What is the  FLFR ETF ?
5 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

What is the FLFR ETF ?

In the world of finance and investing, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have gained immense popularity. They offer investors a convenient way to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of assets without the need for individual stock selection. One such ETF that has caught the attention of investors is the FLFR ETF. In this article, we will provide an in-depth overview of the FLFR ETF, its underlying components, benefits, and considerations before investing.

FLFR ETF: Overview

The FLFR ETF, formally known as [ETF NAME], is a passively managed ETF that seeks to closely replicate the performance of the FTSE France Capped Index. The fund invests at least 80% of its assets in the component securities of the FTSE France Capped Index, which comprises French large- and mid-capitalization stocks. Maintained and calculated by FTSE Russell, the index is weighted based on free float-adjusted market capitalization, and issuer weights are capped to prevent excessive concentration in any single company. As of May 31, 2023, the index consisted of 71 securities with varying capitalizations.

FLFR ETF Underlying and Exposure: What Does It Track and How?

The FLFR ETF aims to replicate the FTSE France Capped Index using a passive or indexing investment approach. This can be achieved through either a replication strategy or a representative sampling strategy. In the case of replication, the fund invests in all the component securities of the index in their respective weightings. However, under certain circumstances, it may not be practical to replicate the index entirely. In such cases, a representative sampling strategy is employed, where the fund selects securities that closely resemble the risk factors, performance attributes, and other characteristics of the index. Additionally, the FLFR ETF may utilize equity futures, equity total return swaps, foreign currency forward contracts, and currency futures contracts to enhance returns and better track the performance of the underlying index. These tools provide opportunities to equitize cash, manage currency exposure, and simulate investments in the index.

FLFR overlap What is the  FLFR ETF ?FLFR overlap What is the FLFR ETF ?

FLFR ETF: Benefits to Invest in This ETF

Investing in the FLFR ETF offers several advantages for investors:
Diversification: The ETF provides exposure to a broad basket of French equities, reducing single-stock risk and promoting portfolio diversification.
Cost-Effective: With a passive investment approach, the FLFR ETF typically has lower expense ratios compared to actively managed funds, making it cost-effective for long-term investors.
Liquidity: Being listed and traded on exchanges, ETFs like FLFR offer high liquidity, allowing investors to buy or sell shares easily during market hours.
Transparency: ETFs disclose their holdings daily, enabling investors to know exactly what assets they are invested in.

FLFR ETF: Considerations Before Investing

While the FLFR ETF has its merits, investors should also consider certain factors before investing:
Market Risks: Like all equity investments, the FLFR ETF is subject to market fluctuations and volatility. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Currency Risk: The fund's exposure to foreign assets may expose investors to currency fluctuations, which can impact overall returns.
Industry Concentration: The ETF may concentrate its investments in specific industries, mirroring the index's concentration, which could lead to sector-specific risks.
Non-Diversification: The FLFR ETF is classified as "non-diversified," which means it may invest a significant portion of its assets in a smaller number of issuers, leading to heightened company-specific risk.

Conclusion:

The FLFR ETF provides investors with an opportunity to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of French stocks, offering several benefits such as diversification, cost-effectiveness, and liquidity. However, like all investments, it comes with its own set of risks and considerations. Before investing, investors should carefully evaluate their financial goals, risk tolerance, and the suitability of the ETF in their portfolio.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

FLFR ETF issuer
FLFR ETF official page

FLFR quote and analysis

Discover the top holdings, correlations, and overlaps of ETFs using our visualization tool.
Our app allows you to build and track your portfolio.
To learn more about the FLFR Franklin FTSE France ETF, access our dedicated page now.

Get started

FAQ

  • What is the FLFR ETF?

    The FLFR ETF, also known as the Fund of Funds ETF, is an actively-managed exchange-traded fund that seeks to achieve its investment objective by primarily investing in a portfolio of other exchange-traded vehicles (ETFs) that provide exposure to various asset classes in different regions, countries, and sectors around the globe.

  • How does the FLFR ETF work?

    The FLFR ETF operates by investing at least 80% of its total assets in affiliated and unaffiliated ETFs and other exchange-traded products (ETPs) that satisfy specific Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) characteristics. The selection of these Underlying Vehicles is based on macro-economic research, ESG factors, and fundamental macroeconomic and financial analysis conducted by the Fund's investment sub-advisor, Richard Bernstein Advisors, LLC (RBA).

  • What types of assets are included in the FLFR ETF?

    The FLFR ETF's portfolio consists of various investment asset classes, including equity and fixed income securities, real estate, commodities, currencies, and cash and cash equivalents. It seeks to achieve diversification by investing in a wide range of foreign countries and markets, including developed and emerging markets, based on RBA's assessment of their potential for positive returns.

  • What is the target asset allocation of the FLFR ETF?

    The expected long-term target allocation of the FLFR ETF is 65% in equity securities and 35% in fixed income securities. However, the actual asset allocation may vary depending on market conditions, and RBA has the discretion to manage the Fund's portfolio within this target allocation.

  • How are the Underlying Vehicles selected for the FLFR ETF?

    RBA selects the Underlying Vehicles based on quantitative screening, risk analysis, and qualitative review to achieve desired market exposures. These vehicles are chosen from ETFs and ETPs that consider ESG factors as part of their investment process, and they typically consider positive-screening ESG factors such as environmental, social, and governance assessments.