Markets evolve. So should your core.
When markets shift, portfolios need to adapt. Franklin Core Equity Funds offer a modern approach to core investing—strategies built to reward investors with more of what works, and less of what doesn't.
Combining systematic analysis with fundamental research, these strategies allow for more precise investment decisions, engineered to produce more predictable and intentional outcomes. It's a way to make your core feel more like the driver of your portfolio, and less like a passenger in the markets.
Why a smarter core matters
Better outcomes start with a better process. Franklin Core Equity Funds are built on a proprietary multi-factor framework that blends the precision of quantitative modelling with the expertise of Franklin Templeton's active managers. By combining five complementary equity factors—Quality, Value, Sentiment, Alternative, and our unique Conviction factor—we deliver a core solution designed for consistency and outperformance.
Harnessing Wisdom: The Conviction Factor
Our Conviction factor systematically captures the highest-conviction stock picks from the firm's top managers, turning research-driven insights into a scalable source of alpha. This unique approach allows investors to benefit from the collective wisdom of Franklin Templeton's active managers—something that can't be replicated elsewhere.
By weighting factors based on risk rather than market cap, the strategy maximizes exposure to proven sources of alpha while carefully managing tracking error to limit unintended risks. Combining factors that behave differently across market cycles helps smooth out volatility and supports more predictable, intentional outcomes. Investors get the efficiency of systematic investing with the selectivity of active management, all within a benchmark-aware, low-cost framework.
The Five Factors Driving Performance
Each fund is constructed using a disciplined blend of five complementary equity factors:
Systematic Alpha Factors
Derived from data-driven analysis of market behaviour, fundamentals, and pricing anomalies
Designed to systematically capture persistent sources of excess return
Conviction Alpha Factor
Extracted from fundamental managers' research-intensive stock selection
Focused on company-specific insights and idiosyncratic return drivers
Hover over each factor to learn more.
The real beauty of this approach is that when you put these factors together—the sum is greater than the parts.
Michael Greenberg, CFA, CAIA
SVP & Head of Americas Portfolio Management,
Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions
Backed by deep expertise
The Franklin Core Equity Funds are managed by Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions (FTIS), a global multi-asset team with decades of experience in quantitative research, portfolio design and systematic equity strategies. The team brings together deep expertise across asset classes, regions and investment styles—supported by a legacy of innovation that dates back to the 1980s, and they’ve been refining their approach ever since.
Today, the team includes over 95 investment professionals across 12 global offices, managing more than CAD$135 billion in assets.
Performance
Franklin Core Equity Funds are built to support more consistent, risk-aware outcomes over time. The combination of diversified factor exposures and disciplined portfolio construction is designed to help smooth returns and support long-term goals—without adding unnecessary cost or complexity.
All funds now have a five-year track record for their Series O share class, reflected in the performance shown below. The tabbed chart displays Series O performance for each fund. For key insights and an at-a-glance summary of the funds, see the Franklin Core Equity Funds snapshot
- Franklin U.S. Core Equity Fund
- Franklin International Core Equity Fund
- Franklin Canadian Core Equity Fund
Franklin U.S. Core Equity Fund
Average Annual Total Returns (%)
As of November 30, 2025
| Inception Date | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | Since Incept | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin U.S. Core Equity Fund–Series O—(CAD) | 05/06/2019 | 28.22 | 20.05 | 16.54 | 12.30 | |
*Canada Fund U.S. Equity Category (CAD).
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Performance data quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. Principal value and investment returns will fluctuate, and investors' shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. For current month-end performance, please visit www.franklintempleton.com
Franklin International Core Equity Fund
Average Annual Total Returns (%)
As of November 30, 2025
| Inception Date | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | Since Incept | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin International Core Equity Fund– Series O—(CAD) | 05/06/2019 | 25.21 | 18.37 | 11.90 | 10.31 | |
*Canada Fund International Equity Category (CAD).
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Performance data quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. Principal value and investment returns will fluctuate, and investors' shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. For current month-end performance, please visit www.franklintempleton.com
Franklin Canadian Core Equity Fund
Average Annual Total Returns (%)
As of November 30, 2025
| Inception Date | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | Since Incept | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Canadian Core Equity Fund – Series O (CAD) | 05/06/2019 | 28.22 | 20.05 | 16.54 | 12.30 | |
*Canada Fund Canadian Equity Category (CAD).
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Performance data quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. Principal value and investment returns will fluctuate, and investors' shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. For current month-end performance, please visit www.franklintempleton.com
Explore the funds
FCRU
Franklin U.S. Core Equity Fund
Series F and ETF series
Management Fee: 0.20%1
Admin Fee: 0.05%
FCRI
Franklin International Core Equity Fund
Series F and ETF series
Management Fee: 0.25%2
Admin Fee: 0.05%
FCRC
Franklin Canadian Core Equity Fund
Series F and ETF series
Management Fee: 0.18%3
Admin Fee: 0.05%
1. Effective January 1, 2026, the annual management fee will be waived from 0.20% to 0.17% until December 31, 2026. For additional information, please consult the prospectus
2. Effective January 1, 2026, the annual management fee will be waived from 0.25% to 0.22% until December 31, 2026. For additional information, please consult the prospectus.
3. Effective January 1, 2026, the annual management fee will be waived from 0.18% to 0.13% until December 31, 2026. For additional information, please consult the prospectus.
Ready to build a smarter core equity exposure?
Talk to your Franklin Templeton representative to learn how Core Equity Funds can support your portfolio strategies.