The latest news in investment offerings, financial products and other services relevant to wealth advisors and their clients.

Franklin Templeton, HSBC
California-based investment manager Franklin Templeton has launched two new funds: the Franklin Diversified Income and Growth Fund and the Franklin Post-Retirement Stable Income Fund. HSBC is serving as the exclusive distributor in Hong Kong for a six-month period. Managed by Ed Perks, Todd Brighton, and Brendan Circle from Franklin Income Investors, the funds are designed to support the evolving retirement needs of investors during different life stages.

As life expectancy continues to rise, retirement planning has evolved beyond simply accumulating wealth, the firm said in a statement. A well-structured retirement investment plan, capable of withstanding the challenges of longevity, inflation, and unforeseen events, is fundamental to achieving sustained financial security.

The newly-launched Hong Kong-domiciled funds, which provide investors with multi-asset exposure, are positioned to meet demand for income while addressing varying levels of financial complexity; this ranges from growth and income needs during the early wealth-building years to the pursuit of stable income in later life. Designed to support an accumulation-focused strategy for investors, the Franklin Diversified Income and Growth Fund offers a diversified portfolio of high-quality dividend and growth equity and fixed income, which seeks to capitalise on US and international opportunities. In contrast, the Franklin Post-Retirement Stable Income Fund is tailored for the decumulation phase with a higher allocation in fixed income versus equity; it aims to offer a lower-volatility investment solution. Both funds use a dynamic and flexible investment approach for managing evolving market conditions.

“Retirement is a dynamic journey, and each stage, characterised by distinct spending patterns and evolving financial needs, demands tailored investment strategies,” Simon Wong, co-head of Hong Kong and head of retail sales, Greater China, Franklin Templeton, said.  â€śAchieving an ideal retirement requires early planning, and the Franklin Diversified Income and Growth Fund is designed for individuals in the early or mid-stages of their careers, seeking income and capital appreciation. For individuals nearing retirement, the Franklin Post-Retirement Stable Income Fund focuses on capital preservation and income generation to support greater financial stability.”

“These funds are designed to balance our clients’ desire for income in monthly payouts, with capital preservation and continued asset growth,” Sami Abouzahr, head of wealth and premier solutions, Hong Kong, and global head of investments and managed solutions, HSBC, said.