Another solution for low-volatility, diversified returns

Source: Wind. Statistical period: For 2023 data, calculations begin from the fund’s inception date of 2023-04-19; for 2025 data, calculations end on 2025-06-13. Looking at the underlying major asset weights, the fund allocated early and gradually increased exposure to U.S. equities. It also executed tactical trading in Hong Kong equities—adding positions at the end of 2024 and capturing the DeepSeek-related rally in early 2025. Additionally, since the beginning of this year, it has initiated a small allocation to gold. Below is the fund manager’s summary of overseas allocation strategy from the fund’s official reports. Starting in 2023, the fund began diversifying equity exposure across global markets. As reflected in periodic report summaries, dynamic adjustments were made—for example, reducing exposure to Southeast Asian markets in Q2 2024. Overall trend in overseas asset allocation: • 2023: Global diversification (new allocations to Vietnam, U.S., and Japanese equities); • 2024: Gradual reduction in Southeast Asian market exposure (per Q2 report); overall overseas allocation decreased in the second half; • 2025: Continued reduction in overseas equity exposure. The 2024 annual report first flagged valuation risks in U.S. equities: "With the U.S. presidential transition, global trade tensions may shift, potentially posing challenges to China’s exports. Overseas equity markets—particularly U.S. equities—are trading at historically high valuations, diminishing their risk-adjusted appeal. In contrast, Chinese equities offer comparatively attractive valuations globally, presenting greater opportunity than risk." The fund’s portfolio manager is Wu Xian—a name perhaps less familiar to many investors. My research shows he previously worked as a researcher at State Street Corporation (U.S.) and as an investment advisor at Convergex Financial. This experience likely deepened his expertise in overseas assets. Later, he served as Senior Manager at China Life Insurance Pension Co., Ltd., gaining substantial experience in China’s insurance asset management sector—and thus familiarity with domestic markets. Regarding GF Franklin Fund Management—the fund company itself—many investors may not be well acquainted with it. The firm exhibits a 'small but excellent' profile: though its product lineup is compact, its long-term performance remains consistently solid. Indeed, several of its funds have appeared in my prior tracking of product 885001. Moreover, GF Franklin is a Sino-foreign joint venture, with Franklin Templeton—the foreign shareholder—being a globally renowned asset manager boasting over 70 years of investment experience. This partnership likely enables the firm to fully leverage its shareholder’s overseas research and investment resources. Below is Grok’s summary of Franklin Templeton: Franklin Templeton ranks among the top-tier U.S. asset managers, distinguished by its $1.58 trillion in AUM, extensive global network, fixed-income expertise, and strategic acquisitions—providing significant competitive advantages. Through innovation and integration, it maintains robust market leadership, effectively serving diverse investor needs. Key strengths include: • Scale & Diversification: Manages $1.58 trillion across equities, fixed income, alternative investments, and multi-asset strategies—offering broad investment choice. • Global Reach: Operates in multiple countries, serving both retail and institutional clients—and attracting international investors.

Investing is sometimes about seeking opportunities amid crises!

Investing is sometimes about seeking opportunities amid crises! When investors stop considering stock fundamentals and rush to sell indiscriminately, bargain hunters readily recognize how rare such investment opportunities truly are. What one should genuinely do is buy—not sell. Blood on the streets is the best time to buy—even your own blood. Your investment objective is to enhance long-term returns—not hastily dump stocks. Keep that goal firmly in sight. Benjamin Franklin once said: "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." ……………………………………………………………………… I am currently reading Chapter 6, page 101 of this book… Sir John Templeton is a globally renowned investment master. In 1999, Money magazine named him one of the "Greatest Stock Pickers of the 20th Century." In 2006, Templeton was jointly honored by The New York Times—as one of the "Top Ten Global Fund Managers of the 20th Century"—alongside Warren Buffett, Peter Lynch, and Benjamin Graham. Forbes hailed him as the "Father of Global Investing" and "one of history’s most successful fund managers." Clearly, Templeton enjoys towering prestige and influence within the investment community. The Templeton Growth Fund, founded by John Templeton in November 1954, delivered extraordinary results: a $10,000 initial investment would have grown to $2 million by 1992—the year of Templeton’s retirement—achieving a 14.5% annualized return over 38 years. This outperformed the broader market by an average of 3.7% per year—a remarkable one-third margin—making its track record exceptionally rare in the industry. Upon retiring and selling the fund company in 1992, Templeton oversaw $21.3 billion in assets under management. ……………………………………………………………………… John Templeton’s contrarian investment philosophy: • Maintain composure when other investors overreact to bad news; • Become a "bargain hunter": buy stocks dumped by emotionally driven sellers—and later sell those same stocks back to them when they grow impatient; • Think globally: expand your inventory of undervalued stocks worldwide; • Employ diversification to mitigate risk and protect your portfolio; • Select stocks based on quantitative principles—not qualitative judgment; • Adopt investment strategies resilient enough to withstand any market condition. ……………………………………………………………………… John Templeton’s distinctive investment methods: 1. Buy at the point of maximum pessimism: Immediately purchase commodities or securities when prices hit a "point of maximum pessimism." The paper wealth generated by financial markets is illusory and fleeting. Impulsive business behavior—combined with poor savings habits—leaves most investors financially unstable and prone to missing golden opportunities. 2. Emphasize frugality: Use creative methods to save money. A stable, comfortable life goes hand-in-hand with disciplined saving. One of Templeton’s core investment principles was paying cash for everything he bought. Throughout his life, he never took out a mortgage, never borrowed to buy a car—and even during economic downturns, always maintained ample savings to see him through.

Franklin Templeton Files Schedule 13G Disclosing 5% Stake in Albemarle Corp

3 days ago

Franklin Templeton Inc. filed a Schedule 13G with the SEC disclosing beneficial ownership of 6,051,982 shares, representing 5% of Albemarle Corporation's common stock.

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