Franklin Templeton Follows Raging Bull Success with Morningstar Award Win

Managed by London-based Michael Clements, portfolio manager at Franklin Equity Group, the Franklin European Growth Fund aims to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing principally in equity and equity-related securities of any market capitalisation in European countries. The team uses a long-term, bottom-up approach to stock selection, evaluating companies on an individual basis. It tends to be contrarian in style, with its philosophy and process often leading to segments of the market that are out of favour with other investors. The team seeks to take advantage of market volatility to gain exposure to companies with strong and sustainable competitive advantages, solid balance sheets and substantial cash generation, which are trading at low valuations.

 

Morningstar annually recognises unit trusts that have delivered excellent risk-adjusted returns for investors over one year and three year periods. The Morningstar Awards are designed to help investors identify the country’s most exceptional funds and fund managers.

 

The Raging Bull Awards recognise the stars of the collective investment or unit trust industry in terms of top outright performers and best risk-adjusted performers over three years, and the best unit trust management companies.

 

The Templeton Euroland Fund aims to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing mainly in equity and debt securities of European Monetary Union member country governments and companies with at least 75% of its assets in equity securities issued by companies which have their head office in the European Union. It is managed by Dylan Ball, portfolio manager, Templeton Global Equity Group. He is based in Edinburgh, UK.

 

The Franklin Global Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund aims to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing principally in the equity and/or equity related securities of small and mid-cap companies (those with market capitalisation above US$100 million and below US$8 billion) in any developed country in the world. It is managed by Edwin Lugo, portfolio manager, Franklin Equity Group, who is based in New York.

 

Commenting on the Morningstar and Raging Bull nominations and wins, Jo-Anne Bailey, Sales Director and Country Manager, Africa, Franklin Templeton Investments, said:

 

"It is fantastic to see that our funds have been recognised for their strong performance for the sixth consecutive year. These industry accolades underscore Franklin Templeton’s investment expertise in managing regional and global portfolios, which are accessible to South African clients seeking to diversify their investments, and who are looking beyond the local market for attractive opportunities. Given recent volatility, we are seeing increased interest from our investors in global diversification and the benefits of investing offshore. We believe this will continue to be a key focus for investors in the future."