Franklin Templeton Announces Risk Rating Reductions for Certain Franklin LibertyShares ETFs

TORONTO, April 5, 2019 /CNW/ - Franklin Templeton Canada today announced a reduction to the risk ratings of certain Franklin LibertyShares^® ETFs.

Detailed in the table below, these risk rating reductions will be reflected in the ETF's annual prospectus renewal, which is expected to be filed on April 5, 2019.

Fund Name	Ticker	2018 Risk Rating	2019 Risk Rating
Franklin Liberty Core Balanced ETF	FLBA	Low to medium	Low
Franklin LibertyQT International Equity Index ETF	FLDM	Medium	Low to medium
Franklin Liberty Risk Managed Canadian Equity ETF	FLRM	Medium	Low to medium
Franklin Liberty Senior Loan ETF (CAD-Hedged)	FLSL	Low to medium	Low

Franklin LibertyShares, Franklin Templeton's global ETF platform, enables investors to build portfolios aligned to their goals with a range of active, smart beta and passive ETFs. Franklin LibertyShares has more than US$3.5 billion in assets under management globally as of March 31, 2019 and is supported by the strength and resources of one of the world's largest asset managers.

Risk Classification Methodology
The methodology used to determine the risk rating of each fund is based on the CSA's Risk Classification methodology. A summary of this methodology and the investment objectives and strategies of each ETF can be found in the ETF's prospectus, which will become available on or around April 5, 2019. The methodology is also available by contacting our client service team at 1-800-387-0830 or [e-mail].

The risk rating for each ETF is reviewed, at a minimum, on an annual basis, as well as when an ETF undergoes a material change. These changes are the result of an annual review. No material changes have been made to the investment objectives, strategies or management of these ETFs.

About Franklin Templeton                        
Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. (known as Franklin Templeton Canada) is a subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN], a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton. Franklin Templeton's goal is to deliver better outcomes by providing global and domestic investment management to retail, institutional and sovereign wealth clients in over 170 countries. Through specialized teams, the company has expertise across all asset classes, including equity, fixed income, alternatives and custom multi-asset solutions. The company's more than 600 investment professionals are supported by its integrated, worldwide team of risk management professionals and global trading desk network. With employees in over 30 countries, the California-based company has more than 70 years of investment experience and over US$714 billion (over C$939 billion) in assets under management as of February 28, 2019. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.ca.

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SOURCE Franklin Templeton Investments Corp.

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