From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-23 15:34:00

Franklin Templeton will liquidate two bond ETFs, WINC and WBND, due to lack of investor interest. The funds will cease trading on Nasdaq on Aug. 23, with proceeds distributed on Aug. 29. Despite recent outflows, WINC managed $12.1M in assets and WBND $11.9M, posting positive year-to-date returns. Creation orders end Aug. 1.

The liquidation underscores the challenges in the fixed-income market, where funds need to attract assets to remain viable. WINC targets USD corporate debt with short durations and charges a 0.29% expense ratio. WBND, with a broader mandate, invests globally in fixed-income securities and carries a 0.45% expense ratio.

Recent outflows for WINC and WBND led to the decision to liquidate. Shareholders can sell shares until Aug. 22 or receive cash equal to net asset value during the liquidation process. Creation orders will no longer be accepted after Aug. 1. The funds may declare taxable distributions of income and capital gains during the liquidation process.

Franklin Templeton, managing $1.5 trillion in assets as of April 30, announced the liquidation of two bond ETFs. During the liquidation process, funds may hold assets that do not align with their stated investment objectives. The company operates across equity, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset solutions through specialist investment managers.

Read more: Franklin Templeton to Shutter Two Unpopular Bond ETFs