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UK PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS – IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION
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You must read this before proceeding, as it explains both the legal and regulatory restrictions which apply to the information contained and investment products referred to within this Website.
- This Website is directed only at individuals resident within the United Kingdom and the information provided is not for distribution outside the United Kingdom. None of the information, whether in part or full, should be copied, reproduced or redistributed in any form nor should it be regarded as an offer or a solicitation of an offer for investment in countries outside the United Kingdom. No shares or units in these products or funds may be offered or sold to US Persons (as more fully defined in the latest Fund prospectus) or in any other country, state or jurisdiction where it would be unlawful to offer, solicit an offer for or sell such shares or units.
- The information on this Website is issued and approved by Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited and does not, in any way, constitute investment advice. Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
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- The prices of shares and units and income there from can go down as well as up, and you may not get back the full amount invested. Past performance not an indicator, nor a guarantee of future performance. Currency fluctuations may affect the value of overseas investments. When investing in a fund denominated in a foreign currency, performance may also be affected by currency fluctuations. Where a fund invests in derivative instruments, this entails specific risks that may increase the risk profile of the fund and are more fully described in the Fund’s prospectus and in the relevant KIID. Where a fund invests in a specific sector or geographical area, the returns may be more volatile than a more diversified fund. Emerging Markets can be more risky than developed markets.
- Subscriptions for shares or units in any Franklin Templeton Investments product or fund can be made only on the basis of the current prospectus, the relevant Key Investor Information Document (“KIID”), accompanied by the latest available audited annual report and the latest semi-annual report if published thereafter (or other offering document) for that product or fund which more fully describes the investment risks. All or most of the protections provided by the UK regulatory system will not apply to investors in the Franklin Templeton Investment Funds or Franklin Templeton Shariah Funds.The investment activities for Franklin Templeton Shariah Funds will be undertaken in accordance with the Shariah Guidelines. As a consequence, the performance of a Fund may possibly be lower than other investment funds that do not seek to strictly adhere to the Islamic investment criteria. The requirement to “purify” cash holdings or dividend income will likely result in payments being made to charities. The return to investors will be reduced by the amount of such payments.
- This website is intended to be of general interest only and does not constitute legal or tax advice nor is it an offer for shares or invitation to apply for shares of any of Franklin Templeton Investments’ fund ranges. Nothing in this website should be construed as investment advice. Franklin Templeton Investments has exercised professional care and diligence in the collection of information in this website. However, data from third party sources may have been used in its preparation and Franklin Templeton Investments has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. Opinions expressed are the author’s at the publication date and they are subject to change without prior notice. Given the rapidly changing market environment, Franklin Templeton Investments disclaim responsibility for updating this material. Any research and analysis contained in this website has been procured by Franklin Templeton Investments for its own purposes and is provided to you only incidentally. Franklin Templeton Investments shall not be liable to any user of this website or to any other person or entity for the inaccuracy of information or any errors or omissions in its contents, regardless of the cause of such inaccuracy, error or omission.
Portfolio Holdings for Non-US Funds/Non-US Advisers - From time to time Franklin Templeton Resources Inc (FRI) and its subsidiaries, partnerships, joint ventures and related and affiliated business entities (“FTI”) may provide you with a partial listing of portfolio securities including but not limited to top contributors and detractors to portfolio performance owned by one or more non-US domiciled funds that are registered or passported with local regulatory authorities and are sponsored by FTI (each a “Fund” and together “Funds”) and any such additional information relating to the Fund(s) that may not otherwise be publicly disseminated. Such listing of portfolio securities and any other non-public information is subject to the following terms and conditions below and is herein referred to as “Holdings Information”.
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- Purchase or sell any portfolio securities listed in the Holdings Information on the basis of any information contained in Holdings Information;
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- You shall not be bound by the provisions of confidentiality contained in this Agreement if such Holdings Information 1) is or becomes publicly known through no act or omission of the Financial Institution, its employees, agents or subcontractors; 2) is lawfully disclosed to you by a third party without restriction and without any obligation of confidentiality; 3) is required to be disclosed by any Governmental body, regulatory body (including without limitation any relevant securities exchange) or court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise pursuant to any statutory or regulatory obligation.
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- Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as creating a joint venture, partnership or employment relationship between the parties, it being understood that the parties are independent contractors vis-à-vis one another. Except as specified herein, no party shall have the right, power or implied authority to create any obligation or duty, express or implied, on behalf of any other party hereto.
- YOU SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD ANY AND ALL FTI PERSONS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL COSTS, EXPENSES, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, DAMAGES, PENALTIES TO WHICH ANY SUCH PARTY MAY BECOME SUBJECT INCLUDING REASONABLE LEGAL AND OTHER SUCH PROFESSIONAL FEES INCURRED IN INVESTIGATING AND DEFENDING OR APPEALING PENDING OR THREATENED CLAIMS, ACTIONS, SUITS, PROCEEDINGS, ARBITRATIONS, AMOUNTS PAID IN SETTLEMENT THEREOF (COLLECTIVELY “EXPENSES”) DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT SAVE WHERE SUCH EXPENSES RESULTED DIRECTLY FROM OUR GROSS NEGLIGENCE, FRAUD OR WILFUL MISCONDUCT.
- The Agreement: (i) may be modified or supplemented by FTI at anytime upon reasonable notice to You; (ii) shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of FTI and You; and (iii) shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom.
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Institutional Investor Terms & Conditions
UK INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS - IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION
THIS AREA OF THE WEBSITE IS INTENDED FOR UK INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS. IT IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC. FOR INFORMATION ON PRODUCTS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, PLEASE REFER TO THE RETAIL INVESTORS SECTION OF THIS WEBSITE.
I CONFIRM THAT I AM A PROFESSIONAL INVESTOR, HAVE READ THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND WISH TO PROCEED
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
You must read this before proceeding, as it explains both the legal and regulatory restrictions which apply to the information contained and investment products referred to within this Website.
- This Website is directed only at individuals resident within the United Kingdom and the information provided is not for distribution outside the United Kingdom. None of the information, whether in part or full, should be copied, reproduced or redistributed in any form nor should it be regarded as an offer or a solicitation of an offer for investment in countries outside the United Kingdom. No shares or units in these products or funds may be offered or sold to US Persons (as more fully defined in the latest Fund prospectus) or in any other country, state or jurisdiction where it would be unlawful to offer, solicit an offer for or sell such shares or units.
- The information on this Website is issued and approved by Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited and does not, in any way, constitute investment advice. Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
- This site uses cookies to improve your online experience. Sites like ours store small text files on your computer when you visit. We use this information to monitor traffic and look for ways to improve the services we offer at www.franklintempleton.co.uk. The cookies we use don't include any information about your personal identity or your accounts. Your browser must accept at least a session cookie to use all the features on this site. For instructions on disabling these files, please visit our cookie policy.
- The prices of shares and units and income there from can go down as well as up, and you may not get back the full amount invested. Past performance is not an indicator, nor a guarantee of future performance. Currency fluctuations may affect the value of overseas investments. When investing in a fund denominated in a foreign currency, performance may also be affected by currency fluctuations. Where a fund invests in derivative instruments, this entails specific risks that may increase the risk profile of the fund and are more fully described in the Fund’s prospectus and in the relevant KIID. Where a fund invests in a specific sector or geographical area, the returns may be more volatile than a more diversified fund. Emerging Markets can be more risky than developed markets.
- Subscriptions for shares or units in any Franklin Templeton Investments product or fund can be made only on the basis of the current prospectus, the relevant Key Investor Information Document (“KIID”), accompanied by the latest available audited annual report and the latest semi-annual report if published thereafter (or other offering document) for that product or fund which more fully describes the investment risks. All or most of the protections provided by the UK regulatory system will not apply to investors in the Franklin Templeton Investment Funds or Franklin Templeton Shariah Funds. The investment activities for Franklin Templeton Shariah Funds will be undertaken in accordance with the Shariah Guidelines. As a consequence, the performance of a Fund may possibly be lower than other investment funds that do not seek to strictly adhere to the Islamic investment criteria. The requirement to “purify” cash holdings or dividend income will likely result in payments being made to charities. The return to investors will be reduced by the amount of such payments.
- This website is intended to be of general interest only and does not constitute legal or tax advice nor is it an offer for shares or invitation to apply for shares of any of Franklin Templeton Investments’ fund ranges. Nothing in this website should be construed as investment advice. Franklin Templeton Investments has exercised professional care and diligence in the collection of information in this website. However, data from third party sources may have been used in its preparation and Franklin Templeton Investments has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. Opinions expressed are the author’s at the publication date and they are subject to change without prior notice. Given the rapidly changing market environment, Franklin Templeton Investments disclaim responsibility for updating this material. Any research and analysis contained in this website has been procured by Franklin Templeton Investments for its own purposes and is provided to you only incidentally. Franklin Templeton Investments shall not be liable to any user of this website or to any other person or entity for the inaccuracy of information or any errors or omissions in its contents, regardless of the cause of such inaccuracy, error or omission.
Portfolio Holdings for Non-US Funds/Non-US Advisers - From time to time Franklin Templeton Resources Inc (FRI) and its subsidiaries, partnerships, joint ventures and related and affiliated business entities (“FTI”) may provide you with a partial listing of portfolio securities including but not limited to top contributors and detractors to portfolio performance owned by one or more non-US domiciled funds that are registered or passported with local regulatory authorities and are sponsored by FTI (each a “Fund” and together “Funds”) and any such additional information relating to the Fund(s) that may not otherwise be publicly disseminated. Such listing of portfolio securities and any other non-public information is subject to the following terms and conditions below and is herein referred to as “Holdings Information”.
- You are an authorised representative of a bank, broker-dealer, insurance company, registered investment adviser or other professional client (together, “Financial Institutions”) engaged in business activities outside the United States (a “Non-US Adviser”) and the Financial Institution has authorised you to access and use the Holdings Information. You are deemed to have read, understood and accepted the terms and conditions and you further agree that all provisions of this Agreement are equally binding upon you and the Financial Institution. IF YOU ARE NOT AUTHORISED TO ACCESS HOLDINGS INFORMATION OR YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT YOU SHOULD NOT ACCEPT HOLDINGS INFORMATION.
- You undertake to keep the Holdings Information strictly confidential, regardless of the Holdings Information form or whether the Holdings Information is marked or identified as proprietary or confidential. You also agree not to disclose or disseminate the Holdings Information to any third party and to treat the Holdings Information as nonpublic and proprietary, and you further acknowledge that the Holdings Information constitutes a valuable asset of FTI, the Funds and Fund shareholders. You recognise that adverse consequences may result for Fund shareholders if the Holdings Information is used for inappropriate trading purposes. In addition, FTI may reasonably request that you make available to FTI all research produced on the Funds.
- You will not:
- Purchase or sell any portfolio securities listed in the Holdings Information on the basis of any information contained in Holdings Information;
- Trade against the Funds or knowingly engage in any trading practices that are adverse to FTI or the Funds on the basis of the Holdings Information; and
- Trade in shares of any US registered investment company sponsored by FTI that is substantially similar to the Fund.
- You will use your best efforts to take all appropriate action and otherwise satisfy your obligations under this Agreement and to prevent the misuse of the Holdings Information. You will immediately notify FTI if you learn of any use of the Holdings Information by any employees, agents or clients that would otherwise violate this Agreement. You acknowledge that damages alone would not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and, accordingly, without prejudice to any and all other rights or remedies, you acknowledge that FTI or any Fund or F-T Fund to which the Holdings Information pertains shall be entitled to the remedies of injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief for any threatened or actual breach of the provisions of this Agreement.
- You shall not be bound by the provisions of confidentiality contained in this Agreement if such Holdings Information 1) is or becomes publicly known through no act or omission of the Financial Institution, its employees, agents or subcontractors; 2) is lawfully disclosed to you by a third party without restriction and without any obligation of confidentiality; 3) is required to be disclosed by any Governmental body, regulatory body (including without limitation any relevant securities exchange) or court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise pursuant to any statutory or regulatory obligation.
- The Agreement shall remain in effect for so long as you access the Holdings Information from FTI. FT may terminate this Agreement immediately if this Agreement conflicts with any laws, rules or relevant regulatory interpretations. Upon termination, you shall continue to take reasonable measures to prevent the disclosure or dissemination of the Holdings Information. You acknowledge that the Holdings Information may be utilised for damaging purposes, such as duplicating FTI’s proprietary investment and trading strategies, techniques and methodologies. As a result, your nondisclosure obligations and the prohibition on your dissemination of the Holdings Information to any third party shall survive this Agreement’s termination. To the extent of any conflict between this Agreement and any other agreement between you and FTI, then this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute an amendment to such other agreement.
- This Agreement may not be assigned by you, and you may not delegate its duties hereunder, without the prior written consent of FTI. All of the terms and provisions contained herein shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and assigns. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as creating any obligation or any expectation on the part of either party to enter into a business relationship with the other party, or an obligation to refrain from entering into a business relationship with any third party.
- Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as creating a joint venture, partnership or employment relationship between the parties, it being understood that the parties are independent contractors vis-à-vis one another. Except as specified herein, no party shall have the right, power or implied authority to create any obligation or duty, express or implied, on behalf of any other party hereto.
- YOU SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD ANY AND ALL FTI PERSONS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL COSTS, EXPENSES, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, DAMAGES, PENALTIES TO WHICH ANY SUCH PARTY MAY BECOME SUBJECT INCLUDING REASONABLE LEGAL AND OTHER SUCH PROFESSIONAL FEES INCURRED IN INVESTIGATING AND DEFENDING OR APPEALING PENDING OR THREATENED CLAIMS, ACTIONS, SUITS, PROCEEDINGS, ARBITRATIONS, AMOUNTS PAID IN SETTLEMENT THEREOF (COLLECTIVELY “EXPENSES”) DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT SAVE WHERE SUCH EXPENSES RESULTED DIRECTLY FROM OUR GROSS NEGLIGENCE, FRAUD OR WILFUL MISCONDUCT.
- The Agreement: (i) may be modified or supplemented by FTI at anytime upon reasonable notice to You; (ii) shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of FTI and You; and (iii) shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom.
United Kingdom
Aramco’s Share Sale May Revitalise Saudi IPO PipelineNov 4, 2019
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Investments entail risks, the value of investments can go down as well as up and investors should be aware they might not get back the full value invested.
The listing of Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company could kick-start the kingdom’s initial public offering pipeline, according to our Bassel Khatoun and Salah Shamma. They discuss what the deal could mean for Saudi Arabia and the implications it has for global capital markets.
Bassel Khatoun
Chief Investment Officer
MENA Equities
Franklin Templeton Investments (ME) Limited
Franklin Local Asset Management
Salah Shamma
Head of Investment,
MENA Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity
Saudi Aramco’s initial public offering (IPO) is significant not just because of the company’s valuation at US$1.5-$2 trillion, but also for the opportunity it presents to kick-start the kingdom’s long-awaited privatization program. We believe this could reinvigorate the Saudi stock exchange IPO market.
Floating 5%–10% of Aramco should be a transformational deal for Saudi Arabia, in our view. A successful Aramco listing on the Saudi stock exchange (Tadawul) would provide a much-needed shot of confidence for local investors. It could also be the nudge required to bring even more Saudi companies to market. The Saudi authorities have an ambitious target of increasing the number of listed companies on the Tadawul from 193 to 250 by 2022.
We believe Saudi Aramco’s IPO is a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision. In our view, the broader privatization of state assets will likely accelerate the flow of foreign capital into Saudi Arabia, improve liquidity and transparency as well as continue to help diversify its economy away from its dependency on oil. The Saudi government has said it wants to raise as much as US$200 billion through privatizations in the coming years. This includes the kingdom’s target of generating US$9 billion-$11 billion from the privatization of assets by 2020, spanning sectors including health, water, transportation, education, municipalities, energy, sports and communication.1
Only two IPOs were completed on the Tadawul in the second quarter of this year, compared with four in the same period in 2018.2 We feel a broader representation of different Saudi sectors on the Tadawul is needed to deepen the stock market and make it more “investable” in the eyes of international investors.
The “halo effect” of Aramco’s share sale on the country’s IPO market should not be underestimated. It’s not a stretch to imagine that with the international investor spotlight firmly on Saudi Arabia, and Aramco specifically, more local firms in the kingdom will likely look favorably on pursuing life as a publicly listed company.
It is worth noting too the significant impact that Aramco’s IPO will have on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s capital markets and the wider emerging market universe.
Assessing the Wider Impact
As of October 29, the MENA region accounts for 4.4% of the MSCI Emerging Market Index, with Saudi Arabia making up 2.4% of the index following its inclusion.3 This weighting should further increase to 5% when Kuwait is included in 2020. And, with Aramco likely to list 5% of the company over time, this would by our estimations add up to 1.8 percentage points to MENA’s MSCI emerging-market representation. The MENA region’s overall weighting would reach close to 7%, and consequently put it on par with the likes of Emerging Europe, Brazil, South Africa and India.4
By bringing more local companies to market, there’s an opportunity to bolster levels of corporate governance and transparency in the country as listed corporates come under the careful watch of market regulators and investors. Another upside of listing assets that were previously government-owned is that IPOs can attract large, strategic investors, often global in focus, who can bring fresh thinking and innovative ways of running a business.
What’s Next?
In general, we believe that as Saudi Arabia’s privatization program gains momentum, the flow of foreign capital into Saudi Arabia will likely accelerate, helping increase stock market liquidity and further improve levels of corporate governance and transparency.
Rules and regulations governing IPOs in Saudi Arabia are also evolving. Work on the ground in Saudi Arabia continues at an impressive pace to eradicate some of the hurdles companies face when contemplating an IPO. The country’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) should be applauded for the hard work it has undertaken over the previous few years in making the Tadawul more accessible and attractive to global investors, meaning investors in the kingdom should continue to benefit from a more institutionalized and liquid stock market.
Recently issued regulations aimed at allowing companies from other Gulf countries to cross-list on the Tadawul is further proof of the forward-thinking approach that the Saudi regulator is adopting to help grow and develop the stock market. This is exactly the type of innovative behavior that will, over time, encourage more companies to eye a listing on the Saudi stock market. But the momentum for change can’t stop here and there’s still plenty of scope for further reforms.
A successful Aramco listing, in our view, would highlight just how far the local market has come in such a short space of time. The IPO could also be the much-needed catalyst to carry out other future marquee privatizations laid out in the country’s Vision 2030 strategy. We believe this latest development bodes well for the development of Saudi Arabia’s stock market and reinforces the kingdom’s reputation as a rising star within the emerging market universe.
Important Legal Information
The comments, opinions and analyses presented herein are for informational purposes only and should not be considered individual investment advice or recommendations to invest in any security or to adopt any investment strategy. Because market and economic conditions are subject to rapid change, comments, opinions and analyses are rendered as of the date of the posting and may change without notice. The material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region, market, industry, investment or strategy.
The companies and case studies shown herein are used solely for illustrative purposes; any investment may or may not be currently held by any portfolio advised by Franklin Templeton Investments. The opinions are intended solely to provide insight into how securities are analyzed. The information provided is not a recommendation or individual investment advice for any particular security, strategy, or investment product and is not an indication of the trading intent of any Franklin Templeton managed portfolio. This is not a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any industry, security or investment and should not be viewed as an investment recommendation. This is intended to provide insight into the portfolio selection and research process. Factual statements are taken from sources considered reliable, but have not been independently verified for completeness or accuracy. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an offer for any particular security. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Data from third-party sources may have been used in the preparation of this material and Franklin Templeton (“FT”) has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. FT accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss arising from use of this information, and reliance upon the comments, opinions and analyses in the material is at the sole discretion of the user. Products, services and information may not be available in all jurisdictions and are offered by FT affiliates and/or their distributors as local laws and regulations permit. Please consult your own professional adviser for further information on availability of products and services in your jurisdiction.
What Are the Risks?
All investments involve risks, including the possible loss of principal. Investments in foreign securities involve special risks including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments. Investments in emerging markets, of which frontier markets are a subset, involve heightened risks related to the same factors, in addition to those associated with these markets’ smaller size, lesser liquidity and lack of established legal, political, business and social frameworks to support securities markets. Because these frameworks are typically even less developed in frontier markets, as well as various factors including the increased potential for extreme price volatility, illiquidity, trade barriers and exchange controls, the risks associated with emerging markets are magnified in frontier markets. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions.
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1. Source: Saudi Government, October 2018.
2. Franklin Templeton estimate, based on calculation of index weighting.
3. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index captures large- and mid-cap representation across 24 emerging-markets countries. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot directly invest in them. They do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. MSCI makes no warranties and shall have no liability with respect to any MSCI data reproduced herein. No further redistribution or use is permitted. This report is not prepared or endorsed by MSCI. Important data provider notices and terms available at www.franklintempletondatasources.com.
4. PwC IPO Monitor Report, 2019.