SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Franklin Templeton today announced the expansion of its active ETF lineup with the addition of three thematic ETFs: Franklin Disruptive Commerce ETF (BUYZ), Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF (HELX) and Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM).
“We are thrilled to bring our first thematic ETFs to market. BUYZ, HELX and IQM are focused on investing in innovative companies within each theme – e-commerce, genomics and intelligent machines,” said Patrick O’Connor, global head of ETFs for Franklin Templeton. “These new ETFs leverage the investment team’s deep history and expertise in the craft of investing in innovation from our headquarters in the heart of Silicon Valley.”
“These three new ETFs seek to capture powerful, multi-industry, and distinct long-term trends that we believe should have a large impact on our economy and our daily lives. Franklin Templeton has been investing in innovation for over half a century and what sets us apart is our belief that innovation exists across all sectors of the economy and that seeking out the right companies requires an active approach,” said Matthew Moberg, portfolio manager with the Franklin Equity Group.
Each thematic ETF seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of companies that are relevant to the fund’s respective investment theme:
Franklin Disruptive Commerce ETF (BUYZ) invests in companies benefitting from or facilitating advancements in emerging areas of the e-commerce space that are enabling more convenient, customized, secure and time-efficient transactions for both consumers and businesses.
Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF (HELX) invests in companies benefitting from or facilitating advancements of new genomic-based research techniques and technologies designed to extend and enhance the quality of human and other life, driven by the advent of cost-effective and rapid gene sequencing.
Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM) invests in companies benefitting from or facilitating advancements of machine learning technologies in areas like robotics, driverless vehicles and algorithmic data analysis.
BUYZ, HELX and IQM are listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) and will be actively managed by portfolio managers Matthew Moberg, CPA®, and Joyce Lin, CFA®, within Franklin Equity Group, thus not seeking to replicate the performance of a specified index.
Franklin LibertyShares, the firm’s global ETF platform, enables investors to pursue their desired outcomes through a range of active, smart beta and passive ETFs. LibertyShares has more than $6 billion in assets under management globally as of January 31, 2020 and is supported by the strength and resources of one of the world’s largest asset managers. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com/etfs. Visit Franklin LibertyShares’ Capital Markets Corner for insights on ETF investing and follow Franklin LibertyShares on Twitter: @libertyshares.
Important Information about the Funds
All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. The Funds’ investment strategies incorporate the identification of thematic investment opportunities and their performance may be negatively impacted if the investment manager does not correctly identify such opportunities or if a theme develops in an unexpected manner. By concentrating their investments in consumer discretionary related industries and health care related industries, respectively, the Franklin Disruptive Commerce ETF and Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF carry much greater risk of adverse developments and price movements in such industries compared to a fund that invests in a wider variety of industries. By focusing on particular sectors, including technology, the Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF carries greater risk of adverse developments in such sectors than a fund that always invests in a wider variety of sectors. Special risks are associated with foreign investing, including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments. As non-diversified funds, the Funds may invest in a relatively small number of issuers and, as a result, be subject to greater risk of loss with respect to its portfolio securities. These and other risks are discussed in each Fund's prospectus.
ETFs trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below the ETF’s net asset value. Brokerage commissions and ETF expenses will reduce returns.
ETF shares may be bought or sold throughout the day at their market price, not their Net Asset Value (NAV), on the exchange on which they are listed. Shares of ETFs are tradable on secondary markets and may trade either at a premium or a discount to their NAV on the secondary market.
Investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment goals, risks, charges and expenses before investing. To obtain a summary prospectus and/or prospectus, which contains this and other information, talk to your financial advisor, call us at (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236 or visit franklintempleton.com. Please carefully read a prospectus before you invest or send money.
About Franklin Templeton
The funds’ principal underwriter is Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton. Franklin Templeton’s goal is to deliver better outcomes by providing global and domestic investment management to retail, institutional and sovereign wealth clients in over 170 countries. Through specialized teams, the company has expertise across all asset classes—including equity, fixed income, alternative and custom solutions. The company’s more than 600 investment professionals are supported by its integrated, worldwide team of risk management professionals and global trading desk network. With offices in more than 30 countries, the California-based company has more than 70 years of investment experience and approximately $688 billion in assets under management as of January 31, 2020. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com.
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