What Drove Performance Gains for Franklin's Booster ETFs in February

Core Insights - Dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are currently providing a combination of performance and income, with Franklin U.S. Dividend Booster Index ETF (XUDV) and Franklin International Dividend Booster Index ETF (XIDV) showing strong early-year performance [1] - XUDV has increased by over 9% and XIDV by 6.11% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500 [1] Domestic Performance: XUDV - XUDV tracks the VettaFi New Frontier U.S. Dividend Select Index (NFUS), focusing on U.S. large-cap companies that are essential, cash-flow positive, and dividend-focused [1] - Notable performers in February include: - LyondellBasell Industries NV (LYB) with a return of 17.4% - Edison International (EIX) achieving a 20.0% return - Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) with a significant 36.9% return [1][1][1] International Performance: XIDV - XIDV tracks the VettaFi New Frontier International Dividend Select Index (NFDM), appealing to investors seeking high yield without leverage or derivatives [1] - Key performers in February include: - Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA (INW) with a 20.0% return - Keppel Ltd (BN4:SES) returning 20.1% - Magna International Inc (MGA) surging 23.3% [1][1][1] Yield and Performance - Both XUDV and XIDV offer quarterly dividend yields, with XUDV at 4.55% and XIDV at 4.71% as of January 31 [1] - The funds utilize an optimization process that maximizes yield while limiting concentration risk and volatility, with competitive expense ratios of 9 basis points for XUDV and 19 basis points for XIDV [1][1][1]