Franklin Templeton Dynamic PE Ratio FoF - A Fund Among Funds

Investing is all about striking the perfect balance between risk and returns for your portfolio by choosing the right mixof equity and debt. While most funds have pre-defined asset allocation, which classifies them as equity or debt funds, some have the best of both worlds as per the demands of the situation.

Franklin Templeton Dynamic PE Ratio FoF is an asset allocation fund of funds, which invests in turn in two schemes of its own fund house, viz. the Franklin India Bluechip Fund and Templeton India Income Fund. Both these schemes are commendable players in the category. The fund shuffles its portfolio between these two funds on a dynamic basis, depending on the P/E at which the equity markets are trading. For example, for a P/E between 0-12, the fund would invest 90-100 per cent of its assets in equity and the rest in debt. The highest PE band it has set is that of 28 and above, where the fund may invest 90-100 per cent in debt only.

The fund’s strategy has augured well for its investors. At a time when most asset allocation funds have failed to make a mark, this fund has been ruling the charts, and its charm has led to the fund size swelling to more than `1500 crore. There is no debate with regard to its performance numbers too. The fund has beaten its peer average by close to 100 per cent for the past five years’ performance. Its strategy clicked well even during the turbulent period of 2008, and it shed just -25.5 per cent in the year as against the 52.45 per cent fall witnessed by the Sensex. At a time when the interest rates are expected to peak out, FIIs are expected to return to the emerging markets. With uncertainty looming over the markets, this fund has proven to be one of the most credible options to invest in.