The FTGF Putnam US Research fund is available to retail investors in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Franklin Templeton today announced the introduction of Putnam Investments’ strategies in Asia, beginning with the launch of the FTGF Putnam US Research fund in Singapore and Hong Kong.

The firm plans to introduce a range of Putnam’s flagship strategies across the region, according to a statement by the California-headquartered asset manager.

The FTGF Putnam US Research fund has been authorised by the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong for retail investors and registered as an authorised scheme for retail investors in Singapore.

The fund offers investors US large-cap equity exposure, focusing on stock selection as the primary driver of active return and maintains a sector-neutral portfolio backed by Putnam Investments’ research capabilities, including analysts based in Boston, London, and Singapore.

Putnam Investments joined Franklin Templeton’sgroup of specialist investment managers in 2024. Its capabilities cover value, core and growth strategies across US large, small, and multi-caps, as well as global, non-US and dedicated sustainable investment strategies.

Christian Bucaro, head of wealth for Asia, Franklin Templetoncommented: “We are delighted to broaden investor access to Putnam’s compelling investment strategies, starting with the FTGF Putnam US Research Fund, which seeks to achieve smoother relative performance through volatile markets and can offer complementary exposures to client portfolios.”

He added: “Despite ongoing market volatility, US equities remain a cornerstone of global portfolios, currently comprising over 70% of the MSCI World Index. The US market remains highly relevant for both global and equity-focused investors over the long term.

Kate Lakin, portfolio manager and director of research, Putnam Investments said: “The FTGF Putnam US Research Fund’s sector-neutral portfolio, relative to the S&P 500 index, seeks to generate differentiated alpha through its construction of individually managed sleeves.”