Threadneedle has this week announced plans to roll out the UK Absolute Alpha Fund, adding to its growing stable of absolute return funds. This latest newcits is due to go live in early Q4 2010, with Mark Westwood and Chris Kinder appointed as co-managers. Its launch is yet another indication that institutional investors are developing an appetite for more alpha-driven products. Threadneedle currently has six other newcits in its absolute return range. The strategy will look to replicate the firm’s UK Crescendo Fund by taking L/S equity positions in UK companies. Stock picking will be done using a fundamental and valuation-led approach. Commenting on the launch, Kinder was quoted in the official press release as saying: “This fund enables a broader range of investors to access uncorrelated returns through the cycle.  We are looking forward to monetising the significant opportunities that our research has uncovered on both sides of the book, to deliver value to a broader range of investors.”