Franklin Templeton has announced the launch of three thematic funds focused on dynamic innovations.
The Franklin Disruptive Commerce Fund, Franklin Genomic Advancements Fund and Franklin Intelligent Machines Fund are sub-funds of the Luxembourg-domiciled Franklin Templeton Investment Funds (FTIF) range and will be registered for distribution in more than 10 European countries, including Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Matthew Moberg, portfolio manager at Franklin Equity Group, said: “These three new strategies aim 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.”
Each of the funds will seek long-term capital appreciation by investing in equity securities of companies that are relevant to the fund’s investment theme.
Franklin Disruptive Commerce fund will invest in companies benefitting from emerging areas of the e-commerce space including the sharing economy, that are enabling more convenient, customised, secure, and time-efficient transactions for both consumers and businesses.
The Franklin Genomic Advancements fund will invest in companies involved in the advancements of new genomic-based research techniques and technologies designed to extend or enhance the quality of human life.
Meanwhile, the Franklin Intelligent Machines fund will offer investors access to companies involved in the advancements of machine learning technologies in areas like robotics, driverless vehicles, and algorithmic data analysis.
All three funds will be managed by Moberg who is based in San Mateo, California. He has a speciality in equity research, covering areas across internet, media, and software.
Since the investment team is in close proximity to Silicon Valley, they will have access to a network of industry, finance, and academic contacts.
Julian Ide, head of Emea distribution at Franklin Templeton, said that the firm has noticed “increasing interest” in thematic funds as clients continue to look for strategies that tap into the “structural, longer-term investment opportunity” that innovation offers.
The Franklin Equity Group brings together expertise in managing global, US and sector-specific strategies. The group has $153.9 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2021.
© 2021 funds europe