London-based NewSmith Capital Partners is preparing to launch a UCITS III offering, using an investment strategy that will target emerging market equities. Given that most hedge funds operating in this space tend to be smaller and therefore less inclined to pursue a cost-intensive ucits wrapper, the NewSmith Emerging Markets Absolute Return Fund will prove a rare exception. With investor interest still strong in emerging markets it should be well received. Hedgeweek understands that the fund will launch in September with USD60 million in seed capital. Fund Manager Simon Roberts was unfortunately unavailable to comment.