Franklin Templeton has expanded its actively managed fixed income exchange-traded fund (ETF) offerings with the introduction of the Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) on Nasdaq, trading under the ticker WABF. Managed by Western Asset, a prominent fixed income and investment manager within the Franklin Templeton group, WABF aims to optimize total returns while maintaining prudent investment management and liquidity. It achieves this by investing in various fixed income securities, including corporate debt, government securities, asset-backed securities, and mortgage-backed securities, among others. Additionally, it has the flexibility to invest in derivatives, such as swaps and options.
Patrick O’Connor, Head of Global ETFs for Franklin Templeton, noted the increasing demand for active management in the fixed income space as investors seek to navigate changing macroeconomic conditions. The launch of WABF strengthens Franklin Templeton’s position in the active fixed income ETF market, which now includes 14 offerings spanning different credit and duration profiles.