Franklin Templeton has expanded its thematic active ETF lineup with the addition of the Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT).
Franklin Templeton has expanded its thematic active ETF lineup with the addition of the Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) for US investors. XDAT seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies focused on or expected to benefit from the use of large data sets and/or the growth of data, including the creation, collection, cleaning, analysing, storage, securing, transport, and/or sale of data. This includes, but is not limited to, cloud computing, data analysis, new security techniques, optical fibre, 5G and datacenter and tower infrastructure.
“We believe the coronavirus pandemic has driven a long-term, structural acceleration of data transformation, improving the quality of businesses,” says Patrick O’Connor, global head of ETFs for Franklin Templeton. “As data continues to become increasingly important in our economy, the launch of XDAT showcases our continued efforts to remain nimble and adapt to the trends and needs of our clients in an evolving marketplace.”
XDAT is listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange (CBOE) and will be actively managed by seasoned portfolio managers Matthew Moberg, CPA and Joyce Lin, CFA within Franklin Equity Group. Both are located near Silicon Valley and have a long history of investing in the craft of innovation.
Matt Moberg, senior portfolio manager with Franklin Equity Group, adds: “In our view, the rapid adoption of technological solutions during the pandemic is just the beginning. As we come to terms with how to live in a post-pandemic world, data is becoming essential to running a business, and those who manage it well have a competitive advantage, especially in the age of socially distancing.”
