New Templeton funds for SA

Johannesburg - Franklin Templeton Investments South Africa said on Friday the Financial Service Board (FSB) had registered two more funds from its international range - the FTIF Templeton Frontier Markets Fund and the FTIF Franklin Natural Resources Fund.

The Templeton Frontier Markets Fund was launched in October 2008 and is managed by Mark Mobius. The Franklin Natural Resources Fund is managed by Fred Fromm and was established in July 2007.

"We are delighted by the FSB registration of these two well proven products," said Michael King, director: Africa of Franklin Templeton Investments.

"Registration follows the recent relaxation of foreign exchange regulation and comes at a time when many South African investors are eager to pursue opportunities for offshore diversification."

Financial Services Board registration enables Franklin Templeton Investments South Africa to market the funds locally and open them to South African investors.