Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton Investments' Michael Hasenstab has boosted exposure to Hungary in the $60bn Templeton Global Bond fund, meaning the overall company is likely to hold more than 10% of the country's government debt.

S&P Capital IQ has revealed its pick of the best funds with a decade-long track record, as it introduces a new 10-year grading system.

Despite its roots across the Atlantic, Franklin Templeton is best known in the UK as an emerging markets specialist and, since its acquisition of Rensburg, for its UK equity capabilities.

Franklin Templeton is launching an Africa fund for veteran investor Mark Mobius, making it the latest fund group to test investor appetite for the world's second-largest continent.

Franklin Templeton is to close two of its UK OEICs and merge away two others following a review of its UK domiciled fund range.

Franklin Templeton's emerging market heavyweight Mark Mobius has blamed the flood of initial public offerings (IPOs) in emerging markets during 2010 for EM stocks' underperformance last year.

COULD IRELAND BE THE RECOVERY PLAY OF 2012?

HUNGARY

Credit ratings agency Fitch has cut Hungary's long-term foreign and local currency debt to junk status, following a tumultuous week for the country.

Franklin Templeton Investments' Michael Hasenstab has defended his Hungarian debt position amid reports the group owns 10% of the country's local bond market.