UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSRS
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-04450
Franklin Templeton Global Trust_
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
__One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906_
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Craig S. Tyle, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906_
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area Code: (650) 312-2000
Date of fiscal year end: 10/31
Date of reporting period: 4/30/12
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
5079-3
Economic and Market Overview
The global economy recovered unevenly as emerging market economies continued to grow faster than their developed market counterparts. The eurozone debt and banking crises hampered Europe’s economic growth, and the region’s lower import demand affected manufacturing outputs of many export-driven emerging market economies. Strong domestic demand in many emerging market countries, however, largely compensated for weak external demand. Positive economic reports, including real gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the U.S. and China helped dampen fears of a severe global economic slowdown. Investor concerns about a possible economic hard landing in China subsided as the country’s manufacturing activity stabilized, domestic demand remained strong, and inflationary pressures eased. Other non-Japan Asian economies such as Indonesia and South Korea showed encouraging results. Although some developed economies, such as those of Australia and some Scandinavian nations, enjoyed relatively strong recoveries, growth in the G-3 (U.S., eurozone and Japan) was slow by the standards of previous recoveries.
Globally, central bankers pursued divergent policies. Interest rates remained at historically low levels in the U.S. and Japan, while the European Central Bank (ECB) reduced its key interest rate. In non-Japan Asia, policymakers reduced interest rates in Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia and India. In contrast, policymakers in Sri Lanka increased rates. In addition to rate adjustments, central bankers employed a variety of tools. The ECB’s Long-Term Refinancing Operation (LTRO) helped reduce fears of a disorderly sovereign credit event and its potential fallout. The U.S. Federal Reserve Board increased the average maturity of its Treasury holdings in an effort to put downward pressure on longer term rates, while the Bank of England and Bank of Japan expanded their respective asset purchase programs. Similarly, Chinese officials signaled a desire to pursue “fine tuning,” which included two reductions in the commercial bank cash reserve requirement ratio.
Investment Strategy
In making investments in foreign hard currencies, we focus on countries and markets that historically have experienced low inflation rates and, in our opinion, follow economic policies favorable to continued low inflation rates and currency appreciation against the U.S. dollar over the long term. We may invest substantially in a combination of U.S. dollar-denominated securities and currency forward contracts or currency futures contracts.
4 | Semiannual Report
Manager’s Discussion
The U.S. dollar appreciated against most major currencies during the period as continued investor concern over economic uncertainty led to investor appetite for safety. Nonetheless, the Fund remained positioned for a potential reversal of this trend, as we maintained large allocations to currencies such as the Swedish krona, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar and Malaysian ringgit.
Europe
The euro depreciated 5.11% against the U.S. dollar during the period, and the Fund’s lack of exposure to this currency contributed to performance relative to the JPM 3 Month Global Cash Index.3 Exposure to other European currencies that depreciated against the U.S. dollar detracted from performance, but these currencies generally depreciated less against the U.S. dollar than did the euro. For example, the Norwegian krone depreciated 3.73% against the dollar (while appreciating 1.45% against the euro) as Norway’s economy experienced relatively strong growth and benefited from rising oil prices.3 Sweden’s currency also performed well as the krona depreciated 3.83% against the dollar (while appreciating 1.35% against the euro) amid resilient economic activity.3
Asia Pacific
The Fund’s exposure to Asian currencies other than the Japanese yen significantly aided relative and absolute performance. Asia continued to lead the global economic recovery as growth in China remained robust and supported regional economies through demand for imports and, increasingly, foreign investment. Although Chinese demand for Australia’s exports supported the Australian dollar, domestic strength also contributed to that currency’s resiliency in the face of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Australia had previously been one of the first developed economies in the world to raise interest rates. Also, the Malaysian ringgit and Singapore dollar appreciated 1.39% and 1.16% against the U.S. dollar.3
Americas
Currency positions in the Americas contributed to absolute and relative performance. High commodity prices supported the Canadian dollar and several Latin American currencies, which remained resilient in the face of global risk aversion. The Canadian dollar appreciated 0.54%, the Mexican peso 1.25% and the Chilean peso 1.11%, against the U.S. dollar during the period.3 The Bank of Mexico left its policy rate unchanged while the Central Bank of Chile reduced its rate.
| Currency Breakdown | ||
| 4/30/12 | ||
| % of Total | ||
| Net Assets | ||
| Asia Pacific | 50.4 | % |
| South Korean Won | 15.3 | % |
| Australian Dollar | 13.5 | % |
| Singapore Dollar | 13.2 | % |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 5.5 | % |
| Indonesian Rupiah | 1.9 | % |
| Indian Rupee | 1.0 | % |
| Americas | 26.3 | % |
| Canadian Dollar | 12.0 | % |
| U.S. Dollar | 5.8 | % |
| Mexican Peso | 4.2 | % |
| Chilean Peso | 3.2 | % |
| Brazilian Real | 1.1 | % |
| Europe | 20.8 | % |
| Swedish Krona | 5.9 | % |
| British Pound | 5.7 | % |
| Norwegian Krone | 4.9 | % |
| Swiss Franc | 3.0 | % |
| Polish Zloty | 1.3 | % |
| Middle East & Africa | 2.5 | % |
| New Israeli Shekel | 2.5 | % |
Semiannual Report | 5
Performance Summary as of 4/30/12
Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities. The performance table does not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses.
| Price and Distribution Information | ||||||||
| Class A (Symbol: ICPHX) | Change | 4/30/12 | 10/31/11 | |||||
| Net Asset Value (NAV) | -$ | 0.50 | $ | 9.48 | $ | 9.98 | ||
| Distributions (11/1/11–4/30/12) | ||||||||
| Dividend Income | $ | 0.4073 | ||||||
| Advisor Class (Symbol: ICHHX) | Change | 4/30/12 | 10/31/11 | |||||
| Net Asset Value (NAV) | -$ | 0.52 | $ | 9.49 | $ | 10.01 | ||
| Distributions (11/1/11–4/30/12) | ||||||||
| Dividend Income | $ | 0.4368 | ||||||
Performance
Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total returns and value of $10,000 investment include maximum sales charges. Class A: 2.25% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges.
| Class A | 6-Month | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | ||||||||||
| Cumulative Total Return1 | -0.76 | % | -4.77 | % | + | 22.84 | % | + | 95.76 | % | ||||
| Average Annual Total Return2 | -3.00 | % | -6.92 | % | + | 3.73 | % | + | 6.71 | % | ||||
| Value of $10,000 Investment3 | $ | 9,700 | $ | 9,308 | $ | 12,008 | $ | 19,145 | ||||||
| Avg. Ann. Total Return (3/31/12)4 | -3.67 | % | + | 3.98 | % | + | 7.01 | % | ||||||
| Distribution Rate5 | 4.20 | % | ||||||||||||
| 30-Day Standardized Yield6 | -0.22 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total Annual Operating Expenses7 | 1.29 | % | ||||||||||||
| Advisor Class | 6-Month | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | ||||||||||
| Cumulative Total Return1 | -0.65 | % | -4.47 | % | + | 24.62 | % | + | 102.15 | % | ||||
| Average Annual Total Return2 | -0.65 | % | -4.47 | % | + | 4.50 | % | + | 7.29 | % | ||||
| Value of $10,000 Investment3 | $ | 9,935 | $ | 9,553 | $ | 12,462 | $ | 20,215 | ||||||
| Avg. Ann. Total Return (3/31/12)4 | -1.25 | % | + | 4.76 | % | + | 7.61 | % | ||||||
| Distribution Rate5 | 4.60 | % | ||||||||||||
| 30-Day Standardized Yield6 | 0.04 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total Annual Operating Expenses7 | 0.99 | % |
Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.
Semiannual Report | 7
Performance Summary (continued)
Endnotes
All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Special risks are associated with foreign investing, including economic instability and political developments. The Fund’s assets are largely invested in foreign currencies, and therefore involve potential for significant gain or loss from currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Fund does not seek to maintain a stable net asset value and should not be considered a substitute for a U.S. dollar money market Fund. The Fund is also nondiversified, which involves the risk of greater price fluctuation than a more diversified portfolio. Changes in the financial strength of a debt security issuer or in a debt security’s credit rating may affect its value. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.
Advisor Class: Shares are available to certain eligible investors as described in the prospectus.
1. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.
2. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Six-month return has not been annualized.
3. These figures represent the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund over the periods indicated.
4. In accordance with SEC rules, we provide standardized average annual total return information through the latest calendar quarter.
5. Distribution rate is based on the respective class’s annual dividend and the maximum offering price (NAV for Advisor Class) per share on 4/30/12.
6. The 30-day standardized yield for the 30 days ended 4/30/12 reflects an estimated yield to maturity (assuming all portfolio securities are held to maturity). It should be regarded as an estimate of the Fund’s rate of investment income, and it may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate (which reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders) or the income reported in the Fund’s financial statements.
7. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.
8 | Semiannual Report
Your Fund’s Expenses
As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs:
- Transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases; and
- Ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses.
The following table shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.
Actual Fund Expenses
The first line (Actual) for each share class listed in the table provides actual account values and expenses. The “Ending Account Value” is derived from the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses.
You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps. Of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration:
| 1. | Divide your account value by $1,000. |
| If an account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6. | |
| 2. | Multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.” |
| If Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50. |
In this illustration, the estimated expenses paid this period are $64.50.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds
Information in the second line (Hypothetical) for each class in the table can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other mutual funds. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid during the period. The hypothetical “Ending Account Value” is based on the actual expense ratio for each class and an assumed 5% annual rate of return before expenses, which does not represent the Fund’s actual return. The figure under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” shows the hypothetical expenses your account would have incurred under this scenario. You can compare this figure with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
Semiannual Report | 9
Your Fund’s Expenses (continued)
Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges. Therefore, the second line for each class is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transaction costs were included, your total costs would have been higher. Please refer to the Fund prospectus for additional information on operating expenses.
| Beginning Account | Ending Account | Expenses Paid During | ||||
| Class A | Value 11/1/11 | Value 4/30/12 | Period* 11/1/11– 4/30/12 | |||
| Actual | $ | 1,000 | $ | 992.40 | $ | 5.35 |
| Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,019.49 | $ | 5.42 |
| Advisor Class | ||||||
| Actual | $ | 1,000 | $ | 993.50 | $ | 3.87 |
| Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,020.98 | $ | 3.92 |
*Expenses are calculated using the most recent six-month expense ratio, annualized for each class (A: 1.08% and Advisor: 0.78%), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 to reflect the one-half year period.
10 | Semiannual Report
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Franklin Templeton Global Trust (Trust) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (1940 Act) as an open-end investment company, consisting of one fund, the Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund (Fund). The Fund offers two classes of shares: Class A and Advisor Class. Each class of shares differs by its initial sales load, contingent deferred sales charges, distribution fees, voting rights on matters affecting a single class and its exchange privilege.
The following summarizes the Fund’s significant accounting policies.
a. Financial Instrument Valuation
The Fund’s investments in securities and other financial instruments are carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Under procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the Board), the Fund’s administrator, investment manager and other affiliates have formed the Valuation and Liquidity Oversight Committee (VLOC). The VLOC provides administration and oversight of the Fund’s valuation policies and procedures, which are approved annually by the Board. Among other things, these procedures allow the Fund to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.
Debt securities generally trade in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. The Fund’s pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity exists, the pricing services may utilize a market-based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity may not exist or is limited, the pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, credit spreads, estimated default rates, anticipated market interest rate volatility, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal repayments, underlying collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair value. Securities denominated in a foreign currency are converted into their U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the close of the NYSE on the date that the values of the foreign debt securities are determined. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value.
Certain derivatives trade in the over-the-counter market. The Fund’s pricing services use various techniques including industry standard option pricing models and proprietary discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of those instruments. The Fund’s net benefit or obligation under the derivative contract, as measured by the fair market value of the contract, is included in net assets.
18 | Semiannual Report
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
| 1. | ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
| a. | Financial Instrument Valuation (continued) |
The Fund has procedures to determine the fair value of securities and other financial instruments for which market prices are not reliable or readily available. Under these procedures, the VLOC convenes on a regular basis to review such securities and considers a number of factors, including significant unobservable valuation inputs, when arriving at fair value. The VLOC primarily employs a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, and other relevant information for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment. An income-based valuation approach may also be used in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed. The VLOC employs various methods for calibrating these valuation approaches including a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, transactional back-testing or disposition analysis, and reviews of any related market activity.
Trading in securities on foreign securities stock exchanges and over-the-counter markets may be completed before the daily close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally, events occur between the time at which trading in a foreign security is completed and the close of the NYSE that might call into question the reliability of the value of a portfolio security held by the Fund. As a result, differences may arise between the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities as determined at the foreign market close and the latest indications of value at the close of the NYSE. In order to minimize the potential for these differences, the VLOC monitors price movements following the close of trading in foreign stock markets through a series of country specific market proxies (such as baskets of American Depositary Receipts, futures contracts and exchange traded funds). These price movements are measured against established trigger thresholds for each specific market proxy to assist in determining if an event has occurred that may call into question the reliability of the values of the foreign securities held by the Fund. If such an event occurs, the securities may be valued using fair value procedures, which may include the use of independent pricing services.
b. Foreign Currency Translation
Portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate of such currencies against U.S. dollars on the date of valuation. The Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date. Portfolio securities and assets and liabilities denominated
Semiannual Report | 19
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
| 1. | ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
| b. | Foreign Currency Translation (continued) |
in foreign currencies contain risks that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Occasionally, events may impact the availability or reliability of foreign exchange rates used to convert the U.S. dollar equivalent value. If such an event occurs, the foreign exchange rate will be valued at fair value using procedures established and approved by the Board.
The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices on securities held. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments on the Statement of Operations.
Realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the recorded amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in foreign exchange rates on foreign denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in securities held at the end of the reporting period.
c. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Fund invested in derivatives in order to manage risk or gain exposure to various other investments or markets. Derivatives are financial contracts based on an underlying or notional amount, require no initial investment or an initial net investment that is smaller than would normally be required to have a similar response to changes in market factors, and require or permit net settlement. Derivatives contain various risks including the potential inability of the counter-party to fulfill their obligations under the terms of the contract, the potential for an illiquid secondary market, and/or the potential for market movements which expose the Fund to gains or losses in excess of the amounts shown on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Realized gain and loss and unrealized appreciation and depreciation on these contracts for the period are included in the Statement of Operations.
The Fund entered into forward exchange contracts primarily to manage and/or gain exposure to certain foreign currencies. A forward exchange contract is an agreement between the Fund and a counterparty to buy or sell a foreign currency for a specific exchange rate on a future date. Pursuant to the terms of the forward exchange contracts, cash or securities may be required to be deposited as collateral. Unrestricted cash may be invested according to the Fund’s investment objectives.
See Note 9 regarding other derivative information.
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Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
| 1. | ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
| d. | Income Taxes |
It is the Fund’s policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its income and net realized gains to relieve it from federal income and excise taxes. As a result, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required.
The Fund may be subject to foreign taxation related to income received, capital gains on the sale of securities and certain foreign currency transactions in the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests. Foreign taxes, if any, are recorded based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. When a capital gain tax is determined to apply the Fund records an estimated deferred tax liability in an amount that would be payable if the securities were disposed of on the valuation date.
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on the technical merits of the tax position. As of April 30, 2012, and for all open tax years, the Fund has determined that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits is required in the Fund’s financial statements related to uncertain tax positions taken on a tax return (or expected to be taken on future tax returns). Open tax years are those that remain subject to examination and are based on each tax jurisdiction statute of limitation.
e. Security Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Distributions
Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis. Interest income and estimated expenses are accrued daily. Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities are included in interest income. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined according to income tax regulations (tax basis). Distributable earnings determined on a tax basis may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods.
Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income, not including class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class. Differences in per share distributions, by class, are generally due to differences in class specific expenses.
Semiannual Report | 21
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
| 3. | TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (continued) |
| e. | Transfer Agent Fees |
For the period ended April 30, 2012, the Fund paid transfer agent fees of $406,551, of which $157,987 was retained by Investor Services.
4. EXPENSE OFFSET ARRANGEMENT
The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Fund’s custodian expenses. During the period ended April 30, 2012, there were no credits earned.
5. INCOME TAXES
For tax purposes, capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. At October 31, 2011, the capital loss carryforwards were as follows:
| Capital loss carryforwards expiring in: | ||
| 2013 | $ | 1,956,120 |
| 2014 | 190,081 | |
| 2017 | 276,805 | |
| 2019 | 63,831 | |
| $ | 2,486,837 |
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund will be permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Post-enactment capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered short-term as under previous law. Any post-enactment capital losses generated will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment tax years.
At April 30, 2012, the cost of investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for income tax purposes were as follows:
| Cost of investments | $ | 589,532,635 | |
| Unrealized appreciation | $ | 2,501,286 | |
| Unrealized depreciation | (2,439,493 | ) | |
| Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | $ | 61,793 |
Differences between income and/or capital gains as determined on a book basis and a tax basis are primarily due to differing treatments of foreign currency transactions and bond discounts and premiums.
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Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
There were no purchases or sales of investments (other than short term securities) for the period ended April 30, 2012.
7. INVESTMENTS IN INSTITUTIONAL FIDUCIARY TRUST MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
The Fund invests in the Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio (Sweep Money Fund), an open-end investment company managed by Advisers. Management fees paid by the Fund are reduced on assets invested in the Sweep Money Fund, in an amount not to exceed the management and administrative fees paid by the Sweep Money Fund.
8. CONCENTRATION OF RISK
Investing in foreign securities may include certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities, such as fluctuating currency values and changing local and regional economic, political and social conditions, which may result in greater market volatility. In addition, certain foreign securities may not be as liquid as U.S. securities.
9. OTHER DERIVATIVE INFORMATION
At April 30, 2012, the Fund has invested in derivative contracts which are reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as follows:
| Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | |||||
| Derivative Contracts | ||||||
| Not Accounted for as | Statement of Assets and | Fair Value | Statement of Assets and | Fair Value | ||
| Hedging Instruments | Liabilities Location | Amount | Liabilities Location | Amount | ||
| Foreign exchange | ||||||
| contracts | Unrealized appreciation on | Unrealized depreciation on | ||||
| forward exchange | forward exchange | |||||
| contracts / Net assets | contracts / Net assets | |||||
| consist of – net unrealized | consist of – net unrealized | |||||
| appreciation (depreciation) | $ | 1,516,427 | appreciation (depreciation) | $ | 8,112,558 | |
Semiannual Report | 25
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
9. OTHER DERIVATIVE INFORMATION (continued)
For the period ended April 30, 2012, the effect of derivative contracts on the Fund’s Statement of Operations was as follows:
| Change in | ||||||
| Unrealized | ||||||
| Derivative Contracts | Realized Gain | Appreciation | ||||
| Not Accounted for as | (Loss) for | (Depreciation) | ||||
| Hedging Instruments | Statement of Operations Locations | the Period | for the Period | |||
| Foreign exchange contracts | Net realized gain (loss) from foreign currency | |||||
| transactions / Net change in unrealized | ||||||
| appreciation (depreciation) on translation | ||||||
| of other assets and liabilities | ||||||
| denominated in foreign currencies | $ | (3,650,665 | ) | $ | 850,547 |
For the period ended April 30, 2012, the average month end market value of derivatives represented 2.31% of average month end net assets. The average month end number of open derivative contracts for the period was 58.
See Note 1(c) regarding derivative financial instruments.
10. CREDIT FACILITY
The Fund, together with other U.S. registered and foreign investment funds (collectively, Borrowers), managed by Franklin Templeton Investments, are borrowers in a joint syndicated senior unsecured credit facility totaling $1.5 billion (Global Credit Facility) which matures on January 18, 2013. This Global Credit Facility provides a source of funds to the Borrowers for temporary and emergency purposes, including the ability to meet future unanticipated or unusually large redemption requests.
Under the terms of the Global Credit Facility, the Fund shall, in addition to interest charged on any borrowings made by the Fund and other costs incurred by the Fund, pay its share of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the implementation and maintenance of the Global Credit Facility, based upon its relative share of the aggregate net assets of all of the Borrowers, including an annual commitment fee of 0.08% based upon the unused portion of the Global Credit Facility, which is reflected in other expenses on the Statement of Operations. During the period ended April 30, 2012, the Fund did not use the Global Credit Facility.
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Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Fund follows a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Fund’s own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:
- Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities
- Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, credit risk, etc.)
- Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
For movements between the levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Fund has adopted a policy of recognizing the transfers as of the date of the underlying event which caused the movement.
A summary of inputs used as of April 30, 2012, in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities carried at fair value, is as follows:
| Assets: | ||||||||
| Investments in Securities: | ||||||||
| Foreign Government and Agency | ||||||||
| Securities | $ | — | $ | 305,838,461 | $ | — | $ | 305,838,461 |
| Money Market Funds | 283,755,967 | — | — | 283,755,967 | ||||
| Total Investments in Securities | $ | 283,755,967 | $ | 305,838,461 | $ | — | $ | 589,594,428 |
| Forward Exchange Contracts | — | 1,516,427 | — | 1,516,427 | ||||
| Liabilities: | ||||||||
| Forward Exchange Contracts | — | 8,112,558 | — | 8,112,558 |
Semiannual Report | 27
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
12. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The amendments in the ASU will improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) and include new guidance for certain fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Fund believes the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on its financial statements.
In December 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The amendments in the ASU enhance disclosures about offsetting of financial assets and liabilities to enable investors to understand the effect of these arrangements on a Fund’s financial position. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Fund believes the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on its financial statements.
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Fund has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure.
| ABBREVIATIONS | ||||
| Selected Portfolio | ||||
| BZWS | - | Barclays Bank PLC | AUD | - Australian Dollar |
| CITI | - | Citigroup, Inc. | CAD | - Canadian Dollar |
| DBAB | - | Deutsche Bank AG | GBP | - British Pound |
| HSBK | - | HSBC Bank PLC | NOK | - Norwegian Krone |
| JPHQ | - | JP Morgan Chase & Co. | SEK | - Swedish Krona |
| MSCO | - | Morgan Stanley | SGD | - Singapore Dollar |
| UBSW | - | UBS AG | ||
28 | Semiannual Report
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Shareholder Information
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement
At a meeting held February 28, 2012, the Board of Trustees (Board), including a majority of non-interested or independent Trustees, approved renewal of the investment management agreement for Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund (Fund). In reaching this decision, the Board took into account information furnished throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with the annual renewal review process. Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports and related financial information for the Fund, as well as periodic reports on expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, pricing, brokerage commissions and execution and other services provided by the Investment Manager (Manager) and its affiliates. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included a report for the Fund prepared by Lipper, Inc. (Lipper), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Fund profitability analysis prepared by management. The Lipper report compared the Fund’s investment performance and expenses with those of other mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund as selected by Lipper. The Fund profitability analysis discussed the profitability to Franklin Templeton Investments from its overall U.S. fund operations, as well as on an individual fund-by-fund basis. Additional material accompanying such profitability analysis included information on a fund-by-fund basis listing portfolio managers and other accounts they manage, as well as information on management fees charged by the Manager and its affiliates to U.S. mutual funds and other accounts, including management’s explanation of differences where relevant. Such material also included a memorandum prepared by management describing project initiatives and capital investments relating to the services provided to the Fund by the Franklin Templeton Investments organization, as well as a memorandum relating to economies of scale and an analysis concerning transfer agent fees charged by an affiliate of the Manager.
In considering such materials, the independent Trustees received assistance and advice from and met separately with independent counsel. In approving continuance of the investment management agreement for the Fund, the Board, including a majority of independent Trustees, determined that the existing management fee structure was fair and reasonable and that continuance of the investment management agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses some primary factors relevant to the Board’s decision.
NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF SERVICE. The Board was satisfied with the nature and quality of the overall services provided by the Manager and its affiliates to the Fund and its shareholders. In addition to investment performance and expenses discussed later, the Board’s opinion was based, in part, upon periodic reports furnished it showing that the investment policies and restrictions for the Fund were consistently complied with as well as other reports periodically furnished the Board covering matters such as the compliance of portfolio managers and other
Semiannual Report | 29
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Shareholder Information (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
management personnel with the code of ethics adopted throughout the Franklin Templeton fund complex, the adherence to fair value pricing procedures established by the Board, and the accuracy of net asset value calculations. The Board also noted the extent of benefits provided Fund shareholders from being part of the Franklin Templeton family of funds, including the right to exchange investments between the same class of funds without a sales charge, the ability to reinvest Fund dividends into other funds and the right to combine holdings in other funds to obtain a reduced sales charge. Favorable consideration was given to management’s continuous efforts and expenditures in establishing back-up systems and recovery procedures to function in the event of a natural disaster, it being noted that such systems and procedures had functioned smoothly during the Florida hurricanes and blackouts experienced in previous years. Among other factors taken into account by the Board were the Manager’s best execution trading policies, including a favorable report by an independent portfolio trading analytical firm, which also covered FOREX transactions. Consideration was also given to the experience of the Fund’s portfolio management team, the number of accounts managed and general method of compensation. In this latter respect, the Board noted that a primary factor in management’s determination of a portfolio manager’s bonus compensation was the relative investment performance of the funds he or she managed and that a portion of such bonus was required to be invested in a predesignated list of funds within such person’s fund management area so as to be aligned with the interests of shareholders. The Board also took into account the quality of transfer agent and shareholder services provided Fund shareholders by an affiliate of the Manager and the continuous enhancements to the Franklin Templeton website. Particular attention was given to management’s conservative approach and diligent risk management procedures, including continuous monitoring of counterparty credit risk and attention given to derivatives and other complex instruments including expanded collateralization requirements. The Board also took into account, among other things, management’s efforts in establishing a global credit facility for the benefit of the Fund and other accounts managed by Franklin Templeton Investments to provide a source of cash for temporary and emergency purposes or to meet unusual redemption requests as well as the strong financial position of the Manager’s parent company and its commitment to the mutual fund business as evidenced by its subsidization of money market funds.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. The Board placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of the Fund in view of its importance to shareholders. In assessing such performance, consideration was given to the Fund’s performance as set forth in the Lipper report furnished for the agreement renewal. The Lipper report prepared for the Fund showed the investment performance of its Class A shares during 2011, as well as for the previous 10 years ended December 31, 2011, in comparison to a performance universe consisting of all retail and institutional currency funds as selected by Lipper. The Lipper report showed the Fund’s income return during 2011 to be in the highest or best performing quintile of its performance universe, and on an annualized basis to also be in the highest quintiles of such universe for the previous three-, five- and 10-year periods.
30 | Semiannual Report
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Shareholder Information (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
The Lipper report showed the Fund’s total return during 2011 to be in the second-highest quintile of such universe, and its total return on an annualized basis to be in the second-lowest quintile of such universe for the previous three-year period, but to be in the second-highest and highest quintiles of such universe, respectively, for the previous five- and 10-year periods. The Board was satisfied with the Fund’s comparative performance as set forth in the Lipper report.
COMPARATIVE EXPENSES. Consideration was given to a comparative analysis of the management fees and total expense ratio of the Fund compared with an expense group consisting of the Fund and two other currency funds as selected by Lipper. Lipper expense data is based upon information taken from each fund’s most recent annual report, which reflects historical asset levels that may be quite different from those currently existing, particularly in a period of market volatility. While recognizing such inherent limitation and the fact that expense ratios generally increase as assets decline and decrease as assets grow, the Board believed the independent analysis conducted by Lipper to be an appropriate measure of comparative expenses. In reviewing comparative costs, Lipper provides information on the Fund’s contractual investment management fee in comparison with the contractual investment management fee that would have been charged by other funds within its Lipper expense group assuming they were similar in size to the Fund, as well as the actual total expense ratio of the Fund in comparison with those of its peer group. The Lipper contractual investment management fee analysis considers administrative charges to be part of management fees, and total expenses, for comparative consistency, are shown by Lipper for Fund Class A shares. The results of such expense comparisons showed the contractual investment management fee rate of the Fund to be less than one basis point above the median of its Lipper expense group and its actual total expense ratio to be approximately five basis points below the median of such expense group. The Board was satisfied with the management fee and total expenses of the Fund in comparison to its Lipper expense group.
MANAGEMENT PROFITABILITY. The Board also considered the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates in connection with the operation of the Fund. In this respect, the Board reviewed the Fund profitability analysis that addresses the overall profitability of Franklin Templeton’s U.S. fund business, as well as its profits in providing management and other services to each of the individual funds during the 12-month period ended September 30, 2011, being the most recent fiscal year-end for Franklin Resources, Inc., the Manager’s parent. In reviewing the analysis, attention was given to the methodology followed in allocating costs to the Fund, it being recognized that allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various allocation methodologies may each be reasonable while producing different results. In this respect, the Board noted that, while being continuously refined and reflecting changes in the Manager’s own cost accounting, the allocation methodology was consistent with that followed in profitability report presentations for the Fund made in prior years and that the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm
Semiannual Report | 31
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Shareholder Information (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
had been engaged by the Manager to review the reasonableness of the allocation methodologies solely for use by the Fund’s Board in reference to the profitability analysis. In reviewing and discussing such analysis, management discussed with the Board its belief that costs incurred in establishing the infrastructure necessary for the type of mutual fund operations conducted by the Manager and its affiliates may not be fully reflected in the expenses allocated to the Fund in determining its profitability, as well as the fact that the level of profits, to a certain extent, reflected operational cost savings and efficiencies initiated by management. The Board also took into account management’s expenditures in improving shareholder services provided the Fund, as well as the need to implement systems and meet additional regulatory and compliance requirements resulting from statutes such as the Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank Acts and recent SEC and other regulatory requirements. In addition, the Board considered a third-party study comparing the profitability of the Manager’s parent on an overall basis to other publicly held managers broken down to show profitability from management operations exclusive of distribution expenses, as well as profitability including distribution expenses. The Board also considered the extent to which the Manager and its affiliates might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, including revenues generated from transfer agent services and potential benefits resulting from allocation of fund brokerage and the use of commission dollars to pay for research. Based upon its consideration of all these factors, the Board determined that the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates from providing services to the Fund was not excessive in view of the nature, quality and extent of services provided.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE. The Board also considered whether economies of scale are realized by the Manager as the Fund grows larger and the extent to which this is reflected in the level of management fees charged. While recognizing that any precise determination is inherently subjective, the Board noted that based upon the Fund profitability analysis, it appears that as some funds get larger, at some point economies of scale do result in the Manager realizing a larger profit margin on management services provided such a fund. The fee structure under the Fund’s investment management agreement provides for a management fee of 0.65% at all asset levels. In considering the need for breakpoints, management expressed the view that such fee schedule is low for this type of fund and anticipates economies of scale that may exist as the Fund grows to a larger size. In support of this position, management pointed out the Fund’s competitive contractual management fee rate and favorable expense ratio within its Lipper expense group. At December 31, 2011, the Fund had net assets of approximately $600 million, and the Board accepted management’s position but intends to monitor future growth in Fund assets and the appropriateness of adding investment management fee breakpoints.
32 | Semiannual Report
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Shareholder Information (continued)
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
The Trust’s investment manager has established Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Shareholders may view the Trust’s complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954) 527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Trust’s proxy voting records are also made available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov and reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.
Quarterly Statement of Investments
The Trust files a complete statement of investments with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commission’s website at sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
Semiannual Report | 33
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Item 2. Code of Ethics.
(a) The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.
| (c) | N/A |
| (d) | N/A |
| (f) | Pursuant to Item 12(a)(1), the Registrant is attaching as an exhibit a copy of its code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer. |
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
(a)(1) The Registrant has an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.
(2) The audit committee financial expert is John B. Wilson and he is "independent" as defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.
|
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. Item 6. Schedule of Investments. |
N/A N/A N/A |
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management
Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. N/A
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant's Board of Trustees that would require disclosure herein.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
5079-3
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Registrant’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, the Registrant had carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and the Registrant’s principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls.
There have been no significant
changes in the Registrant’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation in connection with the preparation of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Code of Ethics
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Laura F. Fergerson, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Gaston Gardey, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Laura F. Fergerson, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Gaston Gardey, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON GLOBAL TRUST
5079-3
By /s/ Laura F. Fergerson
Laura F. Fergerson
Chief Executive Officer –
Finance and Administration
Date June 26, 2012
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By /s/ Laura F. Fergerson
Laura F. Fergerson
Chief Executive Officer –
Finance and Administration
Date June 26, 2012
By /s/ Gaston Gardey
Gaston Gardey
Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer
Date June 26, 2012
5079-3