Franklin Templeton has launched a new actively managed ETF in Canada providing exposure to the firm’s Global Growth strategy which has been available in mutual fund format since 2001.

Franklin Templeton has unveiled two new ETFs in Europe that provide exposure to European and US equity markets while tracking low carbon indices designed in accordance with the Paris Agreement – a framework to limit global warming to below 2°C. Julie Moret, Global Head of ESG, Franklin Templeton, said, “The EU Climate Benchmark regulation suggests we will see a significant uplift in the adoption of climate-aligned investments across European markets with investors moving away from the notion that they are niche products to building portfolios with sustainable finance at their core.”

By Jason Xavier, Head of EMEA ETF Capital Markets at Franklin Templeton Investments.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought validity to what feels like a 30-year initiation for the ETF wrapper.

Franklin Templeton has expanded its range of actively managed fixed income ETFs with the launch of an ultra-short bond fund. The Franklin Liberty Ultra Short Bond ETF (FLUD US) has listed on NYSE Arca and comes with an expense ratio of 0.15%. Patrick O’Connor, Global Head of ETFs for Franklin Templeton, said, “FLUD provides investors with diversification in the ultra-short investment category and seeks a higher yield potential than traditional cash investments with limited additional risks.”

Franklin Templeton has expanded its suite of actively managed fixed income ETFs in the US with the launch of a fund providing exposure to Treasury securities. The Franklin Liberty US Treasury Bond ETF (FLGV US) has listed on NYSE Arca and comes with an expense ratio of 0.09%. Patrick O’Connor, Global Head of ETFs for Franklin Templeton, commented, “The launch of FLGV further exemplifies our steadfast belief that active management is critical to achieving investor goals in fixed income.”

Jason Xavier, Head of EMEA ETF Capital Markets at Franklin Templeton Investments, debunks some of the recent criticisms directed towards fixed income ETFs and explains how ETFs have lived up to expectations during this period of heightened market volatility.

Franklin Templeton has reduced the management fees charged on three Franklin LibertyShares ETFs listed in Canada. The funds include an actively managed multi-factor ETF as well as two ETFs providing smart beta exposure to emerging market equities and global dividend payers. Duane Green, President and CEO, Franklin Templeton Canada, commented, “We are cognizant of the market volatility and remain committed to providing Canadians competitive pricing for our ETFs.”

The US Federal Reserve recently announced a number of measures to support the economy and markets amid the coronavirus crisis. One involves the purchase of fixed income ETFs. David Mann, Head of Capital Markets, Global ETFs, at Franklin Templeton, shares his thoughts on the subject, and what he thinks is the best way to support the corporate bond market through these purchases.

Investors certainly have had to face both volatility and uncertainty these past few weeks given coronavirus concerns and other geopolitical risks. David Mann, Head of Capital Markets, Global ETFs at Franklin Templeton, talks about the difference between the two through the lens of ETF trading.

Franklin Resources, parent of Franklin Templeton, has agreed to acquire investment manager Legg Mason for $4.5 billion cash. The acquisition, which also sees Franklin assimilate Legg Mason’s affiliates, is expected to create a $1.5 trillion asset management company of which about $7.5bn is in ETF assets. Jenny Johnson, President and CEO of Franklin Templeton, said, “This acquisition will add differentiated capabilities to our existing investment strategies with modest overlap”.