Franklin Templeton·2026-06-24·via All Articles on Seeking Alpha
Summary
During the quarter, Franklin Rising Dividends SMA Composite (pure gross of fees and net of fees) underperformed its primary benchmark, the Nasdaq US Broad Dividend Achievers Index, due to sector allocation effects and stock selection.
Overweight allocations to the materials and industrials sectors also aided performance.
Within materials, industrial gasses firm Linde was a top overall contributor as shares rebounded following a quarterly earnings beat, robust 2026 guidance and a dividend raise.
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Key Takeaways
Markets: US equities broadly declined during the first quarter of 2026 as the escalating conflict in the Middle East weighed heavily on markets. Oil prices surged, renewing concerns about inflation and raising further uncertainty over
