well as short-term debt issued by supranational organizations (such as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development). The Fund also may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases securities or other obligations from a bank or securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell them to a counterparty at an agreed-upon date or upon demand and at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased obligations.
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 7 |
The Fund generally will maintain a weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less with respect to the money market securities in its portfolio. Forward currency contracts and swaps generally will be kept to an average term of six months or less.
The Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investments whose combined performance is economically tied to China. If subsequent to an investment, the 80% requirement is no longer met, the Funds future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy. The Trust will provide shareholders with sixty (60) days prior notice of any change to this policy for the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
You can lose money on your investment in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the sections in the Funds Prospectus, titled Additional Principal Risk Information About the Fund and Additional Non-Principal Risk Information.
n | Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Fund could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. |
n | Market Risk. The trading prices of currencies, fixed income securities and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. The Funds NAV and market price may fluctuate significantly within a wide range in response to these factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time. |
n | Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of the Funds shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Funds daily NAV, and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV (premium) or less than the NAV (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. |
n | Capital Controls Risk. Economic conditions, such as volatile currency exchange rates and interest rates, political events and other conditions may, without prior warning, lead to foreign government intervention and the imposition of capital controls. Capital controls include the prohibition of, or restrictions on, the ability to transfer currency, securities or other assets. Capital controls may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities or currency, adversely affect the trading market and price for shares of the Fund, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Cash Redemption Risk. The Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. |
n | Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other instrument or a counterparty to a derivative or other contract may cause such issuer or counterparty to default, become unable to pay interest or principal due or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer or counterparty defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments. |
n | CNH Market Risk. While the CNH market is expected to continue to grow, it is relatively new and may not be as liquid as more established markets. In light of this, the Fund intends to manage its exposure to the CNH market in a prudent manner consistent with its investment objective. |
n | Currency Exchange Rate Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in Chinese yuan, or in securities that provide exposure to Chinese yuan, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in Chinese yuan. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of the Chinese yuan will affect the value of the Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. |
n | Derivatives Risk. The Fund will invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or inflation rate. The return on a derivative instrument may not correlate with the return of its underlying reference asset. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. In addition to the other risks associated with the use of derivatives |
8 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
described elsewhere in this Prospectus, there are risks associated with the Funds use of forward currency contracts and futures contracts. With respect to forward currency contracts, these risks include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. With respect to futures contracts, these risks include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. |
n | Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in securities and instruments traded in developing or emerging markets, or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and instruments or investments in more developed international markets. Such conditions may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund shares, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities, including the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. |
n | Geographic Concentration in China. Because the Fund concentrates in investments providing exposure to China, the Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within China and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. The government of China maintains strict currency controls in order to achieve economic, trade and political objectives and regularly intervenes in the currency market. The Chinese government places strict regulation on the yuan and manages the yuan so that it has historically traded in a tight range relative to the U.S. dollar. The Chinese government has been under pressure to manage the currency in a less restrictive fashion so that it is less correlated to the U.S. dollar. It is expected that such action would increase the value of the yuan relative to the U.S. dollar. Of course, there can be no guarantee that this will occur, or that the yuan will move in relation to the U.S. dollar as expected. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Funds performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund. |
n | Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates and other factors, such as perception of an issuers creditworthiness. |
n | Issuer-Specific Risk. Issuer-specific events, including changes in the financial condition of an issuer, can have a negative impact on the value of the Fund. |
n | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will be successful or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
n | Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing in those few issuers, and may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. |
n | Offshore Investor Risk. In addition to the general risks associated with investing in non-U.S. currencies and non-U.S. currency markets, there are special risks associated with investing in Chinese yuan or securities designed to provide exposure to Chinese yuan. The government of China maintains strict currency controls in support of economic, trade and political objectives and regularly intervenes in the currency market. The governments actions may not be transparent or predictable. As a result, the value of the yuan, and the value of securities designed to provide exposure to the yuan, can change quickly and arbitrarily. Furthermore, it is difficult for offshore investors to directly access money market securities in China because of investment and trading restrictions. These limitations and restrictions may impact the availability, liquidity, and pricing of securities designed to provide offshore investors with exposure to Chinese markets. As a result, returns achieved by offshore investors, such as the Fund, could differ from those available to domestic investors in China. |
n | Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term. |
n | Sovereign Debt Risk. Bonds issued by governments, sometimes referred to as sovereign debt, present risks not associated with investments in other types of bonds. The government or agency issuing the debt may be unable or |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 9 |
unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal owed. In such instance, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuing government or agency. In the past, governments of emerging market countries have refused to honor their payment obligations on issued bonds. |
Fund Performance
Historical Fund performance, which varies over time, can provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart that follows shows the annual total returns of the Fund for each full calendar year since the Fund commenced operations. The table that follows the bar chart shows the Funds average annual total returns, both before and after taxes. The table also shows how the Funds performance compares to the JP Morgan Emerging Local Markets Index Plus China, a relevant broad-based securities index. Index returns do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
The Funds year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2013 was 2.86%.
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
Return | Quarter/Year | |||||||
Highest Return |
1.75 | % | 4Q/2011 | |||||
Lowest Return |
(0.67 | )% | 2Q/2012 |
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ending December 31, 2012
WisdomTree Chinese Yuan Strategy Fund | 1 Year | Since
Inception (5-14-2008) |
||||||
Return Before Taxes Based on NAV |
2.22 | % | 1.77 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
2.10 | % | 1.48 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
1.60 | % | 1.39 | % | ||||
JP Morgan Emerging Local Markets Index Plus China (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
2.38 | % | 2.98 | % |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Mellon Capital Management Corporation serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
David C. Kwan, CFA, a Managing Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Zandra Zelaya, CFA, a Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
10 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. This means that shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc., and trade at market prices. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through brokers. Because Fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of shares (Creation Units), which only certain institutions or large investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. Currently, Creation Units generally consist of 200,000 shares, though this may change from time to time. Creation Units are not expected to consist of less than 50,000 shares. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of money market securities closely approximating the holdings of the Fund or a designated basket of non-U.S. currency and/or an amount of U.S. cash.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an Intermediary), WisdomTree Asset Management or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediarys website for more information.
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 11 |
WisdomTree Commodity Currency Strategy Fund
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks to achieve total returns reflective of money market rates in selected commodity-producing countries and changes in value of such countries currencies relative to the U.S. dollar.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The fees are expressed as a percentage of the Funds average net assets.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||||
Management Fees |
0.55 | % | ||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses |
0.00 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.55 | % |
Example
The following example is intended to help retail investors compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that such investors would incur over various periods if they invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of the shares at the end of those periods. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that retail investors may pay to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
$56 | $176 | $307 | $689 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal year, there was no portfolio turnover rate for the Fund since the Fund invested in short-term securities with maturities less than or equal to 365 days, which are excluded from portfolio turnover calculations.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund is designed to provide exposure to both the currencies and money market rates available to foreign investors in selected commodity-producing countries. The term commodity currency generally is used to describe the currency of a country whose economic success is commonly identified with the production and export of commodities (such as precious metals, oil, agricultural products or other raw materials) and whose value is closely linked to the value of such commodities. As the demand for, or price of, such commodities increases, money tends to flow into the country. This generally lifts the countrys economic prospects and supports the value of its currency. Conversely, declines in the demand for, or value of, such commodities historically have contributed to declines in the relative value of these countries currencies.
The Fund intends to invest in commodity-producing countries, such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Russia and South Africa. This list may change based on market developments. In addition to seeking broad exposure across countries and currencies, the Fund intends to seek exposure across currencies correlated to each of the key commodity groups: industrial metals, precious metals, energy, agriculture and livestock. The Fund generally will invest only in currencies that float relative to other currencies. The value of a floating currency is largely determined by supply and demand and prevailing market rates. In contrast, the value of a fixed currency generally is set by a government or central bank at an official exchange rate. The Fund generally does not intend to invest in the currencies of notable commodity producers, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, since they are fixed or otherwise closely linked to the U.S. dollar. The Fund will only invest in currencies that it deems to be sufficiently liquid and accessible.
12 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF) that seeks to achieve exposure to money market rates of selected commodity-producing countries by investing primarily in short-term U.S. money market securities, forward currency contracts, currency swaps and interest rate swaps. The combination of money market securities with forward currency contracts and interest rate and currency swaps is designed to provide exposure equivalent to money market securities denominated in a non-U.S. currency. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. An interest rate swap involves the exchange of a floating interest rate payment for a fixed interest payment. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange one currency for another at a future rate. The Fund also may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases securities or other obligations from a bank or securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell them to a counterparty at an agreed-upon date or upon demand and at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased obligations.
The Fund generally expects to maintain an average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less. The average portfolio maturity of the Fund is the average of all the current maturities of the individual securities in the Funds portfolio. Average portfolio maturity is important to investors as an indication of the Funds sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Funds with longer portfolio maturities generally are subject to greater interest rate risk. All money market securities acquired by the Fund will be rated in the upper two short-term ratings by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) or, if unrated, deemed to be of equivalent quality.
The Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investments whose combined performance is tied economically to selected commodity-producing countries. If, subsequent to an investment, the 80% requirement is no longer met, the Funds future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy. The Trust will provide shareholders with sixty (60) days prior notice of any change to this policy for the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
You can lose money on your investment in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objectives. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the sections in the Funds Prospectus, titled Additional Principal Risk Information About the Fund and Additional Non-Principal Risk Information.
n | Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Fund could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. |
n | Market Risk. The trading prices of currencies, fixed income securities and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. The Funds NAV and market price may fluctuate significantly in response to these factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time. |
n | Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of the Funds shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Funds daily NAV, and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV (premium) or less than the NAV (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. |
n | Cash Redemption Risk. The Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. |
n | Commodity Country Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments designed to provide exposure to both the currencies and money market rates available to foreign investors in selected commodity-producing countries. Commodity-producing countries are vulnerable to the volatility in the demand for commodities. Declines in demand for commodities produced by a particular country may occur quickly and without warning and may negatively impact the value of the Fund and your investment. |
n | Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other instrument or a counterparty to a derivative or other contract may cause such issuer or counterparty to default, become unable to pay interest or principal due or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer or counterparty defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments. |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 13 |
n | Currency Exchange Rate Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or in securities that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in such currencies. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of non-U.S. currencies will affect the value of the Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. |
n | Derivatives Risk. The Fund will invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or inflation rate. The return on a derivative instrument may not correlate with the return of its underlying reference asset. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. In addition to the other risks associated with the use of derivatives described elsewhere in this Prospectus, there are risks associated with the Funds use of forward currency contracts and futures contracts. With respect to forward currency contracts, these risks include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. With respect to futures contracts, these risks include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. |
n | Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in securities and instruments traded in developing or emerging markets, or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and instruments or investments in more developed international markets. For example, developing or emerging market governments may, without prior warning, impose capital controls on the ability to transfer currency, securities or other assets. The Funds ability to access certain developing or emerging markets also may be limited due to a variety of factors, including currency convertibility issues. Such conditions may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities or currency, cause the Funds returns to differ from those available to domestic investors, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund shares, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities, including the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. |
n | Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates and other factors, such as perception of an issuers creditworthiness. |
n | Issuer-Specific Risk. Issuer-specific events, including changes in the financial condition of an issuer, can have a negative impact on the value of the Fund. |
n | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will be successful or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
n | Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing in those few issuers, and may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. |
n | Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term. |
14 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Fund Performance
Historical Fund performance, which varies over time, can provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart that follows shows the annual total returns of the Fund for each full calendar year since the Fund commenced operations. The table that follows the bar chart shows the Funds average annual total returns, both before and after taxes. The table also shows how the Funds performance compares to the Barclays Capital Commodity Producers Currency Index (CPCI-6), a relevant broad-based securities index. Index returns do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
The Funds year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2013 was (4.52)%.
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
Return | Quarter/Year | |||||||
Highest Return |
5.36 | % | 1Q/2012 | |||||
Lowest Return |
(10.26 | )% | 3Q/2011 |
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ending December 31, 2012
WisdomTree Commodity Currency Strategy Fund | 1 Year | Since
Inception (9-24-2010) |
||||||
Return Before Taxes Based on NAV |
5.56 | % | 3.14 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
5.56 | % | 0.92 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
3.61 | % | 1.81 | % | ||||
Barclays Commodity Producers Currency Index (CPCI-6) (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
3.86 | % | 2.02 | % |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Mellon Capital Management Corporation serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
David C. Kwan, CFA, a Managing Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since September 2010.
Zandra Zelaya, CFA, a Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since September 2010.
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 15 |
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. This means that shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc., and trade at market prices. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through brokers. Because Fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of shares (Creation Units), which only certain institutions or large investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. Currently, Creation Units generally consist of 100,000 shares, though this may change from time to time. Creation Units are not expected to consist of less than 50,000 shares. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of money market securities closely approximating the holdings of the Fund or a designated basket of non-U.S. currency and/or an amount of U.S. cash.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an Intermediary), WisdomTree Asset Management or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediarys website for more information.
16 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks to achieve total returns reflective of both money market rates in selected emerging market countries available to foreign investors and changes to the value of these currencies relative to the U.S. dollar.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The fees are expressed as a percentage of the Funds average net assets.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||||
Management Fees |
0.55 | % | ||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses |
0.00 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.55 | % |
Example
The following example is intended to help retail investors compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that such investors would incur over various periods if they invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of the shares at the end of those periods. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that retail investors may pay to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
$56 | $176 | $307 | $689 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal year, there was no portfolio turnover rate for the Fund since the Fund invested in short-term securities with maturities less than or equal to 365 days, which are excluded from portfolio turnover calculations.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF) that seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in short-term securities and instruments designed to provide exposure to the currencies and money market rates of selected emerging market countries.
The Fund seeks to provide exposure to currencies and money market rates from emerging and developing economies in three regions of the world: (i) Asia, (ii) Latin America and (iii) Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Within these regions, the Fund intends to invest in a subset of the following markets: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey. This list may change based on market developments. The Fund attempts to achieve exposure to the most liquid currencies within each of the three broad regions, while at the same time maintaining geographic and economic diversity across these regions. The specific set of currencies is selected on the annual assessment date each year (typically in August). The selected currencies are equally weighted in terms of U.S. dollar value. The Fund is rebalanced quarterly in order to maintain this equal weighting. In order to maintain geographic diversity, the Funds exposure to each of the three broad geographic regions is limited to 55% of its total asset value on the annual assessment date and at each quarterly rebalancing. More frequent rebalancing may occur in response to significant market events. A significant event might include, for example, market conditions that significantly disrupt liquidity or result in the reclassification of a currency (from emerging to developed, for example). Currencies that generally would be considered liquid may be ineligible for investment or dropped from the Fund as a result of government action or other market events if the Funds adviser believes doing so would be in the best interest of the Fund.
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 17 |
Because the market for money market securities in the selected emerging markets generally is less liquid and accessible to foreign investors than corresponding markets in more developed countries, the Fund intends to achieve exposure to these markets by investing primarily in short-term U.S. money market securities and forward currency contracts and swaps of the constituent currencies. The combination of U.S. money market securities with forward currency contracts and currency swaps is designed to provide exposure equivalent to money market securities denominated in currencies of the selected markets in which the Fund invests. In aggregate, the Funds investments should create exposure that is economically similar to a basket of money market securities denominated in each of the selected currencies. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange one currency for another at a future rate. The Fund also may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases securities or other obligations from a bank or securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell them to a counterparty at an agreed-upon date or upon demand and at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased obligations.
The Fund generally will maintain a weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less with respect to the money market securities in its portfolio. The Fund will not purchase any security with a remaining maturity of more than 397 calendar days. All U.S. money market securities acquired by the Fund will be rated in the upper two short-term ratings by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) or, if unrated, deemed to be of equivalent quality. The Fund does not seek to preserve capital in U.S. dollars.
The decision to secure exposure directly or indirectly will be a function of, among other things, market accessibility, credit exposure, and tax ramifications for foreign investors. If the Fund pursues direct investment, eligible investments include short-term securities issued by emerging market governments and their agencies or instrumentalities, bank debt obligations and time deposits, bankers acceptances, commercial paper, short-term corporate debt obligations, mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities.
The Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investments whose combined performance is tied economically to selected emerging market countries. If, subsequent to an investment, the 80% requirement is no longer met, the Funds future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy. The Trust will provide shareholders with sixty (60) days prior notice of any change to this policy for the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
You can lose money on your investment in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the sections in the Funds Prospectus, titled Additional Principal Risk Information About the Fund and Additional Non-Principal Risk Information.
n | Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Fund could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. |
n | Market Risk. The trading prices of currencies, fixed income securities and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. The Funds NAV and market price may fluctuate significantly in response to these factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time. |
n | Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of the Funds shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Funds daily NAV, and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV (premium) or less than the NAV (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. |
n | Cash Redemption Risk. The Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. |
n | Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other instrument or a counterparty to a derivative or other contract may cause such issuer or counterparty to default, become unable to pay interest or principal due or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer or counterparty defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments. |
18 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
n | Currency Exchange Rate Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or in securities that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in such currencies. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of non-U.S. currencies will affect the value of the Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. |
n | Derivatives Risk. The Fund will invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or inflation rate. The return on a derivative instrument may not correlate with the return of its underlying reference asset. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. In addition to the other risks associated with the use of derivatives described elsewhere in this Prospectus, there are risks associated with the Funds use of forward currency contracts and futures contracts. With respect to forward currency contracts, these risks include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. With respect to futures contracts, these risks include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. |
n | Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in securities and instruments traded in developing or emerging markets, or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and instruments or investments in more developed international markets. For example, developing or emerging market governments may, without prior warning, impose capital controls on the ability to transfer currency, securities or other assets. The Funds ability to access certain developing or emerging markets also may be limited due to a variety of factors, including currency convertibility issues. Such conditions may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities or currency, cause the Funds returns to differ from those available to domestic investors, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund shares, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities, including the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. |
n | Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates and other factors, such as perception of an issuers creditworthiness. |
n | Issuer-Specific Risk. Issuer-specific events, including changes in the financial condition of an issuer, can have a negative impact on the value of the Fund. |
n | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will be successful or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
n | Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing in those few issuers, and may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. |
n | Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term. |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 19 |
Fund Performance
Historical Fund performance, which varies over time, can provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart that follows shows the annual total returns of the Fund for each full calendar year since the Fund commenced operations. The table that follows the bar chart shows the Funds average annual total returns, both before and after taxes. The table also shows how the Funds performance compares to the JP Morgan Emerging Local Markets Index Plus, a relevant broad-based securities index. Index returns do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
The Funds year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2013 was (4.13)%.
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
Return | Quarter/Year | |||||||
Highest Return |
7.76 | % | 3Q/2010 | |||||
Lowest Return |
(10.50 | )% | 3Q/2011 |
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ending December 31, 2012
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund | 1 Year |
Since Inception (5-6-2009) |
||||||
Return Before Taxes Based on NAV |
6.47 | % | 4.18 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
6.47 | % | 3.45 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
4.21 | % | 3.25 | % | ||||
JP Morgan Emerging Local Markets Index Plus (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
7.45 | % | 4.74 | % |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Mellon Capital Management Corporation serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
David C. Kwan, CFA, a Managing Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Zandra Zelaya, CFA, a Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. This means that shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc., and trade at market prices. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through brokers. Because Fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
20 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of shares (Creation Units), which only certain institutions or large investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. Currently, Creation Units generally consist of 100,000 shares, though this may change from time to time. Creation Units are not expected to consist of less than 50,000 shares. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of money market securities closely approximating the holdings of the Fund or a designated basket of non-U.S. currency and/or an amount of U.S. cash.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an Intermediary), WisdomTree Asset Management or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediarys website for more information.
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 21 |
WisdomTree Indian Rupee Strategy Fund
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks to achieve total returns reflective of both money market rates in India available to foreign investors and changes in value of the Indian rupee relative to the U.S. dollar.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The fees are expressed as a percentage of the Funds average net assets.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||||
Management Fees |
0.45 | % | ||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses |
0.00 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.45 | % |
Example
The following example is intended to help retail investors compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that such investors would incur over various periods if they invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of the shares at the end of those periods. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that retail investors may pay to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
$46 | $144 | $252 | $567 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal year, there was no portfolio turnover rate for the Fund since the Fund invested in short-term securities with maturities less than or equal to 365 days, which are excluded from portfolio turnover calculations.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF) that seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in short-term securities designed to provide exposure to Indian currency and money market rates. Because the market for money market securities in India generally is less liquid and accessible to foreign investors than corresponding markets in other countries, the Fund intends to achieve exposure to currency markets in India by investing primarily in short-term U.S. money market securities and forward currency contracts and swaps. The combination of U.S. money market securities with forward currency contracts and currency swaps is designed to provide exposure equivalent to money market securities denominated in Indian rupees. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange one currency for another at a future rate. The Fund also may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases securities or other obligations from a bank or securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell them to a counterparty at an agreed-upon date or upon demand and at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased obligations.
The Fund generally will maintain a weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less with respect to the money market securities in its portfolio. The Fund will not purchase any security with a remaining maturity of more than 397 calendar days. All U.S. money market securities acquired by the Fund will be rated in the upper two short-term ratings by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) or, if unrated, deemed to be of equivalent quality. The Fund does not seek to preserve capital in U.S. dollars.
22 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
The decision to secure exposure directly or indirectly will be a function of, among other things, market accessibility, credit exposure, and tax ramifications for foreign investors. If the Fund pursues direct investment, eligible investments include short-term securities issued by the government of India and its agencies or instrumentalities, bank debt obligations and time deposits, bankers acceptances, commercial paper, short-term corporate debt obligations, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities.
The Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investments whose combined performance is tied economically to India. If, subsequent to an investment, the 80% requirement is no longer met, the Funds future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy. The Trust will provide shareholders with sixty (60) days prior notice of any change to this policy for the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
You can lose money on your investment in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the sections in the Funds Prospectus, titled Additional Principal Risk Information About the Fund and Additional Non-Principal Risk Information.
n | Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Fund could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. |
n | Market Risk. The trading prices of currencies, fixed income securities and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. The Funds NAV and market price may fluctuate significantly in response to these factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time. |
n | Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of the Funds shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Funds daily NAV, and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV (premium) or less than the NAV (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. |
n | Cash Redemption Risk. The Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. |
n | Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other instrument or a counterparty to a derivative or other contract may cause such issuer or counterparty to default, become unable to pay interest or principal due or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer or counterparty defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments. |
n | Currency Exchange Rate Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in Indian rupees, or in securities that provide exposure to Indian rupees, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in Indian rupees. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of the Indian rupee will affect the value of the Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. |
n | Derivatives Risk. The Fund will invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or inflation rate. The return on a derivative instrument may not correlate with the return of its underlying reference asset. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. In addition to the other risks associated with the use of derivatives described elsewhere in this Prospectus, there are risks associated with the Funds use of forward currency contracts and futures contracts. With respect to forward currency contracts, these risks include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. With respect to futures contracts, these risks include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 23 |
n | Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in securities and instruments traded in developing or emerging markets, or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and instruments or investments in more developed international markets. Such conditions may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund shares, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities, including the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. |
n | Geographic Concentration in India. Because the Fund concentrates in investments providing exposure to India, the Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within India and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. The Indian government has exercised and continues to exercise significant influence over many aspects of the economy. While the government of India is moving to a more liberal approach, it still places restrictions on the capability and capacity of foreign investors to access and trade rupee directly. While the Indian economy generally has experienced growth in recent years, there is no guarantee that this growth will continue. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Funds performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund. |
n | Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates and other factors, such as perception of an issuers creditworthiness. |
n | Issuer-Specific Risk. Issuer-specific events, including changes in the financial condition of an issuer, can have a negative impact on the value of the Fund. |
n | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will be successful or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
n | Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing in those few issuers, and may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. |
n | Offshore Investor Risk. In addition to the general risks associated with investing in non-U.S. currencies and non-U.S. currency markets, there are special risks associated with investing in Indian rupee or securities designed to provide exposure to Indian rupee. While the government of India is moving toward a more liberal approach, it still places restrictions on the capability and capacity of foreign investors to access and trade rupee directly. Foreign investors in India still face burdensome taxes on investments in income-producing securities. These limitations and restrictions may impact the availability, liquidity and pricing of securities designed to provide offshore investors with exposure to Indian markets. As a result, returns achieved by offshore investors, such as the Fund, could differ from those available to domestic investors in India. |
n | Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term. |
24 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Fund Performance
Historical Fund performance, which varies over time, can provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart that follows shows the annual total returns of the Fund for each full calendar year since the Fund commenced operations. The table that follows the bar chart shows the Funds average annual total returns, both before and after taxes. The table also shows how the Funds performance compares to the JPMorgan Emerging Local Markets Index Plus India, a relevant broad-based securities index. Index returns do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
The Funds year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2013 was (8.93)%.
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
Return | Quarter/Year | |||||||
Highest Return |
9.01 | % | 3Q/2012 | |||||
Lowest Return |
(8.17 | )% | 3Q/2011 |
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ending December 31, 2012
WisdomTree Indian Rupee Strategy Fund | 1 Year | Since
Inception (5-14-2008) |
||||||
Return Before Taxes Based on NAV |
4.67 | % | 0.21 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
4.67 | % | (1.01 | )% | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
3.04 | % | (0.52 | )% | ||||
JPMorgan Emerging Local Markets Index Plus India (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
5.03 | % | 1.36 | % |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Mellon Capital Management Corporation serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
David C. Kwan, CFA, a Managing Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Zandra Zelaya, CFA, a Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. This means that shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc., and trade at market prices. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through brokers. Because Fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 25 |
The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of shares (Creation Units), which only certain institutions or large investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. Currently, Creation Units generally consist of 100,000 shares, though this may change from time to time. Creation Units are not expected to consist of less than 50,000 shares. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of money market securities closely approximating the holdings of the Fund or a designated basket of non-U.S. currency and/or an amount of U.S. cash.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an Intermediary), WisdomTree Asset Management or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediarys website for more information.
26 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
WisdomTree Asia Local Debt Fund
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks a high level of total return consisting of both income and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The fees are expressed as a percentage of the Funds average net assets.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||||
Management Fees |
0.55 | % | ||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses |
0.00 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.55 | % |
Example
The following example is intended to help retail investors compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that such investors would incur over various periods if they invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of the shares at the end of those periods. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that retail investors may pay to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
$56 | $176 | $307 | $689 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was 52% of the average value of its portfolio, excluding the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind creations or redemptions of the Funds capital shares.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective through investment in Local Debt denominated in the currencies of a broad range of Asian countries. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in Local Debt. For these purposes, Local Debt includes fixed income securities, such as bonds, notes or other debt obligations, denominated in local currencies of countries in Asia, as well as certain derivatives and other instruments described herein. The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF).
The Fund intends to focus its investments on bonds and other debt instruments issued by governments (national, state, and local), government agencies and instrumentalities, and government sponsored enterprises. The Fund also may invest in Local Debt issued by supranational organizations such as the European Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or International Finance Corporation, and development agencies supported by other national governments. The Fund may invest in corporate bonds economically tied to Asian countries. The Fund also may invest in inflation-linked fixed income securities denominated in Asian currencies.
The Fund intends to provide exposure to developing/emerging market economies in Asia. Specifically, the Fund intends to invest in Local Debt primarily from China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Fund is permitted to invest in developed market economies, such as Australia and New Zealand. This list may change based on market developments. The Fund uses a structured investment approach that analyzes multiple factors. Countries are grouped into differentiated tiers based on an analysis of these factors. Subject to the Funds general investment requirement to provide broad country exposure within the region, the Fund generally invests a higher percentage of its assets in countries that have larger and more liquid debt markets and that the Funds adviser believes
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 27 |
are pursuing sustainable fiscal and monetary policies in light of economic and market conditions. The country exposures are monitored and may be modified, reduced or eliminated. The Funds exposure to any single country generally will be limited to 20% of the Funds assets. The percentage of Fund assets invested in a specific region, country or issuer will change from time to time.
The universe of Local Debt currently includes securities that are rated investment grade as well as non-investment grade (commonly referred to as junk bonds). The Fund intends to provide a broad-based exposure to Local Debt and therefore will invest in both investment grade and non-investment grade securities. Securities rated investment grade generally are considered to be of higher credit quality and subject to lower default risk. Although securities rated below investment grade may offer the potential for higher yields, they generally are subject to a higher potential risk of loss.
The Fund attempts to maintain an aggregate portfolio duration of between two and eight years under normal market conditions. Aggregate portfolio duration is important to investors as an indication of the Funds sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Funds with higher durations generally are subject to greater interest rate risk. For example, the value of a fund with a portfolio duration of ten years would be expected to drop by 10% for every 1% increase in interest rates. The Funds actual portfolio duration may be longer or shorter depending on market conditions. The Fund may also invest in short-term money market securities denominated in the currencies of countries in which the Fund invests.
The Fund may invest up to 30% of its net assets in derivatives such as forward currency contracts and swaps. The Funds use of forward contracts and swaps will be underpinned by investments in cash or other liquid assets (typically short-term, high-quality U.S. money market securities) and is designed to provide exposure similar to investments in local currency debt. The Fund does not use derivatives to enhance leverage. A forward contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange payments based on a reference asset, which may be a currency or rate, but also may be a single asset, a pool of assets or an index of assets. The Fund also may enter into repurchase agreements designed to result in a fixed rate of return for the Fund insulated from market fluctuations during the holding period. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases securities or other obligations from a bank or securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell them to a counterparty at an agreed-upon date or upon demand and at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased obligations. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement for the future sale by one party and the purchase by another of a specified security or instrument at a specified price and time. The Fund may invest in interest rate and other futures contracts listed for trading on exchanges in Asia. Assets not invested in Local Debt generally will be invested in U.S. government securities and investment grade money market instruments. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in debt instruments denominated in U.S. dollars issued by Asian governments and government sponsored enterprises.
The decision to secure exposure through direct investment in bonds or indirectly through derivative transactions will be a function of, among other things, market accessibility, credit exposure, tax ramifications and regulatory requirements applicable to U.S. investment companies. If, subsequent to an investment, the 80% requirement is no longer met, the Funds future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy. The Trust will provide shareholders with sixty (60) days prior notice of any change to this policy for the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
You can lose money on your investment in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objectives. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the sections in the Funds Prospectus, titled Additional Principal Risk Information About the Fund and Additional Non-Principal Risk Information.
n | Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Fund could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. |
n | Market Risk. The trading prices of currencies, fixed income securities and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. The Funds NAV and market price may fluctuate significantly in response to these factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time. |
n | Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares of the Fund will approximate the Funds NAV when purchased may be bought and sold in the secondary market, at market prices. The trading prices of the Funds shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Funds daily NAV, and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV (premium) or less than the NAV (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. |
28 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
n | Cash Redemption Risk. The Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash, triggering security sales. The sale of non-U.S. denominated securities can generate realized foreign exchange losses which could impact the income distributions paid by the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. |
n | Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other instrument or a counterparty to a derivative or other contract may cause such issuer or counterparty to default, become unable to pay interest or principal due or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer or counterparty defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments. |
n | Currency Exchange Rate Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or in securities that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in such currencies. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of non-U.S. currencies will affect the value of the Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. |
n | Derivatives Risk. The Fund will invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or inflation rate. The return on a derivative instrument may not correlate with the return of its underlying reference asset. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. In addition to the other risks associated with the use of derivatives described elsewhere in this Prospectus, there are risks associated with the Funds use of forward currency contracts and futures contracts. With respect to forward currency contracts, these risks include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. With respect to futures contracts, these risks include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. |
n | Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in securities and instruments traded in developing or emerging markets, or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and instruments or investments in more developed international markets. For example, developing or emerging market governments may, without prior warning, impose capital controls on the ability to transfer currency, securities or other assets. The Funds ability to access certain developing or emerging markets also may be limited due to a variety of factors, including currency convertibility issues. Such conditions may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities or currency, cause the Funds returns to differ from those available to domestic investors, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund shares, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities, including the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. |
n | High Yield Securities Risk. Higher yielding, high risk debt securities, sometimes referred to as junk bonds, may present additional risk because these securities may be less liquid and present more credit risk than investment grade bonds. The price of high yield securities tends to be more susceptible to issuer-specific operating results and outlook and to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions. |
n | Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates and other factors, such as perception of an issuers creditworthiness. |
n | Investment in Asia Risk. The Funds investments will have significant exposure to Asia. As a result, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that region. A variety of factors, including currency devaluations, may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund shares and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Issuer-Specific Risk. Issuer-specific events, including changes in the financial condition of an issuer, can have a negative impact on the value of the Fund. |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 29 |
n | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will be successful or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
n | Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing in those few issuers, and may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. |
n | Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term. |
n | Sovereign Debt Risk. Bonds issued by governments, sometimes referred to as sovereign debt, present risks not associated with investments in other types of bonds. The government or agency issuing the debt may be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal owed. In such instance, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuing government or agency. In the past, governments of emerging market countries have refused to honor their payment obligations on issued bonds. |
Fund Performance
Historical Fund performance, which varies over time, can provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart that follows shows the annual total returns of the Fund for each full calendar year since the Fund commenced operations. The table that follows the bar chart shows the Funds average annual total returns, both before and after taxes. The table also shows how the Funds performance compares to the HSBC Asian Local Bond Index, a relevant broad-based securities index. Index returns do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
The Funds year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2013 was (6.08)%.
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
Return | Quarter/Year | |||||||
Highest Return |
3.28 | % | 3Q/2012 | |||||
Lowest Return |
(0.84 | )% | 2Q/2012 |
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
30 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ending December 31, 2012
WisdomTree Asia Local Debt Fund | 1 Year | Since
Inception (3-17-2011) |
||||||
Return Before Taxes Based on NAV |
6.59 | % | 5.00 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
5.84 | % | 4.27 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
4.29 | % | 3.84 | % | ||||
HSBC Asian Local Bond Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
8.93 | % | 7.27 | % |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Mellon Capital Management Corporation serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
David C. Kwan, CFA, a Managing Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Stephanie Shu, CFA, a Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. This means that shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc., and trade at market prices. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through brokers. Because Fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of shares (Creation Units), which only certain institutions or large investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. Currently, Creation Units generally consist of 100,000 shares, though this may change from time to time. Creation Units are not expected to consist of less than 50,000 shares. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of fixed income securities closely approximating the holdings of the Fund or a designated basket of non-U.S. currency and/or an amount of U.S. cash.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an Intermediary), WisdomTree Asset Management or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediarys website for more information.
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 31 |
WisdomTree Australia & New Zealand Debt Fund
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks a high level of total return consisting of both income and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The fees are expressed as a percentage of the Funds average net assets.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||||
Management Fees |
0.45 | % | ||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses |
0.00 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.45 | % |
Example
The following example is intended to help retail investors compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that such investors would incur over various periods if they invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of the shares at the end of those periods. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that retail investors may pay to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
$46 | $144 | $252 | $567 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was 42% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective through investment in Debt Securities denominated in Australian or New Zealand dollars. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in Debt Securities. For these purposes, Debt Securities include fixed income securities, such as bonds, notes or other debt obligations, denominated in Australian or New Zealand dollars, as well as certain derivatives and other instruments described herein. The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF).
The Fund intends to focus its investments on bonds and other debt instruments denominated in Australian and New Zealand dollars issued by governments (national, state and local), government agencies and instrumentalities, government-sponsored enterprises and supranational organizations. For these purposes, supranational organizations include entities such as the European Investment Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and other regional development banks. The Fund also may invest in Debt Securities of corporate issuers, although this is not expected to be a focus of the Fund.
The Fund is designed to provide broad exposure to Debt Securities of issuers in Australia and New Zealand. The Fund uses a structured investment approach to allocate its investments between countries (Australia and New Zealand) and sectors (government debt, semi-government debt, supranational organizations). Government debt refers to Debt Securities issued by the Commonwealth of Australia or New Zealand and its various agencies, instrumentalities and government-sponsored enterprises. Semi-government debt refers to Debt Securities issued by the local, state and territory governments of Australia typically to finance local infrastructure and operations. As noted, supranational organizations include entities such as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other regional development banks. The Funds exposure to Australia and New Zealand is based on the relative gross domestic product, or GDP, of each country. Since Australias
32 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
economy is much larger than New Zealands, the Funds exposure to Australia generally will be higher than its exposure to New Zealand. The Fund invests in three sectors: government debt, semi-government debt and debt of supranational organizations. For purposes of this sector analysis, corporate issuers are included within the category of supranational organizations. The Funds exposure to each sector is assessed relative to an equal-weighted baseline (e.g., 1/3 each). Sector exposures may be tilted within a narrow range around this baseline in order to take advantage of potential opportunities to enhance risk-adjusted return. The Funds exposures to each country, sector and individual issuer are monitored. The percentage of the Funds assets invested in a specific country, sector or issuer may change, depending on market conditions, as agreed upon by the investment adviser and investment sub-adviser.
The universe of Debt Securities in which the Fund may invest includes securities that are rated investment grade as well as non-investment grade (commonly referred to as junk bonds). Securities rated investment grade generally are considered to be of higher credit quality and subject to lower default risk. Although securities rated below investment grade may offer the potential for higher yields, they generally are subject to a higher potential risk of loss.
The Fund attempts to limit interest rate risk by maintaining an aggregate portfolio duration of between two and eight years under normal market conditions. Aggregate portfolio duration is important to investors as an indication of the Funds sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Funds with higher durations generally are subject to greater interest rate risk. For example, the value of a fund with a portfolio duration of ten years would be expected to drop by 10% for every 1% increase in interest rates. The Funds actual portfolio duration may be longer or shorter depending upon market conditions. The Fund may also invest in short-term money market securities denominated in local currencies.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in derivatives such as forward currency contracts and swaps. The Funds use of forward contracts and swaps will be underpinned by investments in cash or other liquid assets (typically, short-term, high-quality U.S. money market securities) and is designed to provide exposure similar to investments in locally denominated debt. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange payments based on a reference asset, which may be a currency or interest rate but also may be a single asset, a pool of assets or an index of assets. The Fund also may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases securities or other obligations from a bank or securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell them to a counterparty at an agreed-upon date or upon demand and at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased obligations. Assets not invested in locally denominated debt generally will be invested in U.S. government securities and investment grade money market instruments. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in debt instruments denominated in U.S. dollars issued by the Australian or New Zealand government, government agencies, corporations, regional development banks and supranational issuers.
The decision to secure exposure through direct investment in bonds or indirectly through derivative transactions will be a function of, among other things, market accessibility, credit exposure, tax ramifications and regulatory requirements applicable to U.S. investment companies. If, subsequent to an investment, the 80% requirement is no longer met, the Funds future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy. The Trust will provide shareholders with sixty (60) days prior written notice of any change to this policy for the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
You can lose money on your investment in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the sections in the Funds Prospectus, titled Additional Principal Risk Information About the Fund and Additional Non-Principal Risk Information.
n | Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Fund could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. |
n | Market Risk. The trading prices of currencies, fixed income securities and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. The Funds NAV and market price may fluctuate significantly in response to these factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time. |
n | Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of the Funds shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Funds daily NAV, and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV (premium) or less than the NAV (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 33 |
n | Cash Redemption Risk. The Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash, triggering security sales. The sale of non-U.S. denominated securities can generate realized foreign exchange losses which could impact the income distributions paid by the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. |
n | Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other instrument or a counterparty to a derivative or other contract may cause such issuer or counterparty to default, become unable to pay interest or principal due or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer or counterparty defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments. |
n | Currency Exchange Rate Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in Australian and New Zealand dollars, or in securities that provide exposure to Australian and New Zealand dollars, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in Australian and New Zealand dollars. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of Australian and New Zealand dollars will affect the value of the Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. |
n | Derivatives Risk. The Fund may invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or inflation rate. The return on a derivative instrument may not correlate with the return of its underlying reference asset. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. In addition to the other risks associated with the use of derivatives described elsewhere in this Prospectus, there are risks associated with the Funds use of forward currency contracts and futures contracts. With respect to forward currency contracts, these risks include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. With respect to futures contracts, these risks include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. |
n | Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such securities and instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities, including the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. |
n | Geographic Concentration in Australia and New Zealand. Because the Fund concentrates its investments in Australia and New Zealand, the Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within these countries and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. The economies of Australia and New Zealand are both heavily dependent on the demand for commodity exports, including agricultural products. As a result, both economies are particularly vulnerable to international commodity prices and global economic slowdowns. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Funds performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund. |
n | High Yield Securities Risk. Higher yielding, high risk debt securities, sometimes referred to as junk bonds, may present additional risk because these securities may be less liquid and present more credit risk than investment grade bonds. The price of high yield securities tends to be more susceptible to issuer-specific operating results and outlook and to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions. |
n | Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates and other factors, such as perception of an issuers creditworthiness. |
n | Issuer-Specific Risk. Issuer-specific events, including changes in the financial condition of an issuer, can have a negative impact on the value of the Fund. |
n | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will be successful or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
n | Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing |
34 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
in those few issuers, and may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. |
n | Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term. |
Fund Performance
Historical Fund performance, which varies over time, can provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart that follows shows the annual total returns of the Fund for each full calendar year since the Fund commenced operations. The table that follows the bar chart shows the Funds average annual total returns, both before and after taxes. The table also shows how the Funds performance compares to the Citigroup Australian Broad Investment-Grade (AusBIG) Bond Index (USD), a relevant broad-based securities index, and the Spliced Australia & New Zealand Debt Composite. Index returns do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
The Funds name and objective changed effective October 25, 2011. Fund performance prior to October 25, 2011 reflects the investment objective and style of the Fund when it was the WisdomTree Dreyfus New Zealand Dollar Fund and focused on short-term, New Zealand dollar-denominated money market instruments.
The Funds year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2013 was (7.83)%.
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
Return | Quarter/Year | |||||||
Highest Return |
14.19 | % | 2Q/2009 | |||||
Lowest Return |
(6.94 | )% | 3Q/2011 |
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 35 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ending December 31, 2012
WisdomTree Australia & New Zealand Debt Fund | 1 Year | Since Inception (6-25-2008) |
||||||
Return Before Taxes Based on NAV |
8.14 | % | 5.52 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
6.98 | % | 3.73 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
5.27 | % | 3.98 | % | ||||
Citigroup Australian Broad Investment-Grade (AusBIG) Bond Index (USD) (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
9.42 | % | 11.05 | % | ||||
Spliced Australia & New Zealand Debt Composite* (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
9.89 | % | 6.58 | % |
* | Reflects performance of the BofA Merrill Lynch New Zealand Dollar One-Month LIBID Constant Maturity Index through October 24, 2011 and, thereafter, an 80% / 20% weighted exposure to the local currency bond markets of Australia and New Zealand, respectively. Performance for Australia is proxied by the total returns of the Citigroup Australian Broad Investment-Grade Bond Index. Performance for the New Zealand bond market is proxied by the JPMorgan New Zealand Government Bond Index. Country exposures are rebalanced back to target weighting quarterly. |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Mellon Capital Management Corporation serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
David C. Kwan, CFA, a Managing Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Zandra Zelaya, CFA, a Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. This means that shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc., and trade at market prices. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through brokers. Because Fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of shares (Creation Units), which only certain institutions or large investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. Currently, Creation Units generally consist of 100,000 shares, though this may change from time to time. Creation Units are not expected to consist of less than 50,000 shares. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of fixed income securities closely approximating the holdings of the Fund or a designated basket of non-U.S. currency and/or an amount of U.S. cash.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an Intermediary), WisdomTree Asset Management or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediarys website for more information.
36 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
WisdomTree Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks a high level of total return consisting of both income and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The fees are expressed as a percentage of the Funds average net assets.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||||
Management Fees |
0.60 | % | ||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses |
0.00 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.60 | % |
Example
The following example is intended to help retail investors compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that such investors would incur over various periods if they invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of the shares at the end of those periods. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that retail investors may pay to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
$61 | $192 | $335 | $750 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective through investment in debt securities issued by corporate entities that are domiciled in, or economically tied to, emerging market countries. The issuers of such debt will include public, private, and state-owned or sponsored corporations. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in Corporate Debt. For these purposes, Corporate Debt includes fixed income securities, such as bonds, notes, money market securities and other debt obligations (such as loan participation notes) of emerging market issuers. Corporate Debt does not include derivatives. The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF).
The Fund intends to focus its investment on Corporate Debt issued in U.S. dollars. The Fund also may invest in Corporate Debt denominated in the local currency of emerging market countries. Non-U.S. dollar denominated debt is sometimes referred to as local debt. Local debt provides exposure to changes in the value of such non-U.S. currencies against the U.S. dollar. Corporate Debt includes debt securities issued by supranational organizations, such as the European Investment Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or International Finance Corporation, or other regional development banks. The Fund may invest to a limited extent in debt securities of emerging market governments (also known as sovereign debt) and debt securities linked to inflation rates in emerging market countries.
The Fund intends to seek exposure to Corporate Debt from the following regions: Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Within these regions, the Fund may invest in countries such as: Argentina, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Oman, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand,
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 37 |
Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. This list may change based on market developments. The Fund employs a structured investment approach that utilizes top down analysis of macroeconomic factors and bottom up analysis of emerging market countries and issuers. The Funds credit exposures are monitored and may be modified, reduced or eliminated. The Funds exposure to any single issuer generally will be limited to 10% of the Funds net assets. The Funds exposure to any single country generally will be limited to 30% of the Funds net assets. The percentage of Fund assets invested in a specific region, country or issuer will change from time to time.
The universe of emerging market Corporate Debt currently includes securities that are rated investment grade as well as non-investment grade (commonly referred to as junk bonds). The Fund intends to provide a broad exposure to emerging market Corporate Debt and therefore will invest in both investment grade and non-investment grade securities. Securities rated investment grade generally are considered to be of higher credit quality and subject to lower default risk. Although securities rated below investment grade may offer the potential for higher yields, they generally are subject to a higher potential risk of loss.
The Fund attempts to maintain an aggregate portfolio duration of between two and ten years under normal market conditions. Aggregate portfolio duration is important to investors as an indication of the Funds sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Funds with higher durations generally are subject to greater interest rate risk. For example, the value of a fund with a portfolio duration of ten years would be expected to drop by 10% for every 1% increase in interest rates. The Funds actual portfolio duration may be longer or shorter depending upon market conditions. The Fund may also invest in short-term money market securities denominated in U.S. dollars or the currencies of countries in which the Fund invests.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in derivatives, such as swaps and forward currency contracts. A swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange payments based on a reference asset, which may be a currency or interest rate but also may be a single asset, a pool of assets or an index of assets. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The Funds use of derivatives will be underpinned by investments in cash or other liquid assets (typically short-term, high-quality money market securities). The Fund also may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases securities or other obligations from a bank or securities dealer and simultaneously agrees to resell them to a counterparty at an agreed-upon date or upon demand and at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased obligations.
The Fund must invest at least 80% of its net assets directly in Corporate Debt. The decision to secure exposure through direct investment in Corporate Debt or indirectly through derivative transactions will be a function of, among other things, market accessibility, credit exposure, tax ramifications and regulatory requirements applicable to U.S. investment companies. If, subsequent to an investment, the Funds 80% requirement is no longer met, the Funds future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy. The Trust will provide shareholders with sixty (60) days prior notice of any change to this policy for the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
You can lose money on your investment in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the sections in the Funds Prospectus, titled Additional Principal Risk Information About the Fund and Additional Non-Principal Risk Information.
n | Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Fund could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. |
n | Market Risk. The trading prices of currencies, fixed income securities and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. The Funds NAV and market price may fluctuate significantly in response to these factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time. |
n | Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of the Funds shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Funds daily NAV, and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV (premium) or less than the NAV (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. |
n | Basic Materials Investing. The Fund may invest in companies in the basic materials sector. This sector includes, for example, metals and mining, chemicals and forest product companies. This sector can be significantly affected by, among other things, commodity price volatility, demand for basic materials, world economic growth, depletion of natural resources, technological progress, and government regulations. |
38 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
n | Capital Controls and Sanctions Risk. Economic conditions, such as volatile currency exchange rates and interest rates, political events, military action and other conditions may, without prior warning, lead to government intervention (including intervention by the U.S. government with respect to foreign governments, economic sectors, foreign companies and related securities and interests) and the imposition of capital controls and/or sanctions, which may also include retaliatory actions of one government against another government, such as seizure of assets. Capital controls and/or sanctions include the prohibition of, or restrictions on, the ability to own or transfer currency, securities or other assets, which may potentially include derivative instruments related thereto. Capital controls and/or sanctions may also impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, transfer, receive, deliver or otherwise obtain exposure to, foreign securities or currency, negatively impact the value and/or liquidity of such instruments, adversely affect the trading market and price for shares of the Fund, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Cash Redemption Risk. The Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash, triggering security sales. The sale of non-U.S. denominated securities can generate realized foreign exchange losses which could impact the income distributions paid by the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. |
n | Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other instrument or a counterparty to a derivative or other contract may cause such issuer or counterparty to default, become unable to pay interest or principal due or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer or counterparty defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments. |
n | Currency Exchange Rate Risk. While the Fund intends to focus its investment on Corporate Debt denominated in U.S. dollars, the Fund may invest a portion of its assets in investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or in securities that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in such currencies. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of non-U.S. currencies will affect the value of the Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. |
n | Derivatives Risk. The Fund may invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or inflation rate. The return on a derivative instrument may not correlate with the return of its underlying reference asset. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk . Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. In addition to the other risks associated with the use of derivatives described elsewhere in this Prospectus, there are risks associated with the Funds use of forward currency contracts and futures contracts. With respect to forward currency contracts, these risks include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. With respect to futures contracts, these risks include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. |
n | Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in securities and instruments traded in developing or emerging markets, or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and instruments or investments in more developed international markets. For example, developing or emerging market governments may, without prior warning, impose capital controls on the ability to transfer currency, securities or other assets. The Funds ability to access certain developing or emerging markets also may be limited due to a variety of factors, including currency convertibility issues. Such conditions may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities, cause the Funds returns to differ from those available to domestic investors, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund shares, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Energy Investing. The Fund may invest in companies in the energy sector. The energy sector can be significantly affected by, among other things: economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the Middle East, eastern Europe or other oil or gas producing regions, and volatile oil prices. |
n | Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities, including the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability and may be heightened in connection with investments in developing or emerging countries. |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 39 |
n | Geographic Investment Risk. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies of a single country or region, it is more likely to be impacted by events or conditions affecting that country or region. The Fund currently invests a significant portion of its assets in companies organized in Brazil and Russia. |
n | Geopolitical Risk. Some countries and regions in which the Fund invests have experienced security concerns, war or threats of war and aggression, terrorism, economic uncertainty, natural and environmental disasters and/or systemic market dislocations that have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on the U.S. and world economies and markets generally, each of which may negatively impact the Funds investments. |
n | High Yield Securities Risk. Higher yielding, high risk debt securities, sometimes referred to as junk bonds, may present additional risk because these securities may be less liquid and present more credit risk than investment grade bonds. The price of high yield securities tends to be more susceptible to issuer-specific operating results and outlook and to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions. |
n | Industrial Investing. The Fund may invest in companies in the industrial sector. The industrial sector can be significantly affected by, among other things, worldwide economy growth, supply and demand for specific products and services, rapid technological developments, and government regulation. |
n | Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of increases in interest rates and other factors, such as perception of an issuers creditworthiness. |
n | Issuer-Specific Risk. Issuer-specific events, including changes in the financial condition of an issuer, can have a negative impact on the value of the Fund. |
n | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will be successful or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
n | Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing in those few issuers, and may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. |
n | Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term. |
n | Sovereign Debt Risk. Bonds issued by governments, sometimes referred to as sovereign debt, present risks not associated with investments in other types of bonds. The government or agency issuing the debt may be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal owed. In such instance, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuing government or agency. In the past, governments of emerging market countries have refused to honor their payment obligations on issued bonds. |
Fund Performance
The Fund commenced operations on March 8, 2012, and therefore does not have performance history for a full calendar year. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Funds return based on net assets and comparing the Funds performance to a broad measure of market performance.
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Western Asset Management Company, Western Asset Management Company Limited and Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. in Singapore serve as the sub-advisers to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
S. Kenneth Leech, Chief Investment Officer, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since January 2014.
Keith J. Gardner, Co-Head of Emerging Markets Debt, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
40 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Chia-Liang Lian, Co-Head of Emerging Markets Debt and Co-Head of Investment Management, Asia (ex-Japan), has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since June 2014.
Matthew C. Duda, CFA, a portfolio manager and research analyst, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. This means that shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NASDAQ, and trade at market prices. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through brokers. Because Fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of shares (Creation Units), which only certain institutions or large investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. Currently, Creation Units generally consist of 100,000 shares, though this may change from time to time. Creation Units are not expected to consist of less than 50,000 shares. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of fixed income securities closely approximating the holdings of the Fund or a designated basket of non-U.S. currency and/or an amount of U.S. cash.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an Intermediary), WisdomTree Asset Management or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediarys website for more information.
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 41 |
WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks a high level of total return consisting of both income and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The fees are expressed as a percentage of the Funds average net assets.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||||
Management Fees |
0.55 | % | ||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses |
0.00 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.55 | % |
Example
The following example is intended to help retail investors compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that such investors would incur over various periods if they invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of the shares at the end of those periods. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that retail investors may pay to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
$56 | $176 | $307 | $689 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was 57% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective through investment in Local Debt denominated in the local currencies of emerging market countries. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in Local Debt. For these purposes, Local Debt includes fixed income securities, such as bonds, notes or other debt obligations denominated in local currencies of emerging market countries, as well as certain derivatives and other instruments described herein. The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF).
The Fund is designed to provide exposure to Local Debt of issuers from a broad range of emerging market regions and countries. The Fund intends to focus its investment on fixed income securities issued by emerging market governments, government agencies, and corporations. The Fund also may invest in fixed income securities denominated in an emerging market currency and issued by supranational organizations, such as the European Investment Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, or other regional development banks. The Fund also may invest in debt securities linked to inflation rates outside the U.S., including securities or instruments linked to rates in emerging market countries.
The Fund intends to provide exposure across several geographic regions and countries. The Fund intends to invest in Local Debt from the following regions: Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Within these regions, the Fund may invest in countries such as: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey. This list may change based on market developments. The Fund uses a structured investment approach that analyzes multiple factors. Countries are grouped into differentiated tiers based on an analysis of these factors. Subject to the Funds general investment requirement to provide broad regional and country exposure, the Fund generally invests a higher percentage of its assets in
42 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
countries that have larger and more liquid debt markets and that the Funds adviser believes are pursuing sustainable fiscal and monetary policies in light of economic and market conditions. The country exposures are monitored and may be modified, reduced or eliminated. The Funds exposure to any single country generally will be limited to 20% of the Funds assets. The percentage of Fund assets invested in a specific region, country or issuer will change from time to time.
The universe of emerging markets local currency debt currently includes securities that are rated investment grade as well as non-investment grade (commonly referred to as junk bonds). The Fund intends to provide a broad-based exposure to emerging market debt and therefore will invest in both investment grade and non-investment grade securities. Securities rated investment grade generally are considered to be of higher credit quality and subject to lower default risk. Although securities rated below investment grade may offer the potential for higher yields, they generally are subject to a higher potential risk of loss.
The Fund attempts to maintain an aggregate portfolio duration of between two and ten years under normal market conditions. Aggregate portfolio duration is important to investors as an indication of the Funds sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Funds with higher durations generally are subject to greater interest rate risk. For example, the value of a fund with a portfolio duration of ten years would be expected to drop by 10% for every 1% increase in interest rates. The Funds actual portfolio duration may be longer or shorter depending upon market conditions. The Fund may also invest in short-term money market securities denominated in the currencies of countries in which the Fund invests.
The Fund may invest up to 30% of its net assets in derivatives such as forward currency contracts and swaps. The Funds use of forward contracts and swaps will be underpinned by investments in cash or other liquid assets (typically short-term, high-quality U.S. money market securities) and is designed to provide exposure similar to investments in local currency debt. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange payments based on a reference asset, which may be a currency or interest rate but also may be a single asset, a pool of assets or an index of assets. The Fund also may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases securities or other obligations from a bank or securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell them to a counterparty at an agreed-upon date or upon demand and at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased obligations. Local Debt also includes fixed income securities denominated in an emerging market currency and issued by a supranational organization or regional development bank. Assets not invested in Local Debt generally will be invested in U.S. government securities and investment grade money market instruments. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in debt instruments denominated in U.S. dollars issued by emerging market governments, government agencies, corporations, regional development banks and supranational issuers, as well as derivatives based on such instruments.
The decision to secure exposure through direct investment in bonds or indirectly through derivative transactions will be a function of, among other things, market accessibility, credit exposure, tax ramifications and regulatory requirements applicable to U.S. investment companies. If, subsequent to an investment, the 80% requirement is no longer met, the Funds future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy. The Trust will provide shareholders with sixty (60) days prior notice of any change to this policy for the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
You can lose money on your investment in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objectives. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the sections in the Funds Prospectus, titled Additional Principal Risk Information About the Fund and Additional Non-Principal Risk Information.
n | Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Fund could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. |
n | Market Risk. The trading prices of currencies, fixed income securities and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. The Funds NAV and market price may fluctuate significantly in response to these factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time. |
n | Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of the Funds shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Funds daily NAV, and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV (premium) or less than the NAV (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 43 |
n | Cash Redemption Risk. The Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash, triggering security sales. The sale of non-U.S. denominated securities can generate realized foreign exchange losses which could impact the income distributions paid by the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. |
n | Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other instrument or a counterparty to a derivative or other contract may cause such issuer or counterparty to default, become unable to pay interest or principal due or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer or counterparty defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments. |
n | Currency Exchange Rate Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or in securities that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in such currencies. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of non-U.S. currencies will affect the value of the Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. |
n | Derivatives Risk. The Fund will invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or inflation rate. The return on a derivative instrument may not correlate with the return of its underlying reference asset. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. In addition to the other risks associated with the use of derivatives described elsewhere in this Prospectus, there are risks associated with the Funds use of forward currency contracts and futures contracts. With respect to forward currency contracts, these risks include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. With respect to futures contracts, these risks include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. |
n | Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in securities and instruments traded in developing or emerging markets, or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and instruments or investments in more developed international markets. For example, developing or emerging market governments may, without prior warning, impose capital controls on the ability to transfer currency, securities or other assets. The Funds ability to access certain developing or emerging markets also may be limited due to a variety of factors, including currency convertibility issues. Such conditions may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities or currency, cause the Funds returns to differ from those available to domestic investors, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund shares, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities, including the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. |
n | High Yield Securities Risk. Higher yielding, high risk debt securities, sometimes referred to as junk bonds, may present additional risk because these securities may be less liquid and present more credit risk than investment grade bonds. The price of high yield securities tends to be more susceptible to issuer-specific operating results and outlook and to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions. |
n | Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates and other factors, such as perception of an issuers creditworthiness. |
n | Issuer-Specific Risk. Issuer-specific events, including changes in the financial condition of an issuer, can have a negative impact on the value of the Fund. |
n | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will be successful or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
n | Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. To the extent the |
44 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing in those few issuers, and may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. |
n | Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term. |
n | Sovereign Debt Risk. Bonds issued by governments, sometimes referred to as sovereign debt, present risks not associated with investments in other types of bonds. The government or agency issuing the debt may be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal owed. In such instance, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuing government or agency. In the past, governments of emerging market countries have refused to honor their payment obligations on issued bonds. |
Fund Performance
Historical Fund performance, which varies over time, can provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart that follows shows the annual total returns of the Fund for each full calendar year since the Fund commenced operations. The table that follows the bar chart shows the Funds average annual total returns, both before and after taxes. The table also shows how the Funds performance compares to the JP Morgan Government Bond IndexEmerging Markets (GBI-EM) Global Diversified Index, a relevant broad-based securities index. Index returns do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
The Funds year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2013 was (8.76)%.
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
Return | Quarter/Year | |||||||
Highest Return |
6.85 | % | 1Q/2012 | |||||
Lowest Return |
(8.28 | )% | 3Q/2011 |
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ending December 31, 2012
WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund | 1 Year | Since Inception (8-9-2010) |
||||||
Return Before Taxes Based on NAV |
13.30 | % | 6.83 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
11.75 | % | 5.25 | % | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
8.63 | % | 4.90 | % | ||||
JP Morgan Government Bond IndexEmerging Markets (GBI-EM) Global Diversified Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
16.76 | % | 7.78 | % |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 45 |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Mellon Capital Management Corporation serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
David C. Kwan, CFA, a Managing Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since Fund inception.
Stephanie Shu, CFA, a Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. This means that shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc., and trade at market prices. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through brokers. Because Fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of shares (Creation Units), which only certain institutions or large investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. Currently, Creation Units generally consist of 100,000 shares, though this may change from time to time. Creation Units are not expected to consist of less than 50,000 shares. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of fixed income securities closely approximating the holdings of the Fund or a designated basket of non-U.S. currency and/or an amount of U.S. cash.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an Intermediary), WisdomTree Asset Management or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediarys website for more information.
46 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks a high level of total return consisting of both income and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The fees are expressed as a percentage of the Funds average net assets.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||||
Management Fees |
0.35 | % | ||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses |
0.00 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.35 | % |
Example
The following example is intended to help retail investors compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that such investors would incur over various periods if they invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of the shares at the end of those periods. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that retail investors may pay to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
$36 | $113 | $197 | $443 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was 3% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective through investment in Debt Securities denominated in euros. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in Debt Securities. For these purposes, Debt Securities consist of fixed income securities, such as bonds, notes or other debt obligations, denominated in euros, as well as certain derivatives and other instruments described herein. The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF).
The Fund intends to focus its investments on bonds and other debt instruments denominated in euros and issued by governments (national, state and local), government agencies and instrumentalities, government-sponsored enterprises and supranational organizations. For these purposes, supranational organizations include entities such as the European Investment Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, or other regional development banks. The Fund also may invest in Debt Securities of corporate issuers organized in euro area countries or that have significant economic ties to euro area countries, although this is not expected to be a focus of the Fund.
The Fund is designed to provide broad exposure to Debt Securities of issuers in euro area countries. The euro area is a group of 17 members of the European Union that have adopted the euro as their common currency. The euro area currently consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. The Funds exposure to the euro area countries is monitored and may be modified, reduced or eliminated at any time. The Fund does not currently intend to invest in national, state or local debt of Greece, Estonia, Cyprus or Malta, although the Fund may do so in the future.
The Fund will seek to concentrate its investments in Debt Securities of more credit worthy issuers within the region. This currently includes sizable positions in the sovereign debt of Germany and France with attempted balanced allocations to the
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 47 |
sovereign debt of other euro area countries as well as supranational issuers. Subject to the Funds general investment requirement to provide broad regional and country exposure, the Fund generally invests a higher percentage of its assets in countries that have larger and more liquid debt markets. The Funds exposure to any single country generally will be limited to 30% of the Funds assets. The euro area countries in which the Fund invests and the percentage of Fund assets invested in a particular euro area country or issuer will change from time to time, depending on market conditions, as agreed upon by the investment adviser and investment sub-adviser.
The universe of Debt Securities in which the Fund may invest includes securities that are rated investment grade as well as non-investment grade (commonly referred to as junk bonds). The Fund, however, will focus its investments on investment grade securities. Securities rated investment grade generally are considered to be of higher credit quality and subject to lower default risk. Although securities rated below investment grade may offer the potential for higher yields, they generally are subject to a higher potential risk of loss.
The Fund attempts to maintain an aggregate portfolio duration of between two and eight years under normal market conditions. Aggregate portfolio duration is important to investors as an indication of the Funds sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Funds with higher durations generally are subject to greater interest rate risk. For example, the value of a fund with a portfolio duration of ten years would be expected to drop by 10% for every 1% increase in interest rates. The Funds actual portfolio duration may be longer or shorter depending upon market conditions. The Fund may also invest in short-term money market securities denominated in euros.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in derivatives such as forward currency contracts and swaps. The Funds use of forward contracts and swaps will be underpinned by investments in cash or other liquid assets (typically short-term, high-quality U.S. money market securities) and is designed to provide exposure similar to investments in euro-denominated debt. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange payments based on a reference asset, which may be a currency or interest rate but also may be a single asset, a pool of assets or an index of assets. The Fund also may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases securities or other obligations from a bank or securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell them to a counterparty at an agreed-upon date or upon demand and at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased obligations. Assets not invested in euro-denominated debt generally will be invested in U.S. government securities and investment grade money market instruments. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in debt instruments denominated in U.S. dollars issued by EU governments, government agencies, corporations, regional development banks and supranational issuers.
The decision to secure exposure through direct investment in bonds or indirectly through derivative transactions will be a function of, among other things, market accessibility, credit exposure, tax ramifications and regulatory requirements applicable to U.S. investment companies. If, subsequent to an investment, the 80% requirement is no longer met, the Funds future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy. The Trust will provide shareholders with sixty (60) days prior written notice of any change to this policy for the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
You can lose money on your investment in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the sections in the Funds Prospectus, titled Additional Principal Risk Information About the Fund and Additional Non-Principal Risk Information.
n | Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Fund could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. |
n | Market Risk. The trading prices of currencies, fixed income securities and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. The Funds NAV and market price may fluctuate significantly in response to these factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time. |
n | Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of the Funds shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Funds daily NAV, and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV (premium) or less than the NAV (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. |
n | Cash Redemption Risk. The Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash, triggering security sales. The sale of non-U.S. denominated securities can generate realized foreign exchange losses |
48 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
which could impact the income distributions paid by the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. |
n | Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other instrument or a counterparty to a derivative or other contract may cause such issuer or counterparty to default, become unable to pay interest or principal due or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer or counterparty defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments. |
n | Currency Exchange Rate Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in euros, or in securities that provide exposure to euros, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in euros. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of the euro will affect the value of the Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. |
n | Derivatives Risk. The Fund may invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or inflation rate. The return on a derivative instrument may not correlate with the return of its underlying reference asset. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. In addition to the other risks associated with the use of derivatives described elsewhere in this Prospectus, there are risks associated with the Funds use of forward currency contracts and futures contracts. With respect to forward currency contracts, these risks include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. With respect to futures contracts, these risks include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. |
n | Euro Investment Risk. The Fund invests primarily in securities denominated in euros and thus has significant exposure to the euro and events affecting the euro. Recent market events affecting several of the EU member countries have adversely affected the sovereign debt issued by those countries, and ultimately may lead to a decline in the value of the euro. |
n | Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such securities and instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities, including the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability and may be heightened in connection with investments in developing or emerging countries. |
n | Geographic Concentration in Europe. Because the Fund concentrates its investments in Europe, the Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within Europe and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. Most developed countries in Western Europe are members of the European Union (EU), and many are also members of the European Monetary Union (EMU), which requires compliance with restrictions on inflation rates, deficits, and debt levels. Unemployment in certain European nations is historically high. In addition, the tight fiscal and monetary controls necessary to join the EMU can significantly affect every country in Europe. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Funds performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund. |
n | High Yield Securities Risk. Higher yielding, high risk debt securities, sometimes referred to as junk bonds, may present additional risk because these securities may be less liquid and present more credit risk than investment grade bonds. The price of high yield securities tends to be more susceptible to issuer-specific operating results and outlook and to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions. |
n | Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates and other factors, such as perception of an issuers creditworthiness. |
n | Issuer-Specific Risk. Issuer-specific events, including changes in the financial condition of an issuer, can have a negative impact on the value of the Fund. |
n | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will be successful or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
n | Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. To the extent the |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 49 |
Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing in those few issuers, and may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. |
n | Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term. |
n | Sovereign Debt Risk. Bonds issued by governments, sometimes referred to as sovereign debt, present risks not associated with investments in other types of bonds. The government or agency issuing the debt may be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal owed. In such instance, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuing government or agency. In the past, governments of emerging market countries have refused to honor their payment obligations on issued bonds. |
Fund Performance
Historical Fund performance, which varies over time, can provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart that follows shows the annual total returns of the Fund for each full calendar year since the Fund commenced operations. The table that follows the bar chart shows the Funds average annual total returns, both before and after taxes. The table also shows how the Funds performance compares to the BofA Merrill Lynch Euro Government Index, a relevant broad-based securities index, the Spliced Euro Debt ex-Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal & Spain Composite and the Spliced Euro Debt Composite. Index returns do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
The Funds name and objective changed effective October 19, 2011. Fund performance prior to October 19, 2011 reflects the investment objective and style of the Fund when it was the WisdomTree Dreyfus Euro Fund and focused on short-term, euro-denominated money market instruments.
The Funds year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2013 was 1.63%.
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
Return | Quarter/Year | |||||||
Highest Return |
11.41 | % | 3Q/2010 | |||||
Lowest Return |
(9.47 | )% | 2Q/2010 |
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
50 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ending December 31, 2012
WisdomTree Euro Debt Fund | 1 Year | Since
Inception (5-14-2008) |
||||||
Return Before Taxes Based on NAV |
10.25 | % | (0.89 | )% | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
9.55 | % | (1.34 | )% | ||||
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
6.65 | % | (1.01 | )% | ||||
BofA Merrill Lynch Euro Government Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
12.90 | % | 2.32 | % | ||||
Spliced Euro
Debt ex-Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal & Spain Composite* (Reflects no |
10.14 | % | (0.23 | )% | ||||
Spliced Euro Debt Composite** (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
12.90 | % | 0.14 | % |
* | The Spliced Euro Debt ex-Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal & Spain Composite tracks the BofA Merrill Lynch Euro Currency One-Month LIBID Constant Maturity Index through October 18, 2011. Thereafter, the composite tracks the BofA Merrill Lynch Euro Government Excluding Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal & Spain Index, which is a subset of the BofA Merrill Lynch Euro Government Index. It is a market capitalization-weighted index that tracks the performance of euro-denominated sovereign debt publicly issued by Euro member countries excluding Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain as the country of risk. The Fund has not historically invested in Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal or Spain, but as of May 2014, the Fund may invest in the foregoing countries except Greece. |
** | Reflects performance of the BofA Merrill Lynch Euro Currency One-Month LIBID Constant Maturity Index through October 18, 2011 and, thereafter, the BofA Merrill Lynch Euro Government Index. |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Mellon Capital Management Corporation serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
David C. Kwan, CFA, a Managing Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Zandra Zelaya, CFA, a Director, Fixed Income, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. This means that shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc., and trade at market prices. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through brokers. Because Fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of shares (Creation Units), which only certain institutions or large investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. Currently, Creation Units generally consist of 100,000 shares, though this may change from time to time. Creation Units are not expected to consist of less than 50,000 shares. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of fixed income securities closely approximating the holdings of the Fund or a designated basket of non-U.S. currency and/or an amount of U.S. cash.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an Intermediary), WisdomTree Asset Management or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediarys website for more information.
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 51 |
WisdomTree Strategic Corporate Bond Fund
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks a high level of total return consisting of both income and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The fees are expressed as a percentage of the Funds average net assets.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||||
Management Fees |
0.50 | % | ||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses |
0.00 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
0.50 | % | ||
Fee Waivers |
(0.05 | )% | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers* | 0.45 | % |
* | WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. has contractually agreed to limit the Management Fee to 0.45% through at least January 1, 2015. This agreement may be terminated by: (i) the Board of Trustees of the Trust, for any reason at any time, or (ii) by the Adviser, upon 90 days prior written notice to the Trust, effective as of the close of business on the last day of the then-current one-year period. |
Example
The following example is intended to help retail investors compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that such investors would incur over various periods if they invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of the shares at the end of those periods. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that retail investors may pay to buy and sell shares of the Fund. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
$46 | $155 | $275 | $623 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal period, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was 5% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective through investment in debt securities issued by corporate entities that are organized in or maintain their principal place of business in countries throughout the world, including the U.S. The issuers of such debt will include public, private, and state-owned or sponsored corporations. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in Corporate Debt. For these purposes, Corporate Debt includes fixed income securities, such as bonds, notes, money market securities, debt securities linked to inflation rates of local economies, variable or floating rate securities and other debt obligations (such as loan participation notes) of U.S. and non-U.S. corporate issuers. Corporate Debt also includes fixed income securities or debt obligations that are issued by companies or agencies that may receive financial support or backing from local governments. Corporate Debt does not include derivatives. The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF).
The Fund intends to invest in Corporate Debt denominated in U.S. dollars, as well as Corporate Debt issued in non-U.S. currencies. Non-U.S. denominated debt is sometimes referred to as local debt and, for the U.S. investor, provides exposure to the changes in the value of non-U.S. currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund generally intends to hedge the currency exposure of non-U.S. denominated debt back to U.S. dollars to reduce currency risk. Corporate Debt includes debt securities issued by supranational organizations, such as the European Investment Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or International Finance Corporation, or other regional development banks. The Fund may invest to a limited extent in debt securities of foreign governments (also known as sovereign debt).
52 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends to invest in at least three countries and to invest at least 15% of its net assets in issuers outside the United States, which may include Corporate Debt from the following regions and countries: Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America, South America. Up to 15% of the Funds assets may be invested in emerging market countries, though this may change from time to time in response to economic events and changes to the credit ratings of the Corporate Debt of such countries. The Fund employs a structured investment approach that utilizes top down analysis of macroeconomic factors and bottom up analysis of countries and issuers. The Funds credit exposures are monitored and may be modified, reduced or eliminated. The Funds exposure to any single issuer generally will be limited to 10% of the Funds net assets. The Funds exposure to any single country (other than the United States) generally will be limited to 25% of the Funds net assets. The percentage of Fund assets invested in a specific region, country or issuer will change from time to time.
The universe of Corporate Debt currently includes securities that are rated investment grade as well as non-investment grade (commonly referred to as junk bonds). The Fund intends to provide a broad exposure to Corporate Debt and therefore will invest in both investment grade and non-investment grade securities. Securities rated investment grade generally are considered to be of higher credit quality and subject to lower default risk. Although securities rated below investment grade may offer the potential for higher yields, they generally are subject to a higher potential risk of loss.
The Fund attempts to maintain an aggregate portfolio duration of between two and ten years under normal market conditions. Aggregate portfolio duration is important to investors as an indication of the Funds sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Funds with higher durations generally are subject to greater interest rate risk. For example, the value of a fund with a portfolio duration of ten years would be expected to drop by 10% for every 1% increase in interest rates. The Funds actual portfolio duration may be longer or shorter depending upon market conditions. The Fund may also invest in short-term money market securities denominated in U.S. dollars or the currencies of countries in which the Fund invests.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in derivatives, such as swaps and forward currency contracts. A swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange payments based on a reference asset, which may be a currency or interest rate but also may be a single asset, a pool of assets or an index of assets. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The Funds use of derivatives will be underpinned by investments in cash or other liquid assets (typically short-term, high-quality money market securities). The Fund also may enter into repurchase agreements with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases securities or other obligations from a bank or securities dealer and simultaneously agrees to resell them to a counterparty at an agreed-upon date or upon demand and at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased obligations.
The Fund must invest at least 80% of its net assets directly in Corporate Debt. The decision to secure exposure through direct investment in Corporate Debt or indirectly through derivative transactions will be a function of, among other things, market accessibility, credit exposure, tax ramifications and regulatory requirements applicable to U.S. investment companies. If, subsequent to an investment, the Funds 80% requirement is no longer met, the Funds future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy. The Trust will provide shareholders with sixty (60) days prior notice of any change to this policy for the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
You can lose money on your investment in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the section in the Funds prospectus titled Additional Risk Information About the Fund.
n | Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Fund could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. |
n | Market Risk. The trading prices of fixed income securities, currencies, and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. The Funds NAV and market price may fluctuate significantly in response to these and other factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time. |
n | Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of the Funds shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Funds daily NAV, and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV (premium) or less than the NAV (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 53 |
n | Capital Controls and Sanctions Risk. Economic conditions, such as volatile currency exchange rates and interest rates, political events, military action and other conditions may, without prior warning, lead to government intervention (including intervention by the U.S. government with respect to foreign governments, economic sectors, foreign companies and related securities and interests) and the imposition of capital controls and/or sanctions, which may also include retaliatory actions of one government against another government, such as seizure of assets. Capital controls and/or sanctions include the prohibition of, or restrictions on, the ability to own or transfer currency, securities or other assets, which may potentially include derivative instruments related thereto. Capital controls and/or sanctions may also impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, transfer, receive, deliver or otherwise obtain exposure to, foreign securities or currency, negatively impact the value and/or liquidity of such instruments, adversely affect the trading market and price for shares of the Fund, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Cash Redemption Risk. The Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash, triggering security sales. The sale of non-U.S. denominated securities can generate realized foreign exchange losses which could impact the income distributions paid by the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. |
n | Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other instrument or a counterparty to a derivative or other contract may cause such issuer or counterparty to default, become unable to pay interest or principal due or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer or counterparty defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments. |
n | Currency Exchange Rate Risk. While the Fund intends to focus its investment on Corporate Debt denominated in U.S. dollars, the Fund may invest a portion of its assets in investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or in securities that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in such currencies. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of non-U.S. currencies will affect the value of the Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. |
n | Derivatives Risk. The Fund may invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or inflation rate. The return on a derivative instrument may not correlate with the return of its underlying reference asset. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money. In addition to the other risks associated with the use of derivatives described elsewhere in this Prospectus, there are risks associated with the Funds use of forward currency contracts and futures contracts. With respect to forward currency contracts, these risks include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. With respect to futures contracts, these risks include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. |
n | Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in securities and instruments traded in developing or emerging markets, or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and instruments or investments in more developed international markets. For example, developing or emerging market governments may, without prior warning, impose capital controls on the ability to transfer currency, securities or other assets. The Funds ability to access certain developing or emerging markets also may be limited due to a variety of factors, including currency convertibility issues. Such conditions may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities, cause the Funds returns to differ from those available to domestic investors, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund shares, and cause the Fund to decline in value. |
n | Financial Sector Risk. The Fund may invest in companies in the financial sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. This sector can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates, government regulation, the rate of defaults on corporate, consumer and government debt, the availability and cost of capital, credit downgrades and fallout from the housing and sub-prime mortgage crisis. |
n | Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such securities and instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments |
54 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities, including the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability and may be heightened in connection with investments in developing or emerging countries. |
n | Geographic Investment Risk. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in the debt securities of companies or agencies of a single country or region, it is more likely to be impacted by events or conditions affecting that country or region. |
n | Geopolitical Risk. Some countries and regions in which the Fund invests have experienced security concerns, war or threats of war and aggression, terrorism, economic uncertainty, natural and environmental disasters and/or systemic market dislocations that have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on the U.S. and world economies and markets generally, each of which may negatively impact the Funds investments. |
n | High Yield Securities Risk. Higher yielding, high risk debt securities, sometimes referred to as junk bonds, may present additional risk because these securities may be less liquid and present more credit risk than investment grade bonds. The price of high yield securities tends to be more susceptible to issuer-specific operating results and outlook and to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions. |
n | Industrial Investing. The Fund may invest in companies in the industrial sector. The industrial sector can be significantly affected by, among other things, worldwide economic growth, supply and demand for specific products and services, rapid technological developments, and government regulation. |
n | Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of increases in interest rates and other factors, such as perception of an issuers creditworthiness. |
n | Issuer-Specific Risk. Issuer-specific events, including changes in the financial condition of an issuer, can have a negative impact on the value of the Fund. |
n | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will be successful or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
n | Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing in those few issuers, and may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. |
n | Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term. |
n | Sovereign Debt Risk. Bonds issued by governments, sometimes referred to as sovereign debt, present risks not associated with investments in other types of bonds. The government or agency issuing the debt may be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal owed. In such instance, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuing government or agency. In the past, governments of emerging market countries have refused to honor their payment obligations on issued bonds. |
n | Telecommunications Investing. The Fund may invest in companies in the telecommunications sector. The telecommunications sector can be significantly affected by, among other things, government intervention and regulation, technological innovations that make existing products and services obsolete, and consumer demand. |
Fund Performance
The Fund commenced operations on January 31, 2013, and therefore does not have performance history for a full calendar year. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Funds return based on net assets and comparing the Funds performance to a broad measure of market performance.
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Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Western Asset Management Company, Western Asset Management Company Limited and Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. in Singapore serve as the sub-advisers to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
S. Kenneth Leech, Chief Investment Officer, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since January 2014.
Ryan K. Brist, CFA, Head of U.S. Investment Grade Credit, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Michael C. Buchanan, CFA, Head of Credit, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Paul Shuttleworth, Head of Non-U.S. Credit, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. This means that shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NASDAQ, and trade at market prices. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through brokers. Because Fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of shares (Creation Units), which only certain institutions or large investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. Currently, Creation Units generally consist of 100,000 shares, though this may change from time to time. Creation Units are not expected to consist of less than 50,000 shares. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of fixed income securities closely approximating the holdings of the Fund or a designated basket of non-U.S. currency and/or an amount of U.S. cash.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an Intermediary), WisdomTree Asset Management or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediarys website for more information.
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Additional Information About the Funds
Additional Investment Objective Information. Each Funds investment objective has been adopted as a non-fundamental investment policy and may be changed without a vote of shareholders upon at least 60 days prior written notice to shareholders.
Additional Information About the Funds Strategies. The Funds may invest in a variety of swap agreements, including interest rate swaps, inflation-linked swaps, credit default swaps, total return swaps, and currency swaps. A swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange payments based on a reference asset, which may be a currency or interest rate, but also may be a single asset, a pool of assets or an index of assets. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange one currency for another at a future rate. An interest rate swap typically involves the exchange of one interest rate payment for another, such as a floating interest rate payment for a fixed payment. An inflation-linked swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange payments at a future date based on the difference between a fixed payment and a payment linked to the inflation rate at a future date. A credit default swap is an agreement between two parties in which one party makes a series of payments to the other party and, in exchange, receives a payoff in the event the loan defaults. A total return swap is an agreement between two parties in which one party pays a set rate in exchange for the total return of an underlying reference, typically an equity index, loans or bonds. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract.
Temporary Defensive Strategies. Each Fund reserves the right to invest in U.S. government securities, money market instruments, and cash, without limitation, as determined by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. Each Fund also may hedge or minimize its exposure to one or more foreign currencies in response to such conditions. In the event that a Fund engages in temporary defensive strategies that are inconsistent with its investment strategies, the Funds ability to achieve its investment objective may be limited.
Additional Information About the Fixed Income Funds Strategies. The Asia Local Debt Fund, Australia & New Zealand Debt Fund, Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund, Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund, Euro Debt Fund and Strategic Corporate Bond Fund (together, the Fixed Income Funds) intend to provide a broad-based exposure to local currency debt (except the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund, which intends to provide a broad-based exposure to emerging market corporate debt and the Strategic Corporate Bond Fund, which intends to provide a broad-based exposure to corporate debt of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers) and therefore will invest in both investment grade and non-investment grade securities. The degree of credit risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. Investment grade debt securities are generally those rated Baa or higher by Moodys Investors Services, Inc. (Moodys), or equivalently rated by Standard and Poors Corporation (S&P) or Fitch, and typically subject to less credit risk than non-investment grade debt securities. The Funds generally do not expect to have more than 25% of their assets invested in non-investment grade securities, except the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund, which expects to have 65% or more of its net assets invested in investment grade securities and not more than 35% of its net assets invested in non-investment grade securities, and the Strategic Corporate Bond Fund, which expects to have 55% or more of its net assets invested in investment grade securities and not more than 45% of its net assets invested in non-investment grade securities. This may change from time to time based on market conditions and the condition of specific issuers and securities. Within the non-investment grade category, some issuers and instruments are considered to be of lower credit quality and at higher risk of default (commonly referred to as junk bonds). Although these instruments offer the potential for higher yields, they are considered speculative and generally are subject to a higher potential risk of loss. For these purposes, speculative securities are securities rated B or below by Moodys, or equivalently rated by S&P or Fitch, or, if unrated, determined by WisdomTree Asset Management and in the case of the Strategic Corporate Bond Fund, and Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund, the Sub-Adviser, to be of comparable quality. Each Fund will limit its exposure to speculative issuers and securities to no more than 15% of its assets. However, this may change from time to time based on market conditions and the condition of specific issuers and securities.
Additional Information About the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and Strategic Corporate Bond Fund Strategies. The Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and Strategic Corporate Bond Fund may invest in loan participation notes. A loan participation note is a type of short-term debt instrument. They typically are issued by an offshore special purpose vehicle for the purpose of funding a loan by the special purpose vehicle to an offshore corporation or other entity. Loan participation notes are sometimes used by companies in non-U.S. markets to raise money because tax regulations or other laws make it difficult or expensive for such companies to issue debt directly into the global bond market. If the company fails to repay the loan received from the special purpose vehicle, the special purpose vehicle generally will not be able to honor its obligation to repay the notes.
Other Investment Information. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed one third (33 1/3%) of the value of its total assets via a securities lending program through its securities lending agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company, to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions and for other purposes. A securities lending program allows a Fund to receive a portion of the income generated by lending
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its securities and investing the respective collateral. A Fund will receive collateral for each loaned security which is at least equal to the market value of that security, marked to market each trading day. In the securities lending program, the borrower generally has the right to vote the loaned securities, however a Fund may call loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the Funds economic interest in the investment is to be voted upon. Security loans may be terminated at any time by a Fund.
Additional Principal Risk Information About the Funds
This section provides additional information regarding the principal risks described under Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund in the Fund Summaries. Risk information may not be applicable to each Fund. Please consult the Fund Summaries sections to determine which risks are applicable to a particular Fund. Each of the factors below could have a negative impact on Fund performance and trading prices.
Capital Controls and Sanctions Risk. Economic conditions, such as volatile currency exchange rates and interest rates, political events, military action and other conditions may, without prior warning, lead to government intervention (including intervention by the U.S. government with respect to foreign governments, economic sectors, foreign companies and related securities and interests) and the imposition of capital controls and/or sanctions, which may also include retaliatory actions of one government against another government, such as seizure of assets. Capital controls and/or sanctions include the prohibition of, or restrictions on, the ability to own or transfer currency, securities or other assets, which may potentially include derivative instruments related thereto. Levies may be placed on profits repatriated by foreign entities (such as the Funds). Capital controls and/or sanctions may also impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, transfer, receive, deliver or otherwise obtain exposure to, foreign securities or currency, negatively impact the value and/or liquidity of such instruments, adversely affect the trading market and price for shares of the Fund, and cause the Fund to decline in value.
Cash Redemption Risk. Each Funds investment strategy will require it to effect redemptions, in whole or in part, for cash or to otherwise include cash, triggering security sales. The Funds may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause a Fund to recognize capital gains that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Funds may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used exclusively. Additionally, the sale of non-U.S. denominated securities by the Fixed Income Funds triggered by such redemptions may generate realized foreign exchange losses that could impact the income distributions paid by such Funds.
CNH Market Risk. The Chinese Yuan Strategy Fund invests in money market securities and other instruments, including forward currency contracts and swaps, denominated in Chinese yuan that trade and settle in Hong Kong and other markets outside of mainland China, which, taken together, comprise the CNH market. While the CNH market is expected to continue to grow, it is relatively new and may not be as liquid as more established markets. In light of this, the Fund intends to manage its exposure to the CNH market in a prudent manner consistent with its investment objective.
Commodity Country Risk. The Commodity Currency Strategy Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments designed to provide exposure to both the currencies and money market rates available to foreign investors in selected commodity-producing countries. As the demand for, or price of, such commodities increases, money tends to flow into the country. This generally lifts the countrys economic prospects and supports the value of its currency. Conversely, declines in the demand for, or value of, such commodities historically have contributed to declines in the relative value of these countries currencies. Such declines may occur quickly and without warning and may negatively impact the value of the Commodity Currency Strategy Fund and your investment.
Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk. Each Fund intends to engage in investment transactions or enter into derivative or other contracts with third parties (i.e., counterparties). For example, the Funds intend to enter into swap transactions and forward currency contracts. Each Fund bears the risk that the counterparty to such contracts may default on its obligations or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations the Fund will lose money and the value of an investment in Fund shares may decrease. In addition, the Funds may engage in such investment transactions with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Funds exposure to counterparty credit risk.
The financial condition of an issuer of a debt security or other issuer may cause it to default or become unable to pay interest or principal due on the security. A Fund cannot collect interest and principal payments on a security if the issuer defaults. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted in increased concerns about credit risk and exposure. Well-known financial institutions have experienced significant liquidity and other problems and have defaulted on their debt. The degree of credit risk for a particular debt security or other issuer may be reflected in its credit rating. A credit rating is a measure of a bond issuers ability to make timely payments of interest and principal. Rating agencies (such as Moodys, S&P, or Fitch) assign letter designations typically ranging from AAA to A- (lower default risk) through CCC to C (higher default risk) or D (in default). A credit rating of BBB or higher generally is considered investment grade. Credit ratings are subjective, do not remove market risk, and represent the opinions of the rating agencies as to the quality of the securities they rate. Credit
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ratings can change quickly and may not accurately reflect the risk of an issuer. Generally, investment risk and price volatility increase as the credit rating of a security declines. The value of securities of smaller, less well-known issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers. The value of an investment in a Fund may change quickly and without warning in response to issuer defaults and changes in the credit ratings of the Funds portfolio investments.
Each Fund intends to engage in investment transactions or enter into derivative or other contracts with third parties (i.e., counterparties). For example, the Funds intend to enter into forward currency contracts and swap transactions. A Fund bears the risk that the counterparty to such contracts may default on its obligations or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations the Fund will lose money and the value of an investment in Fund shares may decrease. In addition, the Funds may engage in such investment transactions with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Funds exposure to counterparty credit risk. Listed futures contracts can be traded on futures exchanges without material counterparty credit. After a trade is cleared, the exchange is the ultimate counterparty for all contracts, so the counterparty risk on a listed futures contract ultimately is the creditworthiness of the exchanges clearing corporation.
Currency Exchange Rate Risk. Each Fund, except the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and Strategic Corporate Bond Fund, invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or in securities that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in such currencies. While each of the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and Strategic Corporate Bond Fund intends to focus its investment on Corporate Debt denominated in U.S. dollars, each Fund may invest a portion of their assets in investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies or in securities that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in such currencies. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of non-U.S. currencies will affect the value of a Funds investment and the value of your Fund shares. Because a Funds NAV is determined on the basis of U.S. dollars, the U.S. dollar value of your investment in a Fund may go down if the value of the local currency of the non-U.S. markets in which the Fund invests depreciates against the U.S. dollar. This is true even if the local currency value of securities in a Funds holdings goes up. Conversely, the dollar value of your investment in a Fund may go up if the value of the local currency appreciates against the U.S. dollar.
The value of the U.S. dollar measured against other currencies is influenced by a variety of factors. These factors include interest rates, national debt levels and trade deficits, changes in balances of payments and trade, domestic and foreign interest and inflation rates, global or regional political, economic or financial events, monetary policies of governments, actual or potential government intervention, and global energy prices. Political instability, the possibility of government intervention and restrictive or opaque business and investment policies may also reduce the value of a countrys currency. Government monetary policies and the buying or selling of currency by a countrys government may also influence exchange rates. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in a Fund may change quickly and without warning and you may lose money.
Derivatives Risk. Each Fund may invest in derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their performance from an underlying reference asset, such as a commodity, index, interest rate or currency exchange rate. Derivatives include forward currency contracts, futures contracts, currency swaps, interest rate swaps, total return swaps and credit linked notes. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A non-deliverable forward currency contract is a contract where there is no physical settlement of two currencies at maturity. Rather, based on the movement of the currencies, a net cash settlement will be made by one party to the other. The risks of forward currency contracts include but are not limited to the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement for the future sale by one party and the purchase by another of a specified security or instrument at a specified price and time. A currency futures contract is a contract to exchange one currency for another at a specified date in the future at an agreed upon exchange rate. The risks of futures contracts include but are not limited to: (1) the success of the advisers and sub-advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of futures contracts; and (3) no guarantee that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange one currency for another at a future rate. An interest rate swap typically involves the exchange of a floating interest rate payment for a fixed interest payment. A total return swap is an agreement between two parties in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return of a reference asset in return for payments equal to a rate of interest on another reference asset. The risks of swaps include but are not limited to the potential to increase or decrease the overall volatility of the Funds investments and its share price. A credit linked note is a type of structured note whose value is linked to an underlying reference asset or entity. Credit linked notes typically provide periodic payments of interest as well as payment of principal upon maturity. The risks of credit linked notes include but are not limited to default by the issuer and the underlying reference asset or entity. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as market risk and issuer-specific risk. They also involve the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, or that the counterparty to a derivative contract might default on its obligations. Derivatives can be volatile and may be less liquid than other securities. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning, and you may lose money.
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Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in securities and instruments traded in developing or emerging markets or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and instruments. For example, developing and emerging markets may be subject to (i) greater market volatility, (ii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iii) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (iv) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (v) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vi) fewer protections of property rights, (vii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (viii) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Each of these factors may impact the ability of each Fund (except for the Australia & New Zealand Debt Fund and Euro Debt Fund) to buy, sell, transfer, receive, deliver or otherwise obtain exposure to, emerging market securities or currency, negatively impact the value and/or liquidity of such instruments, adversely affect the trading market and price for shares of the Fund, and cause a Fund to decline in value. The volatility of emerging markets may be heightened by the actions (such as significant buying and selling) of a few major investors. For example, substantial increases or decreases in cash flows of funds investing in these markets could significantly affect local securities prices and cause Fund share prices to decline. For these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered speculative.
Euro Investment Risk. The Euro Debt Fund invests primarily in securities denominated in euros, the official currency of the European Union (EU), and thus has significant exposure to the euro and events affecting the euro. Recent market events affecting several of the EU member countries have adversely affected the sovereign debt issued by those countries, and ultimately may lead to a decline in the value of the euro. A significant decline in the value of the euro may produce unpredictable effects on trade and commerce generally and could lead to increased volatility in financial markets worldwide. The adviser and sub-adviser closely monitor the value of the euro and events that may adversely affect the value of the euro, and will make changes to the Funds investment program to the extent necessary to seek to mitigate any adverse effects on the Fund.
Foreign Securities Risk. Each Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. securities and instruments, or in securities that provide exposure to such securities and instruments. Investments in non-U.S. securities and instruments involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in U.S. securities. For example, investments in non-U.S. securities may be subject to risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities may be subject to withholding or other taxes and may be subject to additional trading, settlement, custodial, and operational risks. With respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of government intervention and expropriation or nationalization of assets. Because legal systems differ, there is also the possibility that it will be difficult to obtain or enforce legal judgments in certain countries. Since foreign exchanges may be open on days when a Fund does not price its shares, the value of the securities in a Funds portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able be able to purchase or sell a Funds shares. Conversely, Fund shares may trade on days when foreign exchanges are closed. Each of these factors can make investments in a Fund more volatile and potentially less liquid then other types of investments.
Geographic Investment Risk. To the extent that the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund or Strategic Corporate Bond Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in the debt securities of companies or agencies of a single country or region, it is more likely to be impacted by events or conditions affecting that country or region. For example, political and economic conditions and changes in regulatory, tax, or economic policy in a country could significantly affect the market in that country and in surrounding or related countries and have a negative impact on the Funds performance. Currency developments or restrictions, political and social instability, and changing economic conditions have resulted in significant market volatility. In particular, the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in Russia:
Investments in Russia
Since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has experienced and continues to experience dramatic political and social change. Risks associated with investing in Russia include expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in government decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war or aggression toward other countries, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest, some of which have been evidenced by recent economic and political turmoil in Russia. There is also the potential for unfavorable action such as expropriation, investment restriction, dilution, investment and currency devaluation, default or excessive taxation by the Russian government or any of its agencies or political subdivisions with respect to investments in Russian securities (including ADRs or GDRs) by or for the benefit of foreign entities, including the Fund. In addition, government approval or special licenses (including by the U.S. government) may be required prior to investing (or to continue to invest) in a particular Russian industry and/or issuer and may limit such investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of Russia and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. Additionally, the Russian economy is particularly sensitive to the price of oil and gas on the world market and trade in such commodities, and a decline in price or trade could have a significant impact on the Russian economy.
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Geographic Concentration in Australia and New Zealand. The Australia & New Zealand Debt Fund concentrates its investments in Australia and New Zealand. The Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within these countries and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. The economies of Australia and New Zealand are both heavily dependent on the demand for commodity exports, including agricultural products. As a result, both economies are particularly vulnerable to international commodity prices and global economic slowdowns. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Funds performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund.
Geographic Concentration in Brazil. The Brazilian Real Strategy Fund concentrates its investments in Brazil. The Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political and economic conditions within Brazil and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. The Brazilian economy is sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices and commodity markets. Additionally, the Brazilian economy generally has experienced and may continue to experience high inflation rates. While the Brazilian economy has experienced growth in recent years, there is no guarantee that this growth will continue. The Brazilian government currently imposes significant taxes on the transfer of currency. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Funds performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund.
Geographic Concentration in China. The Chinese Yuan Strategy Fund concentrates its investments in China. The Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within China and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. The government of China maintains strict currency controls in order to achieve economic, trade and political objectives and regularly intervenes in the currency market. The Chinese government places strict regulation on the yuan and manages the yuan so that it has historically traded in a tight range relative to the U.S. dollar. The Chinese government has been under pressure to manage the currency in a less restrictive fashion so that it is less correlated to the U.S. dollar. It is expected that such action would increase the value of the yuan relative to the U.S. dollar. Of course, there can be no guarantee that this will occur, or that the yuan will move in relation to the U.S. dollar as expected. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Funds performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund.
Geographic Concentration in Europe. The Euro Debt Fund concentrates its investments in Europe. The Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within Europe and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. Most developed countries in Western Europe are members of the European Union (EU), and many are also members of the European Monetary Union (EMU), which requires compliance with restrictions on inflation rates, deficits, and debt levels. Unemployment in certain European nations is historically high. In addition, the tight fiscal and monetary controls necessary to join the EMU can significantly affect every country in Europe. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Funds performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund.
Geographic Concentration in India. The Indian Rupee Strategy Fund concentrates its investments in India. The Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within India and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. The Indian government has exercised and continues to exercise significant influence over many aspects of the economy. While the government of India is moving to a more liberal approach, it still places restrictions on the capability and capacity of foreign investors to access and trade rupee directly. While the Indian economy generally has experienced growth in recent years, there is no guarantee that this growth will continue. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Funds performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund.
Geopolitical Risk. Some countries and regions in which the Funds invest have experienced security concerns, war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, natural and environmental disasters and/or systemic market dislocations that have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on the U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Such geopolitical and other events may also disrupt securities markets and during such market disruptions, a Funds exposure to the other risks described herein will likely increase. For example, a market disruption may adversely affect the orderly functioning of the securities markets and may cause a Funds derivatives counterparties to discontinue offering derivatives on some underlying commodities, securities, reference rates or indices, or to offer them on a more limited basis. Each of the foregoing may negatively impact a Funds investments.
High Yield Securities Risk. Each Fixed Income Fund may invest a limited portion of its assets in securities rated lower than Baa by Moodys, or equivalently rated by S&P or Fitch. Such securities are sometimes referred to as high yield securities or junk bonds. Investing in these securities involves special risks in addition to the risks associated with investments in higher-rated fixed income securities. While offering a greater potential for capital appreciation and higher yields, high yield securities typically entail higher price volatility and may be less liquid than securities with higher ratings. High yield securities may be regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Issuers of securities in default may fail to resume principal or interest payments, in which case the Funds may lose their entire investment.
Interest Rate Risk. The market value of fixed income securities, and financial instruments related to fixed income securities, will change in response to changes in interest rates and may change in response to other factors, such as perception
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of an issuers creditworthiness. As interest rates rise, the value of certain fixed income securities is likely to decrease. Similarly, if interest rates decline, the value of fixed income securities is likely to increase. While securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the prices of longer maturity securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates and thus subject to greater volatility than securities with shorter maturities. The average portfolio maturity of a Fund is the average of all the current maturities of the individual securities in the Funds portfolio. Average portfolio maturity is important to investors as an indication of the Funds sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Funds with longer portfolio maturities generally are subject to greater interest rate risk.
Investment in Asia Risk. The Asia Local Debt Funds investments will have significant exposure to Asia. The Commodity Currency Strategy Fund, Emerging Currency Strategy Fund, and Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund also may have significant exposure to Asia. As a result, the Funds will be susceptible to loss due to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that region. While certain Asian economies are exemplars of growth and development others have been and continue to be subject, to some extent, to over-extension of credit, currency devaluations and restrictions, high unemployment, high inflation, decreased exports and economic recessions. Each of these factors may impact the ability of the Funds to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund shares and cause the Funds to decline in value.
Investment Risk. As with all investments, an investment in the Funds is subject to investment risk. Investors in the Funds could lose money, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of an investment, over short or long periods of time. An investment in the Funds is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Issuer-Specific Risk. Changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic or political conditions can affect a securitys or instruments value. The value of securities of smaller, less well-known issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers. Issuer-specific events can have a negative impact on the value of the Funds.
Management Risk. The Funds are actively managed using proprietary investment strategies and processes. Each Fund is subject to active management or security-selection risk and its performance therefore will reflect, in part, the ability of the Sub-Adviser to select investments and to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving a Funds investment objective. The Sub-Advisers assessment of a particular investment, company, sector or country and/or assessment of broader economic, financial or other macro views, may prove incorrect, including because of factors that were not adequately foreseen, and the selection of investments may not perform as well as expected when those investments were purchased or as well as the markets generally, resulting in Fund losses or underperformance. There can be no guarantee that these strategies and processes will produce the intended results and no guarantee that the Funds will achieve their investment objective or outperform other investment strategies over the short- or long-term market cycles. This risk is exacerbated when an investment or multiple investments made as a result of such decisions are significant relative to a Funds net assets.
Market Risk. The trading prices of currencies, fixed income securities and other instruments fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. These factors include events impacting the entire market or specific market segments, such as political, market and economic developments, as well as events that impact specific issuers. A Funds NAV and market price, like security and commodity prices generally, may fluctuate significantly in response to these and other factors. As a result, an investor could lose money over short or long periods of time.
Non-Diversification Risk. Although the Funds intend to invest in a variety of securities and instruments, the Funds will be considered to be non-diversified, which means that they may invest more of their assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. As a result, the Funds may be more exposed to the risks associated with and developments affecting an individual issuer or a smaller number of issuers than a fund that invests more widely. This may increase a Funds volatility and cause the performance of a relatively smaller number of issuers to have a greater impact on the Funds performance.
Offshore Investor Risk. The opportunity for offshore investors, such as the Brazilian Real Strategy Fund, Chinese Yuan Strategy Fund and Indian Rupee Strategy Fund, to access certain markets can be limited due to a variety of factors including government regulations, adverse tax treatment, and currency convertibility issues. These limitations and restrictions may impact the availability, liquidity and pricing of securities designed to provide offshore investors with exposure to such markets. As a result, returns achieved by offshore investors, such as the Funds, could differ from those available to domestic investors in the selected countries.
Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Funds will enter into repurchase agreements only with counterparties that are deemed to present acceptable credit risks, and the collateral securing the repurchase agreements generally will be limited to U.S. government securities and cash. If the market value of the underlying obligations of a repurchase agreement declines, the counterparty must provide additional collateral so that at all times the value of the collateral is greater than the repurchase price of the underlying obligations. Nonetheless, should a counterparty become insolvent or otherwise default, there could be a delay before a Fund is able to liquidate the collateral, which would subject the collateral and the Fund to market risk during that period.
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Sector Risks
The following sector risks apply to the Strategic Corporate Bond Fund and Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund:
Basic Materials Investing. The basic materials sector includes, for example, metals and mining, chemicals and forest product companies. This sector can be significantly affected by, among other things, swift fluctuations in supply and demand for basic materials, commodity price volatility, world economic growth, depletion of natural resources and energy conservation, technological progress, and government regulations, including international political and economic developments, the environmental impact of energy and basic materials operations and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. As the demand for, or prices of, basic materials increase, the value of the Funds investments generally would be expected to also increase. Conversely, declines in the demand for, or prices of, basic materials generally would be expected to contribute to declines in the value of such securities. Such declines may occur quickly and without warning and may negatively impact the value of the Fund and your investment.
Energy Investing. The energy sector can be significantly affected by, among other things: worldwide economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the Middle East, eastern Europe or other oil or gas producing regions, and volatile oil prices. Securities prices for these types of companies are affected by supply and demand, exploration and production spending, world events and economic conditions, swift price and supply fluctuations, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, exchange rates, interest rates, increased competition and technological advances, liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. Companies in this sector may be subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may increase the cost of doing business and limit these companies earnings. A significant portion of revenues of these companies depends on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities. As a result, governmental budget constraints may have a material adverse effect on the stock prices of companies in this sector. Energy companies may also operate in or engage in transactions involving countries with less developed regulatory regimes or a history of expropriation, nationalization or other adverse policies. As the demand for, or prices of, energy increase, the value of a Funds investments generally would be expected to also increase. Conversely, declines in the demand for, or prices of, energy generally would be expected to contribute to declines in the value of such securities. Such declines may occur quickly and without warning and may negatively impact the value of a Fund and your investment.
Financial Sector Risk. The financial sector can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates, government regulation, the rate of defaults on corporate, consumer and government debt, the availability and cost of capital, credit downgrades and fallout from the housing and sub-prime mortgage crisis. Governmental regulation may change frequently and may have significant adverse consequences for companies in the financials sector, including effects not intended by such regulation. The impact of recent or future regulation in various countries on any individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted. In the recent past, deterioration of the credit markets impacted a broad range of mortgage, asset-backed, auction rate, sovereign debt and other markets, including U.S. and non-U.S. credit and interbank money markets, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. A number of large financial institutions have failed, merged with stronger institutions or have had significant infusions of capital, including from the government, and may face future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or increased government intervention. These factors and events have had, and may continue to have, a significant negative impact on the valuations and stock prices of companies in this sector and have increased the volatility of investments in this sector.
Industrial Investing. The industrial sector can be significantly affected by, among other things, worldwide economic growth, supply and demand for specific products and services, rapid technological developments, international political and economic developments, environmental issues, and tax and governmental regulatory policies. As the demand for, or prices of, industrials increase, the value of the Funds investments generally would be expected to also increase. Conversely, declines in the demand for, or prices of, industrials generally would be expected to contribute to declines in the value of such securities. Such declines may occur quickly and without warning and may negatively impact the value of the Fund and your investment.
Telecommunications Investing. The telecommunications sector is characterized by increasing competition and regulation by various regulatory authorities. Challenges facing companies in the telecommunications sector include distressed cash flows due to the need to commit substantial capital to meet increasing competition, particularly in formulating new products and services using new technology, technological innovations that make existing products and services obsolete, and satisfying consumer demand.
Shares of the Funds May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of the shares of each Fund will approximate the Funds NAV, there may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly, including due to supply and demand of the Funds shares and/or during periods of market volatility. Thus, you may pay more (or less) than
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NAV intra-day when you buy shares of a Fund in the secondary market, and you may receive more (or less) than NAV when you sell those shares in the secondary market. If an investor purchases Fund shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV of the Funds shares or sells at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV of the Funds shares, an investor may sustain losses.
Sovereign Debt Risk. The Funds investments in sovereign debt, which includes securities issued or guaranteed by a foreign sovereign government, present risks not associated with investments in other types of bonds. The issuer of the sovereign debt that controls the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest payments when due, and the Funds may have limited recourse against the issuing government or agency in the event of a default. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign debt, and a Funds NAV, may be more volatile than prices of U.S. bonds. In the past, governments of certain emerging market countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest, refused to honor their payment obligations on their sovereign debt, and restructured their indebtedness. The restructuring of sovereign debt may involve obtaining additional credit to finance outstanding obligations and the reduction or rescheduling of payments of interest and principal. As a holder of such sovereign debt, the Funds may be asked to participate in the restructuring of such sovereign indebtedness. There can be no assurance that such restructurings will result in the full repayment of the issuers sovereign debt.
Additional Non-Principal Risk Information
Trading. Although each Funds shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca, Inc. or NASDAQ (each a Listing Exchange) and may be listed or traded on U.S. and non-U.S. stock exchanges other than the Listing Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained. Trading in shares may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Listing Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in shares on the Listing Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to Listing Exchange circuit breaker rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Listing Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of a Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that Fund shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange.
Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Investors buying or selling Fund shares in the secondary market will pay brokerage commissions or other charges imposed by brokers, as determined by that broker. Brokerage commissions are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively small amounts of Fund shares. In addition, secondary market investors will also incur the cost of the difference between the price that an investor is willing to buy shares (the bid price) and the price at which an investor is willing to sell shares (the ask price). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the spread or bid/ask spread. The bid/ask spread varies over time for shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if a Funds shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if a Funds shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Further, increased market volatility may cause increased bid/ask spreads. Due to the costs of buying or selling Fund shares, including bid/ask spreads, frequent trading of Fund shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.
Securities Lending. Although the Funds are indemnified by the Funds lending agent for losses incurred in connection with a borrowers default with respect to a loan, the Funds bear the risk of loss of investing cash collateral and may be required to make payments to a borrower upon return of loaned securities if invested collateral has declined in value. Furthermore, because of the risks in delay of recovery, a Fund may lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price, and the Fund will generally not have the right to vote securities while they are being loaned. These events could also trigger negative tax consequences for a Fund.
Portfolio Holdings Information
Information about the Funds daily portfolio holdings is available at www.wisdomtree.com. In addition, each Fund discloses its complete portfolio holdings as of the end of its fiscal year (August 31) and its second fiscal quarter (February 28) in its reports to shareholders. Each Fund files its complete portfolio holdings as of the end of its first and third fiscal quarters (November 30 and May 31, respectively) with the SEC on Form N-Q no later than 60 days after the relevant fiscal period. You can find the SEC filings on the SECs website, www.sec.gov. A summarized description of the Funds policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds portfolio holdings is available in the Trusts Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
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As investment adviser, WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. (WisdomTree Asset Management or the Adviser) has overall responsibility for the general management and administration of the Trust and each of the Funds. The Adviser is a registered investment adviser with offices located at 380 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10017, and is a leader in ETF management. As of November 30, 2013, WisdomTree Asset Management had assets under management totaling approximately $34 billion. WisdomTree Investments is the parent company of the Adviser. The Adviser provides an investment program for each Fund. The Adviser also arranges for sub-advisory, transfer agency, custody, fund administration, securities lending, and all other non-distribution related services necessary for the Funds to operate.
For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2013, the Funds paid advisory fees to the Adviser, as a percentage of average daily net assets, in the amounts listed below.
Name of Fund | Advisory Fee Rate | |||
Brazilian Real Strategy Fund | 0.45 | % | ||
Chinese Yuan Strategy Fund | 0.45 | % | ||
Commodity Currency Strategy Fund | 0.55 | % | ||
Emerging Currency Strategy Fund | 0.55 | % | ||
Indian Rupee Strategy Fund | 0.45 | % | ||
Asia Local Debt Fund | 0.55 | % | ||
Australia & New Zealand Debt Fund | 0.45 | % | ||
Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund | 0.60 | % | ||
Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund | 0.55 | % | ||
Euro Debt Fund | 0.35 | % | ||
Strategic Corporate Bond Fund | 0.50 | %(1) |
(1) | WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. has contractually agreed to limit the Management Fee to 0.45% through at least January 1, 2015. This agreement may be terminated by: (i) the Board of Trustees of the Trust, for any reason at any time, or (ii) by the Adviser, upon 90 days prior written notice to the Trust, effective as of the close of business on the last day of the then-current one-year period. |
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement for each Fund, WisdomTree Asset Management has agreed to pay generally all expenses of the Funds, subject to certain exceptions. For a detailed description of the Investment Advisory Agreement for the Funds, please see the Management of the Trust section of the SAI. Pursuant to a separate contractual arrangement, WisdomTree Asset Management arranges for the provision of CCO services with respect to each Fund, and is liable and responsible for, and administers payments to the CCO, the Independent Trustees and counsel to the Independent Trustees. WisdomTree Asset Management receives a fee of up to 0.0044% of each Funds average daily net assets for providing such services and paying such expenses. WisdomTree Asset Management provides CCO services to the Trust.
The basis for the Board of Trustees approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement for each Fund, except the Strategic Corporate Bond Fund, is available in the Trusts Annual Report to Shareholders for the period ending August 31, 2012. The basis for the Board of Trustees approval of the Strategic Corporate Bond Funds Investment Advisory Agreement is available in the Trusts Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders for the period ended February 28, 2013.
The sub-adviser to the Funds (except for the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and Strategic Corporate Bond Fund) is Mellon Capital Management Corporation (Mellon Capital). Mellon Capital is a leading innovator in the investment industry and manages global quantitative-based investment strategies for institutional and private investors. As of November 30, 2013, Mellon Capital had assets under management totaling approximately $356 billion. Mellon Capital is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of BNY Mellon. Mellon Capital is a registered investment adviser with offices located at 50 Fremont Street, San Francisco, California 94105. WisdomTree Asset Management pays Mellon Capital for providing sub-advisory services to the Funds.
The sub-advisers to the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and Strategic Corporate Bond Fund are Western Asset Management Company (Western Asset Management), Western Asset Management Company Limited (Western Asset London) and Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. in Singapore (Western Singapore and together with Western
Asset Management and Western Asset London, Western Asset), each of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. Established in 1971, Western Asset Management has offices located at 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California
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91101 and 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018 and acts as investment adviser to institutional accounts, such as corporate pension plans, mutual funds and endowment funds. Founded in 1984, Western Asset London has offices located at 10 Exchange Place, Primrose Street, London EC2A 2EN, England. Western Asset Singapore was founded in 2000 and has offices located at 1 George Street #23-01, Singapore 049145. Western Asset London and Western Asset Singapore provide certain sub-advisory services that relate to currency transactions and investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities and related foreign currency instruments. Each Western Asset office provides services relating to relevant portions of the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and Strategic Corporate Bond Fund as appropriate. As of November 30, 2013, the total assets under management of Western Asset and its supervised affiliates, including Western Asset Management, Western Asset London and Western Singapore, were approximately $450 billion.
Mellon Capital is responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund (except for the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and the Strategic Corporate Bond Fund) and Western Asset is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and the Strategic Corporate Bond Fund. The sub-advisers choose each Funds portfolio investments and place orders to buy and sell the Funds portfolio investments.
The basis for the Board of Trustees approval of the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement for each Fund, except the Strategic Corporate Bond Fund, is available in the Trusts Annual Report to Shareholders for the period ending August 31, 2012. The basis for the Board of Trustees approval of the Strategic Corporate Bond Funds Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Trusts Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders for the period ended February 28, 2013.
WisdomTree Asset Management, as the investment adviser for the Funds, may hire one or more sub-advisers to oversee the day-to-day activities of the Funds. The sub-advisers are subject to oversight by WisdomTree Asset Management. WisdomTree Asset Management and the Trust have obtained an exemptive order from the SEC that permits WisdomTree Asset Management, with the approval of the Independent Trustees of the Trust, to retain unaffiliated investment sub-advisers for each of the Funds without submitting the sub-advisory agreement to a vote of the Funds shareholders. The Trust will notify shareholders in the event of any change in the identity of such sub-adviser or sub-advisers. WisdomTree Asset Management has ultimate responsibility for the investment performance of the Funds due to its responsibility to oversee each sub-adviser and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. WisdomTree Asset Management is not required to disclose fees paid to any sub-adviser retained pursuant to the order.
Mellon Capital. Mellon Capital utilizes teams of investment professionals acting together to manage the assets of each Fund, except the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and the Strategic Corporate Bond Fund. The teams meet regularly to review portfolio holdings and to discuss purchase and sale activity. The teams adjust holdings in each Funds portfolio as they deem appropriate in the pursuit of the Funds investment objective.
The individual members of the team who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each Funds portfolio (except for the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and Strategic Corporate Bond Fund portfolios) are listed below.
David C. Kwan, CFA, is a Managing Director of Mellon Capitals Fixed Income Team and has been a Managing Director of Mellon Capital since 2000. He has also been the Head of the Fixed Income Management Group since 1994. He received his M.B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley in 1990. Mr. Kwan has 23 years of investment experience.
Stephanie Shu, CFA, is a Director of Mellon Capitals Active Fixed Income Team. Ms. Shu has attained the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. She received her M.S. from Texas A&M University and has over 16 years of investment experience.
Zandra Zelaya, CFA, is a Director of Mellon Capitals Fixed Income Team and has been a Director of Fixed Income at Mellon Capital since November 2009. From November 2007 to November 2009 she was a Vice President, Fixed Income at Mellon Capital. Ms. Zelaya joined Mellon Capital in 1997 as a fixed income associate. Throughout the years she has held various positions in the Fixed Income Management Group including Senior Portfolio Manager from 2002 to 2006 and Assistant Vice President from 2006 to November 2007. Ms. Zelaya has attained the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. She graduated with a B.S. from California State University, Hayward. Ms. Zelaya has 18 years of investment experience.
Mr. Kwan and Ms. Shu manage the Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund and Asia Local Debt Fund. Mr. Kwan and Ms. Zelaya manage the Currency Strategy Funds, Euro Debt Fund, and Australia & New Zealand Debt Fund. Each portfolio manager has managed each Fund since inception.
Western Asset. Western Asset utilizes a broad team of portfolio managers, sector specialists and other investment professionals to manage the assets of the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund and Strategic Corporate Bond Fund. In the context of this larger team, senior portfolio managers work together to manage the assets of each Fund, develop and implement investment strategies, and coordinate with other relevant investment team members. The senior portfolio managers meet
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regularly to review portfolio holdings, discuss purchase and sale activity, and adjust holdings in each Funds portfolio as they deem appropriate in the pursuit of the Funds investment objective. The individual members of the investment team who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Funds portfolio are listed below.
S. Kenneth Leech is Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset. As CIO, Mr. Leech leads Western Assets investment efforts and is responsible for the development and the coordination of firmwide investment strategies. Mr. Leech has been employed by Western Asset for 24 years. He attended the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School where he obtained three degrees. Mr. Leechs 37 year money-management career has emphasized fixed-income strategy and interest rate analysis.
Keith J. Gardner is currently Co-Head of Emerging Markets Debt as of April 2014 and has been employed by Western Asset Management since 1994. Prior to that time, he served as a portfolio manager for Legg Mason, Inc. and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for a combined total of eight years. He received his B.S. from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Mr. Gardner has 31 years of investment experience.
Chia-Liang Lian is currently Co-Head of Emerging Markets Debt and Co-Head of Investment Management, Asia (ex-Japan) as of April 2014 at Western Asset. Mr. Lian has 21 years of investment experience, having joined the Firm in 2011 after approximately six years with Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), where he served as Head of Emerging Asia Portfolio Management. Mr. Lian also spent eight years as a sovereign debt strategist at JPMorgan Chase and Merrill Lynch, and four years at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as a senior economist responsible for formulating exchange rate policy. He is based in Western Assets Singapore office, where he oversees the local investment team responsible for the Firms Asian debt. Under his leadership, Western Asset received Benchmark Magazines Best-In-Class House Award in Asia Fixed Income in 2012. Mr. Lian holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and has an undergraduate degree in Economics from the National University of Singapore where he graduated as part of the MAS scholars program.
Matthew C. Duda, CFA, has been a portfolio manager and research analyst at Western Asset Management since 2001. Prior to that time, he was a Vice President and Investment Strategist at Credit Suisse-First Boston Corporation for four years. Mr. Duda has attained the CFA designation. He received his M.A. from New York University and his B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Mr. Duda has 21 years of investment experience.
In addition to Mr. Leech, the individual members of the investment team who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Strategic Corporate Bond Funds portfolio are listed below.
Ryan K. Brist has been the Head of U.S. Investment Grade Credit of Western Asset Management since 2009. Prior to that time, he served as the Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager at Logan Circle Partners, L.P., and Co-Chief Investment Officer/Senior Portfolio Manager at Delaware Investment Advisor for a combined total of nine years. Mr. Brist has 21 years of investment experience.
Michael C. Buchanan is the Head of Credit of Western Asset Management and has been employed as an investment professional with Western Asset Management during the past five years. Mr. Buchanan has 24 years of investment experience.
Paul Shuttleworth has been the Head of Non-U.S. Credit of Western Asset Management Company Limited since 2012. Prior to that time, he served as the Managing Director, Head of Sterling Fixed Income at BlackRock Inc. and Director, Sterling Fixed Income/Head of Pan European Credit at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers for a combined total of eleven years. Mr. Shuttleworth has 28 years of investment experience.
The Trusts SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Managers ownership of shares in the Funds for which they are Portfolio Managers.
Additional Information on Buying and Selling Shares
Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Funds through brokers. Shares of the Funds trade on the Listing Exchange and elsewhere during the trading day and can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other shares of publicly traded securities. When buying or selling shares through a broker, most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges. Shares of the Funds trade under the trading symbols listed on the cover of this Prospectus.
Transactions in Fund shares will be priced at NAV only if you are an institutional investor (e.g., broker-dealer) that has signed an agreement with the Distributor (as defined below) and you thereafter purchase or redeem shares directly from the Fund in Creation Units. As with other types of securities, the trading prices of shares in the secondary market can be affected by market forces such as supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors. The price you pay or receive when you buy or sell your shares in the secondary market may be more or less than the NAV of such shares.
The approximate value of shares of each Fund is disseminated every 15 seconds throughout the trading day by the national securities exchange on which such Fund is listed or by other information providers. This approximate value should not be
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viewed as a real time update of the NAV, because the approximate value may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once per day. The approximate value generally is determined by using amortized cost for securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less, current market quotations and/or price quotations obtained from broker-dealers that may trade in the portfolio securities held by the Funds. The Funds are not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate value and make no warranty as to its accuracy.
Determination of Net Asset Value
The NAV of each Funds shares is calculated each day the national securities exchanges are open for trading as of the close of regular trading, generally 4:00 p.m. New York time (the NAV Calculation Time). NAV per share is calculated by dividing a Funds net assets by the number of Fund shares outstanding.
In calculating its NAV, each Fund generally values its assets on the basis of market quotations, last sale prices, or estimates of value furnished by a pricing service or brokers who make markets in such instruments. Debt obligations with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Fair value pricing is used by the Funds when reliable market valuations are not readily available or are not deemed to reflect current market values. For these purposes, a price based on amortized cost is considered a market valuation. Securities that may be valued using fair value pricing may include, but are not limited to, securities for which there are no current market quotations or whose issuer is in default or bankruptcy, securities subject to corporate actions (such as mergers or reorganizations), securities subject to non-U.S. investment limits or currency controls, and securities affected by significant events. An example of a significant event is an event occurring after the close of the market in which a security trades but before a Funds next NAV calculation time that may materially affect the value of a Funds investment (e.g., government action, natural disaster, or significant market fluctuation). When fair-value pricing is employed, the prices of securities used by a Fund to calculate its NAV may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities.
Transactions in Fund shares will be priced at NAV only if you purchase or redeem shares directly from a Fund in Creation Units. Fund shares are purchased or sold on a national securities exchange at market prices, which may be higher or lower than NAV.
Each of the Fixed Income Funds intends to pay out dividends, if any, on a monthly basis, but in any event no less frequently than annually. The Brazilian Real Strategy Fund, Chinese Yuan Strategy Fund, Commodity Currency Strategy Fund, Emerging Currency Strategy Fund, and Indian Rupee Strategy Fund (together, the Currency Strategy Funds) intends to pay out dividends, if any, on an annual basis.
Each Fund intends to distribute its net realized capital gains, if any, to investors annually. The Funds may occasionally be required to make supplemental distributions at some other time during the year. Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole shares only if the broker through whom you purchased shares makes such option available. Your broker is responsible for distributing the income and capital gain distributions to you.
Shares of the Funds are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company (DTC) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares of each Fund.
Investors owning shares of the Funds are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all shares of the Funds. Participants include DTC, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any securities that you hold in book entry or street name form. Your broker will provide you with account statements, confirmations of your purchases and sales, and tax information.
Delivery of Shareholder Documents Householding
Householding is an option available to certain investors of the Funds. Householding is a method of delivery, based on the preference of the individual investor, in which a single copy of certain shareholder documents can be delivered to investors who share the same address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Householding for the Funds is available through certain broker-dealers. If you are interested in enrolling in householding and receiving a single copy of prospectuses and other shareholder documents, please contact your broker-dealer. If you are currently enrolled in householding and wish to change your householding status, please contact your broker-dealer.
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Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
The Funds have adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Creation Units of Fund shares. Since the Funds are ETFs, only a few institutional investors (known as Authorized Participants) are authorized to purchase and redeem shares directly with the Funds. Because purchase and redemption transactions with Authorized Participants are an essential part of the ETF process and help keep ETF trading prices in line with NAV, each Fund accommodates frequent purchases and redemptions of Creation Units by Authorized Participants. Frequent purchases and redemptions for cash may increase portfolio transaction costs and may lead to realization of capital gains. Frequent in-kind creations and redemptions do not give rise to these concerns. Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order at any time. Each Fund reserves the right to impose restrictions on disruptive, excessive, or short-term trading and may reject purchase orders in such instances.
Investments by Registered Investment Companies
Section 12(d)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 restricts investments by registered investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of each Fund. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Funds beyond the limits set forth in section 12(d)(1), subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in an SEC exemptive order issued to the WisdomTree Trust, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Funds.
The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Funds. Your investment in a Fund may have other tax implications. Please consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of an investment in Fund shares, including the possible application of foreign, state and local tax laws.
Each Fund intends to qualify each year for treatment as a regulated investment company. If it meets certain minimum distribution requirements, a regulated investment company is not subject to tax at the fund level on income and gains from investments that are timely distributed to shareholders. However, a Funds failure to qualify as a regulated investment company or to meet minimum distribution requirements would result (if certain relief provisions were not available) in fund-level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.
Unless your investment in shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:
n | A Fund makes distributions; |
n | You sell shares; and |
n | You purchase or redeem Creation Units (institutional investors only). |
For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally taxable as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains (if any) are determined by how long a Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her Fund shares. Sales of assets held by a Fund for more than one year generally result in long-term capital gains and losses, and sales of assets held by a Fund for one year or less generally result in short-term capital gains and losses. Distributions of a Funds net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends (Capital Gain Dividends) will be taxable as long-term capital gains. For noncorporate shareholders, long-term capital gains are generally subject to tax at reduced rates. Distributions of short-term capital gain will be taxable as ordinary income.
In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax for the year in which they are paid. Certain distributions paid in January, however, may be treated as paid on December 31 of the prior year. Distributions are generally taxable even if they are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund before your investment (and thus were included in the price you paid for your shares).
Dividends and distributions from a Fund and capital gain on the sale of Fund shares are generally be taken into account in determining a shareholders net investment income for purposes of the Medicare contribution tax applicable to certain individuals, estates and trusts.
Unlike many ETFs, the redemption of Creation Units of the Funds generally incorporates a payment of cash by the Funds in addition to, or in place of, the delivery of a basket of securities. To meet this requirement, a Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize income and/or capital gains or losses that it might not have recognized if it had completely satisfied the redemption in-kind. As a result, the Funds may be less tax efficient than if the in-kind redemption process was used.
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 69 |
Distributions (other than Capital Gain Dividends) paid to individual shareholders that are neither citizens nor residents of the U.S. or to foreign entities will generally be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30%, unless a lower treaty rate applies. However, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2014, distributions reported by the Fund as either interest-related dividends or short-term capital gain dividends and paid to a foreign shareholder will be eligible for an exemption from this withholding tax.
The Funds (or financial intermediaries, such as brokers, through which shareholders own Fund shares) generally are required to withhold and to remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and the sale or redemption proceeds paid to any shareholder who fails to properly furnish a correct taxpayer identification number, who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify that he, she or it is not subject to such withholding.
Taxes When Fund Shares Are Sold
Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund shares is generally treated as a long-term gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund shares held for one year or less is generally treated as a short-term gain or loss, except that any capital loss on a sale of shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent that Capital Gain Dividends were paid with respect to such shares. The ability to deduct capital losses may be limited depending on your circumstances.
Taxes on Creation and Redemption of Creation Units
An Authorized Participant having the U.S. dollar as its functional currency for U.S. federal tax purposes that exchanges debt or money market securities or non-U.S. currency for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any amount of cash received by the Authorized Participant in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the exchangers aggregate basis in the debt or money market securities or non-U.S. currency surrendered and any amount of cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units for debt or money market securities or non-U.S. currency will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchangers basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate U.S. dollar market value of the securities or non-U.S. currency plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may assert that a loss that is realized by an Authorized Participant upon an exchange of securities or non-U.S. currency for Creation Units cannot be currently deducted under the rules governing wash sales, or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.
Gain or loss recognized by an Authorized Participant upon an issuance of Creation Units in exchange for non-U.S. currency will generally be treated as ordinary income or loss. Gain or loss recognized by an Authorized Participant upon an issuance of Creation Units in exchange for debt or money market securities, or upon a redemption of Creation Units, may be capital or ordinary gain or loss depending on the circumstances. Any capital gain or loss realized upon an issuance of Creation Units in exchange for debt or money market securities will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the debt or money market securities have been held for more than one year. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of a Creation Unit will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Fund shares comprising the Creation Unit have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, such capital gains or losses are treated as short-term capital gains or losses.
A person subject to U.S. federal income tax who receives non-U.S. currency upon a redemption of Creation Units and does not immediately convert the non-U.S. currency into U.S. dollars may, upon a later conversion of the non-U.S. currency into U.S. dollars, recognize as ordinary gains or losses any gains or losses resulting from fluctuations in the value of the non-U.S. currency relative to the U.S. dollar since the date of the redemption.
Persons exchanging securities or non-U.S. currency for Creation Units should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction. If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many shares you purchased or redeemed and at what price.
Foreign Investments by the Funds
Interest and other income received by a Fund with respect to foreign securities may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If as of the close of a taxable year more than 50% of the total assets of a Fund consist of stock or securities of foreign corporations, the Fund intends to elect to pass through to investors the amount of foreign income and similar taxes (including withholding taxes) paid by the Fund during that taxable year. If a Fund elects to pass through such foreign taxes, then investors will be considered to have received as additional income their respective shares of such foreign taxes, but may be entitled to either a corresponding tax deduction in calculating taxable income, or, subject to certain limitations, a credit in calculating federal income tax.
70 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Foreign Currency Investments by the Funds
As described above, each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company as defined in Section 851 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). One of the requirements that must be satisfied for a Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company is that at least 90% of the Funds gross income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock or securities or currencies and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (the 90% Test). Gains from the sale or other disposition of foreign currencies and other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived from investing in stock, securities, or foreign currencies generally are included as qualifying income in applying the 90% Test. It should be noted, however, that for purposes of the 90% Test, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to issue regulations that would exclude from qualifying income foreign currency gains which are not directly related to a regulated investment companys principal business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect to stock or securities). No regulations have been issued pursuant to this authorization. It is possible, however, that such regulations may be issued in the future and that such regulations could have a negative impact on a Funds ability to qualify as a regulated investment company.
Under the Code, special rules are provided for certain transactions in a foreign currency other than the taxpayers functional currency (i.e., unless certain special rules apply, currencies other than the U.S. dollar). In general, foreign currency gains or losses from forward contracts, from futures contracts that are not regulated futures contracts, and from unlisted options will be treated as ordinary income or loss under the Code. Also, certain foreign exchange gains derived with respect to foreign fixed-income securities are subject to special treatment. In general, any such gains or losses will increase or decrease the amount of a Funds net investment income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or decreasing the amount of the Funds net capital gains. Additionally, if such losses exceed other investment income during a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the Distributor) serves as the distributor of Creation Units for each Fund on an agency basis. The Distributor does not maintain a secondary market in shares of the Funds. The Distributors principal address is 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203. The Distributor has no role in determining the policies of any Fund or the securities that are purchased or sold by any Fund.
Information regarding how often shares of each Fund traded on the Listing Exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the net asset value of the Fund during the past calendar year and most recent calendar quarter can be found at www.wisdomtree.com.
Shares of the Trust are not sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by any listing exchange (the Exchange). The Exchange makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the shares of any Fund. The Exchange is not responsible for, nor has it participated in, the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of the shares of any Fund to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the shares are redeemable. The Exchange has no obligation or liability to owners of the shares of any Fund in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of the shares of the Fund. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Exchange have any liability for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special, or consequential damages even if notified of the possibility thereof.
WisdomTree Investments, WisdomTree Asset Management and the Funds make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of shares of the Funds or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds particularly. WisdomTree Investments is the licensor of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of the Funds.
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds financial performance since inception. The total return in the table represents the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the respective Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Funds financial statements, are included in the Funds Annual Report, which is available upon request.
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 71 |
Financial Highlights
WisdomTree Currency Strategy and Fixed Income Funds
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the year is presented below:
WisdomTree Brazilian Real Strategy Fund |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2012 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2011 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2010 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2009 |
|||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year |
$ | 18.81 | $ | 28.99 | $ | 27.65 | $ | 24.47 | $ | 26.47 | ||||||||||
Investment operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)1 |
(0.07 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.07 | ) | 0.04 | |||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(1.91 | ) | (4.36 | ) | 4.68 | 3.53 | (1.34 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
(1.98 | ) | (4.45 | ) | 4.58 | 3.46 | (1.30 | ) | ||||||||||||
Dividends and distributions to shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
| | | (0.02 | ) | (0.17 | ) | |||||||||||||
Capital gains |
| (5.73 | ) | (3.24 | ) | (0.26 | ) | (0.53 | ) | |||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders |
| (5.73 | ) | (3.24 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.70 | ) | |||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year |
$ | 16.83 | $ | 18.81 | $ | 28.99 | $ | 27.65 | $ | 24.47 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN2 |
(10.53 | )% | (16.14 | )% | 17.98 | % | 14.24 | % | (3.92 | )% | ||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (000s omitted) |
$ | 40,397 | $ | 63,942 | $ | 481,253 | $ | 221,177 | $ | 112,573 | ||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets of: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | ||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
(0.39 | )% | (0.38 | )% | (0.36 | )% | (0.28 | )% | 0.19 | % | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate3 |
N/A | 4 | N/A | 4 | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | ||||||||||
WisdomTree Chinese Yuan Strategy Fund |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2012 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2011 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2010 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2009 |
|||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year |
$ | 25.22 | $ | 25.81 | $ | 24.84 | $ | 25.31 | $ | 25.39 | ||||||||||
Investment operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)1 |
0.00 | 5 | (0.06 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.07 | ) | 0.08 | |||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
1.20 | 0.02 | 1.21 | (0.40 | ) | 0.32 | ||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
1.20 | (0.04 | ) | 1.12 | (0.47 | ) | 0.40 | |||||||||||||
Dividends and distributions to shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
| | | | (0.48 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Capital gains |
(0.20 | ) | (0.55 | ) | (0.15 | ) | | | ||||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders |
(0.20 | ) | (0.55 | ) | (0.15 | ) | | (0.48 | ) | |||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year |
$ | 26.22 | $ | 25.22 | $ | 25.81 | $ | 24.84 | $ | 25.31 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN2 |
4.78 | % | (0.15 | )% | 4.50 | % | (1.86 | )% | 1.58 | % | ||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (000s omitted) |
$ | 215,015 | $ | 267,383 | $ | 567,883 | $ | 586,278 | $ | 136,660 | ||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets of: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | ||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
0.02 | % | (0.22 | )% | (0.34 | )% | (0.28 | )% | (0.36 | )% | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate3 |
N/A | 4 | N/A | 4 | 0 | % | 8 | % | 0 | % |
1 | Based on average shares outstanding. |
2 | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period and redemption on the last day of the period. |
3 | Portfolio turnover rate is not annualized. |
4 | The Fund invested in short-term securities with maturities less than or equal to 365 days. SEC rules exclude such securities from portfolio turnover calculations. |
5 | Amount represents less than $0.005. |
72 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Financial Highlights
WisdomTree Currency Strategy and Fixed Income Funds
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the period is presented below:
WisdomTree Commodity Currency Strategy Fund | For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2012 |
For the
Period September 24, 2010* through August 31, 2011 |
|||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 20.93 | $ | 27.78 | $ | 25.10 | ||||||
Investment operations: |
||||||||||||
Net investment loss1 |
(0.10 | ) | (0.11 | ) | (0.13 | ) | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(1.15 | ) | (1.68 | ) | 2.90 | |||||||
Total from investment operations |
(1.25 | ) | (1.79 | ) | 2.77 | |||||||
Distributions to shareholders: |
||||||||||||
Capital gains |
| (5.06 | ) | (0.09 | ) | |||||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 19.68 | $ | 20.93 | $ | 27.78 | ||||||
TOTAL RETURN2 |
(5.97 | )% | (5.75 | )% | 11.06 | % | ||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ | 15,747 | $ | 25,116 | $ | 80,560 | ||||||
Ratios to average net assets of: |
||||||||||||
Expenses |
0.55 | % | 0.55 | % | 0.55 | %3 | ||||||
Net investment loss |
(0.48 | )% | (0.48 | )% | (0.46 | )%3 | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate4 |
N/A | 5 | N/A | 5 | N/A | 5 | ||||||
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2012 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2011 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2010 |
For the
Period May 6, 2009* through August 31, 2009 |
|||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 20.33 | $ | 22.87 | $ | 21.89 | $ | 21.22 | $ | 19.98 | ||||||||||
Investment operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment loss1 |
(0.10 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(0.57 | ) | (1.38 | ) | 1.92 | 0.94 | 1.26 | |||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
(0.67 | ) | (1.48 | ) | 1.82 | 0.85 | 1.24 | |||||||||||||
Distributions to shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Capital gains |
| (1.06 | ) | (0.84 | ) | (0.18 | ) | | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 19.66 | $ | 20.33 | $ | 22.87 | $ | 21.89 | $ | 21.22 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN2 |
(3.30 | )% | (6.36 | )% | 8.44 | % | 4.01 | % | 6.21 | % | ||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ | 192,628 | $ | 274,521 | $ | 585,411 | $ | 337,106 | $ | 38,200 | ||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets of: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
0.55 | % | 0.55 | % | 0.55 | % | 0.55 | % | 0.55 | %3 | ||||||||||
Net investment loss |
(0.48 | )% | (0.47 | )% | (0.46 | )% | (0.39 | )% | (0.33 | )%3 | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate4 |
N/A | 5 | N/A | 5 | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % |
* | Commencement of investment operations. |
1 | Based on average shares outstanding. |
2 | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
3 | Annualized. |
4 | Portfolio turnover rate is not annualized. |
5 | The Fund invested in short-term securities with maturities less than or equal to 365 days. SEC rules exclude such securities from portfolio turnover calculations. |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 73 |
Financial Highlights
WisdomTree Currency Strategy and Fixed Income Funds
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the period is presented below:
WisdomTree Indian Rupee Strategy Fund |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2012 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2011 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2010 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2009 |
|||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year |
$ | 20.30 | $ | 26.78 | $ | 25.10 | $ | 23.79 | $ | 24.47 | ||||||||||
Investment operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)1 |
(0.08 | ) | (0.08 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.08 | ) | 0.02 | |||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(2.31 | ) | (3.12 | ) | 2.06 | 1.39 | (0.51 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
(2.39 | ) | (3.20 | ) | 1.97 | 1.31 | (0.49 | ) | ||||||||||||
Dividends and distributions to shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
| | | | (0.19 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Capital gains |
| (3.28 | ) | (0.29 | ) | | | |||||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders |
| (3.28 | ) | (0.29 | ) | | (0.19 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year |
$ | 17.91 | $ | 20.30 | $ | 26.78 | $ | 25.10 | $ | 23.79 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN2 |
(11.77 | )% | (11.93 | )% | 7.86 | % | 5.51 | % | (1.97 | )% | ||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (000s omitted) |
$ | 32,230 | $ | 18,273 | $ | 24,104 | $ | 22,586 | $ | 11,893 | ||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets of: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | ||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
(0.39 | )% | (0.37 | )% | (0.34 | )% | (0.29 | )% | 0.09 | % | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate3 |
N/A | 4 | N/A | 4 | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | ||||||||||
WisdomTree Asia Local Debt Fund | For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2012 |
For the
Period March 17, 2011* through August 31, 2011 |
|||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 51.57 | $ | 53.23 | $ | 49.85 | ||||||
Investment operations: |
||||||||||||
Net investment income1 |
1.20 | 1.29 | 0.60 | |||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(3.74 | ) | (2.37 | ) | 3.21 | |||||||
Total from investment operations |
(2.54 | ) | (1.08 | ) | 3.81 | |||||||
Dividends and distributions to shareholders: |
||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(1.34 | ) | (0.58 | ) | (0.43 | ) | ||||||
Capital gains |
(0.28 | ) | | | ||||||||
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders |
(1.62 | ) | (0.58 | ) | (0.43 | ) | ||||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 47.41 | $ | 51.57 | $ | 53.23 | ||||||
TOTAL RETURN2 |
(5.14 | )% | (2.00 | )% | 7.66 | % | ||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ | 493,089 | $ | 422,871 | $ | 660,086 | ||||||
Ratios to average net assets of: |
||||||||||||
Expenses |
0.55 | % | 0.55 | % | 0.55 | %5 | ||||||
Net investment income |
2.34 | % | 2.51 | % | 2.52 | %5 | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate3 |
52 | % | 62 | % | 0 | % |
* | Commencement of investment operations. |
1 | Based on average shares outstanding. |
2 | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
3 | Portfolio turnover rate is not annualized and excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind creations or redemptions of the Funds capital shares. |
4 | The Fund invested in short-term securities with maturities less than or equal to 365 days. SEC rules exclude such securities from portfolio turnover calculations. |
5 | Annualized. |
74 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Financial Highlights
WisdomTree Currency Strategy and Fixed Income Funds
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the period is presented below:
WisdomTree Australia & New Zealand Debt Fund |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 20121 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2011 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2010 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2009 |
|||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year |
$ | 22.54 | $ | 26.31 | $ | 22.24 | $ | 23.68 | $ | 23.53 | ||||||||||
Investment operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)2 |
0.72 | 0.67 | (0.08 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(3.22 | ) | (0.70 | ) | 5.40 | 1.08 | 0.30 | |||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
(2.50 | ) | (0.03 | ) | 5.32 | 1.01 | 0.28 | |||||||||||||
Dividends and distributions to shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(0.47 | ) | (0.69 | ) | | | (0.13 | ) | ||||||||||||
Capital gains |
| (3.05 | ) | (1.25 | ) | (2.45 | ) | | ||||||||||||
Return of capital |
(0.13 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders |
(0.60 | ) | (3.74 | ) | (1.25 | ) | (2.45 | ) | (0.13 | ) | ||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year |
$ | 19.44 | $ | 22.54 | $ | 26.31 | $ | 22.24 | $ | 23.68 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN3 |
(11.42 | )% | 0.76 | % | 24.85 | % | 4.32 | % | 1.30 | % | ||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (000s omitted) |
$ | 40,831 | $ | 45,079 | $ | 52,614 | $ | 17,790 | $ | 9,471 | ||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets of: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | % | ||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
3.29 | % | 2.99 | % | (0.35 | )% | (0.30 | )% | (0.11 | )% | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate5 |
42 | % | 9 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | ||||||||||
WisdomTree Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund | For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 |
For the Period March 8, 2012* through August 31, 2012 |
||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 77.63 | $ | 75.03 | ||||
Investment operations: |
||||||||
Net investment income2 |
3.29 | 1.63 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(4.69 | ) | 2.54 | |||||
Total from investment operations |
(1.40 | ) | 4.17 | |||||
Dividends to shareholders: |
||||||||
Net investment income |
(3.26 | ) | (1.57 | ) | ||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 72.97 | $ | 77.63 | ||||
TOTAL RETURN3 |
(2.00 | )% | 5.64 | % | ||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ | 116,746 | $ | 62,103 | ||||
Ratios to average net assets of: |
||||||||
Expenses |
0.60 | % | 0.60 | %4 | ||||
Net investment income |
4.22 | % | 4.47 | %4 | ||||
Portfolio turnover rate5 |
37 | % | 0 | % |
* | Commencement of investment operations. |
1 | The information reflects the investment objective and strategy of the WisdomTree Dreyfus New Zealand Dollar Fund through October 24, 2011 and the investment objective of the WisdomTree Australia & New Zealand Debt Fund thereafter. |
2 | Based on average shares outstanding. |
3 | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
4 | Annualized. |
5 | Portfolio turnover rate is not annualized and excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind creations or redemptions of the Funds capital shares. |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 75 |
Financial Highlights
WisdomTree Currency Strategy and Fixed Income Funds
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the period is presented below:
WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2012 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2011 |
For the
Period August 9, 2010* through August 31, 2010 |
||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 51.16 | $ | 53.83 | $ | 50.08 | $ | 50.23 | ||||||||
Investment operations: |
||||||||||||||||
Net investment income2 |
2.22 | 2.41 | 2.40 | 0.10 | ||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(5.29 | ) | (3.26 | ) | 3.79 | (0.25 | ) | |||||||||
Total from investment operations |
(3.07 | ) | (0.85 | ) | 6.19 | (0.15 | ) | |||||||||
Dividends and distributions to shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(2.01 | ) | (1.77 | ) | (2.44 | ) | | |||||||||
Capital gains |
(0.15 | ) | (0.05 | ) | | | ||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders |
(2.16 | ) | (1.82 | ) | (2.44 | ) | | |||||||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 45.93 | $ | 51.16 | $ | 53.83 | $ | 50.08 | ||||||||
TOTAL RETURN3 |
(6.41 | )% | (1.45 | )% | 12.64 | % | (0.30 | )% | ||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ | 1,442,209 | $ | 1,197,084 | $ | 1,415,705 | $ | 195,319 | ||||||||
Ratios to average net assets of: |
||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
0.55 | % | 0.55 | % | 0.55 | % | 0.55 | %4 | ||||||||
Net investment income |
4.31 | % | 4.76 | % | 4.65 | % | 3.31 | %4 | ||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate5 |
57 | % | 43 | % | 30 | % | 0 | % | ||||||||
WisdomTree Euro Debt Fund | For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 20121 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2011 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2010 |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2009 |
|||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year |
$ | 21.62 | $ | 23.32 | $ | 20.54 | $ | 23.19 | $ | 24.07 | ||||||||||
Investment operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)2 |
0.34 | 0.35 | 0.05 | (0.01 | ) | 0.35 | ||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
0.61 | (1.61 | ) | 2.73 | (2.64 | ) | (0.63 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
0.95 | (1.26 | ) | 2.78 | (2.65 | ) | (0.28 | ) | ||||||||||||
Dividends and distributions to shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(0.31 | ) | (0.44 | ) | | | (0.60 | ) | ||||||||||||
Capital gains |
(0.20 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders |
(0.51 | ) | (0.44 | ) | | | (0.60 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year |
$ | 22.06 | $ | 21.62 | $ | 23.32 | $ | 20.54 | $ | 23.19 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN3 |
4.37 | % | (5.37 | )% | 13.53 | % | (11.43 | )% | (1.13 | )% | ||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (000s omitted) |
$ | 4,411 | $ | 6,486 | $ | 5,246 | $ | 12,836 | $ | 9,857 | ||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets of: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
0.35 | % | 0.35 | % | 0.35 | % | 0.35 | % | 0.35 | % | ||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
1.51 | % | 1.63 | % | 0.21 | % | (0.03 | )% | 1.61 | % | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate5 |
3 | % | 26 | % | N/A | 6 | N/A | 6 | N/A | 6 |
* | Commencement of investment operations. |
1 | This information reflects the investment objective and strategy of the WisdomTree Dreyfus Euro Fund through October 18, 2011 and the investment objective of the WisdomTree Euro Debt Fund thereafter. |
2 | Based on average shares outstanding. |
3 | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
4 | Annualized. |
5 | Portfolio turnover rate is not annualized and excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind creations or redemptions of the Funds capital shares. |
6 | The Fund invested in short-term securities with maturities less than or equal to 365 days. SEC rules exclude such securities from portfolio turnover calculations. |
76 | WisdomTree Trust Prospectus |
Financial Highlights
WisdomTree Currency Strategy and Fixed Income Funds
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the period is presented below:
WisdomTree Strategic Corporate Bond Fund (formerly, WisdomTree Global Corporate Bond Fund) |
For the
Period January 31, 2013* through August 31, 2013 |
|||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 74.76 | ||
Investment operations: |
||||
Net investment income1 |
1.37 | |||
Net realized and unrealized loss |
(2.08 | ) | ||
Total from investment operations |
(0.71 | ) | ||
Dividends to shareholders: |
||||
Net investment income |
(1.27 | ) | ||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 72.78 | ||
TOTAL RETURN2 |
(0.98 | )% | ||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ | 14,555 | ||
Ratios to average net assets of: |
||||
Expenses, net of expense waivers |
0.45 | %3 | ||
Expenses, prior to expense waivers |
0.50 | %3 | ||
Net investment income |
3.18 | %3 | ||
Portfolio turnover rate4 |
5 | % |
* | Commencement of investment operations. |
1 | Based on average shares outstanding. |
2 | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. For the WisdomTree Strategic Corporate Bond Fund, the total return would have been lower if certain expenses had not been waived by the investment adviser. |
3 | Annualized. |
4 | Portfolio turnover rate is not annualized and excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind creations or redemptions of the Funds capital shares. |
WisdomTree Trust Prospectus | 77 |
WisdomTree Trust
245 Park Avenue, 35th Floor
New York, NY 10167
The SAI provides additional detailed information about the Funds. The Trust has electronically filed the SAI with the SEC. The SAI is incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
Additional information about the Funds investments will be available in the Funds annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the annual report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds performance after the first fiscal year each Fund is in operation.
To make shareholder inquiries, for more detailed information on the Fund or to request the SAI, free of charge, please:
Call: | 1-866-909-9473 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern time) |
Write: | WisdomTree Trust c/o ALPS Distributors, Inc. 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100 Denver, Colorado 80203 | |||
Visit: | www.wisdomtree.com |
Information about the Funds (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SECs Internet site at www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SECs Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations about the Funds and their shares not contained in this Prospectus and you should not rely on any other information. Read and keep this Prospectus for future reference.
©2014 WisdomTree Trust
WisdomTree Funds are distributed by
ALPS Distributors, Inc.
1290 Broadway, Suite 1100
Denver, Colorado 80203
WisdomTree® is a registered mark of WisdomTree Investments, Inc.
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-21864 WIS-PR-001-0614