Janus Henderson Launches Research-Driven Active Core ETF on London Stock Exchange

Janus Henderson has officially listed its Global Research-Engineered Equity Active Core UCITS ETF (USD) Acc on the London Stock Exchange, offering UK and European investors a new actively managed vehicle designed to outperform the MSCI World Index while maintaining tight risk controls.

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By ETFWorld.co.uk

Ignacio De La Maza, Head of EMEA & LatAm Client Group at Janus Henderson

The ETF, identified by ISIN IE000Y3FZEN4, carries a competitive total expense ratio (TER) of 0.30% and is structured as an accumulating share class denominated in US dollars. It is domiciled in Luxembourg and forms part of Janus Henderson’s expanding suite of active UCITS ETFs .

A Hybrid Approach: Active Insights, Passive Discipline

Unlike traditional passive ETFs that mechanically replicate an index, this fund blends Janus Henderson’s deep fundamental equity research with a disciplined, benchmark-aware portfolio construction process. The investment strategy leverages insights from the firm’s global team of sector analysts, who collaborate extensively to identify high-conviction stock ideas.

These insights feed into a portfolio optimisation engine that prioritises stock selection while actively minimising unintended sector or factor risks. The result is a diversified, broadly sector-neutral portfolio targeting a tracking error of 1.25% to 1.75% relative to the MSCI World Index—a clear signal that the fund aims for consistent, risk-managed outperformance rather than high-conviction bets .

Portfolio Construction and Investment Universe

The fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in equity securities or depositary receipts issued by companies in global developed markets. It may allocate up to 15% to emerging market equities, providing strategic flexibility. The portfolio typically holds between 125 and 275 positions and will not fall below 125 holdings, ensuring diversification across company sizes and industries .

To manage currency risk, the ETF employs forward FX contracts, particularly relevant for its hedged share classes (though the listed USD Acc class is unhedged). Derivatives may also be used for risk reduction purposes, and the fund may hold cash for liquidity management or during periods of market stress .

ESG Integration and SFDR Classification

In alignment with European regulatory standards, the ETF is classified under SFDR Article 8, meaning it promotes environmental or social characteristics. The strategy incorporates robust ESG exclusions—screening out companies involved in controversial weapons, tobacco, thermal coal, and other sectors inconsistent with sustainability principles. Additionally, the portfolio maintains a minimum 15% allocation to sustainable investments, reinforcing its responsible investment mandate .

Strategic Context

This launch underscores Janus Henderson’s commitment to expanding its active ETF platform in Europe. The firm has recently introduced several active UCITS ETFs, reflecting growing investor demand for strategies that combine the transparency and efficiency of ETFs with the potential alpha generation of active management .

For advisors and institutional investors seeking a core equity holding that offers both active insight and controlled deviation from the benchmark, the Janus Henderson Global Research-Engineered Equity Active Core UCITS ETF presents a compelling option—one grounded in decades of research and calibrated for today’s complex market environment.

Source : ETFWorld.co.uk