Desjardins launches a new Alternative Exchange Traded Fund and a separate US$ Hedged Unit Class of the Desjardins Alt Long/Short Equity Market Neutral ETF

Montreal, October 14, 2022 - Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. ("DGAM"), acting as manager and portfolio manager of the Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds ("ETFs"), announces the launch of the new Desjardins Alt Long/Short Global Equity Markets ETF comprising two classes of units, the CA$ hedged units ("DAMG") and the US$ hedged units ("DAMG.U"); and the launch of the new US$ hedged units of the Desjardins Alt Long/Short Equity Market Neutral ETF ("DANC.U"). The new Fund and the new class of units now join the Desjardins Alternative ETFs line-up.

The new Fund and the new class of units have each closed the initial offering of the units listed in the table below and these units will begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) today.

Following the introduction of our Desjardins Alt Long/Short Equity Market Neutral ETF (DANC), DGAM is pleased to offer investors a second actively managed alternative ETF whose strategy seeks to achieve positive returns in both positive and negative market conditions by investing primarily in long and short positions on global equity market indices through futures and ETFs.

The ticker symbols and management fees of the Desjardins Alternative ETFs’ new classes of units that will commence trading on the TSX today will be as follows:

¹ The annual management fees are based on a percentage of the net asset value of the relevant Desjardins Alternative ETF, and are calculated daily and payable monthly in arrears, plus applicable taxes.

Desjardins Alt Long/Short Global Equity Markets ETF (Tickers TSX: DAMG and DAMG.U): The Fund’s objective is to achieve positive returns in both positive or negative equity market conditions. In order to achieve its investment objectives, the Fund primarily invests in long and/or short positions on equity index futures throughout the world and/or equity index ETFs listed in Canada or in the United States, treasury bills, money market instruments or other equivalent short term debt securities, with the objective of maximizing returns with controlled volatility and while maintaining a low correlation to traditional asset classes. Foreign currency exposure is generally hedged back to the currency in which the units are denominated through the use of currency forward contracts.

Desjardins Alt Long/Short Equity Market Neutral ETF - US$ hedged units (Ticker TSX: DANC.U): The Fund seeks to achieve positive returns in both positive or negative equity market conditions. The Fund is diversified in a number of pairs of correlated issuers generally within the same industry sector that neutralize the net market value of long and short positions, thereby reducing sector biases and market exposure. The Fund primarily invests, directly or indirectly, in long and short positions of equity securities of issuers located in Canada and throughout the world, treasury bills, money market instruments or other equivalent short term debt securities. Any foreign currency exposure of the portion of the portfolio of the Fund that is attributable to the US$ Hedged unit class will be hedged back to U.S. dollars.

To obtain additional information about the Desjardins Alternative ETFs, visit the manager’s website at desjardinsETF.com.

The Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds are not guaranteed, their value fluctuates frequently and their past performance is not indicative of their future returns. Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in exchange traded funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. is the manager and portfolio manager of the Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds. The Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds are offered by registered dealers.

The Desjardins Alt Long/Short Equity Market Neutral ETF and the Desjardins Alt Long/Short Global Equity Markets ETF are alternative mutual funds. They can invest in asset classes or use investment strategies that are not permitted for other types of mutual funds. The specific strategies that differentiate these ETFs from other types of mutual funds include the use of cash borrowings for investment purposes, short sales and derivatives. Leverage amplifies gains and losses. While the strategies will be used in accordance with the ETF’s investment objectives and investment strategies, during certain market conditions they may accelerate the pace at which your investment decreases in value.

For more information (media inquiries only):
Public relations, Desjardins Group
514-281-7000 or 1-866-866-7000, ext. 5553436
media@desjardins.com