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”.

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

Investors’ appetite across the globe for ETFs was strong in 2019 and shows little sign of slowing. The tailwind for ETFs going into not only a new year but a new decade couldn’t be stronger. Last year, global ETF assets under management surpassed $6 trillion, and in Europe, we broke $1 trillion in AUM. I’ve identified some themes that could continue/materialize in 2020 for ETFs globally.

Franklin Templeton has expanded its actively managed line-up with the addition of its first alternative ETF. The Franklin Liberty Systematic Style Premia ETF (FLSP US) seeks to deliver absolute return – positive returns in rising or falling markets – by employing a multi-asset, long/short strategy. Patrick O’Connor, Global Head of ETFs for Franklin Templeton Investments, commented, “We are thrilled to bring our first alternative ETF to the market. FLSP is unique due to our intentional focus on building an alternative investment while seeking to minimize any correlation to traditional equity and fixed income asset classes.” The fund has listed on NYSE Arca and comes with an expense ratio of 0.65%.