Firm beefs up ETF and mutual fund lineup with world-class strategies, including sustainable mandates, from specialist managers
Franklin Templeton Canada has leveraged the expertise of its specialist investment managers to add five funds and five TSX-listed ETFs – with mandates covering infrastructure, emerging markets, and sustainable strategies, to name some – to its product shelf.
“As we continue to significantly transform our Canadian business following Franklin Templeton's acquisition of Legg Mason, we aim to deliver investors specialized investment expertise from our boutique investment managers," said Duane Green, president and CEO, Franklin Templeton Canada.
On or around June 29, Franklin Templeton Canada will launch the Franklin Brandywine Global Sustainable Income Optimiser Active ETF (TSX:FBGO). It will invest primarily in units of Franklin Brandywine Global Income Optimiser Fund, which focuses on fixed-income securities from issuers that have been assessed by Brandywine as sustainable investments.
The Franklin ClearBridge Sustainable Global Infrastructure Income Fund, already available to investors, seeks income and capital appreciation primarily from equity investments in sustainable companies supporting infrastructure assets. Franklin ClearBridge Sustainable Global Infrastructure Income Active ETF (TSX:FCII), which will be listed on the TSX on or around June 29, will invest primarily in the fund.
Also on or around June 29, the Franklin ClearBridge Sustainable International Growth Active ETF (TSX:FCSI) will seek long-term capital appreciation primarily through exposure to international equity securities outside Canada and the U.S. It will invest primarily in Franklin ClearBridge International Growth Fund, which has a five-star Morningstar rating.
Last among the newly announced ClearBridge offerings, the Franklin ClearBridge U.S. Sustainability Leaders Fund, already available, seeks capital growth and above-market returns through investments in established and emerging high-quality companies that address global challenges such as climate change, resource conservation, improving health, and financial inclusion.
Tapping the expertise of Martin Currie, the Franklin Mutual Global Discovery Fund, which will be renamed the Franklin Martin Currie Global Equity Fund on or about July 19, is a high-conviction fund focused on companies with a strong history of high and sustainable returns on invested capital.
Meanwhile, the Franklin Martin Currie Sustainable Emerging Markets Fund, to be launched around the same date, seeks long-term capital appreciation through equity securities of sustainable emerging-market issuers.
The Franklin Martin Currie Sustainable Emerging Markets Active ETF (TSX:FSEM), which will invest in the namesake fund, will be launched the following week on or around July 26, as will the Franklin Martin Currie Sustainable Global Equity Active ETF (TSX:FGSG), which will invest in Franklin Martin Currie Global Equity Fund.
Finally, the Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund will be repositioned as Franklin Royce Global Small Cap Premier Fund on or around August 9. It invests in high-quality small-cap companies around the world that have high returns on invested capital, a discernible competitive advantage, and a sustainable franchise.
Prior the upcoming launches and fund name changes, Franklin Templeton Canada has also announced fee reductions and series changes for the Franklin Mutual Global Discovery Fund and the Franklin Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund.
Special meetings of investors will also be convened on August 27 to hold a vote on modifying investment objectives for the Franklin Brandywine Global Income Optimiser Fund, Franklin ClearBridge International Growth Fund, and the Franklin Martin Currie Global Equity Fund.
