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FRSTX

Franklin Core Plus Bond Fund

As of 11/14/2025

NAV 1

$8.39

$-0.01 (-0.12%)
 

POP 2

$8.72

 
 

YTD Total Return At NAV 3

6.42%

 
As of 10/31/2025

Morningstar Overall Rating™ 4

Intermediate Core-Plus Bond

Effective November 12, 2024, the fund updated its principal investment strategies, policies and practices to follow a “core plus” strategy, among other changes. Effective December 11, 2024, the fund was renamed Franklin Core Plus Bond Fund. If you have any questions, please contact your financial professional.

Overview

Fund Description

The fund seeks to provide a high level of current income. Its secondary goal is capital appreciation over the long term. The fund is a core plus fund that invests across fixed income sectors, primarily in investment grade rated securities.

Strategy Statement

"The fund's diversified and income focus provides exposure to global fixed income markets, allowing us to combine our best ideas to build a portfolio that utilizes embedded constraints aimed at providing consistent performance." 

Sonal Desai, Ph.D.

Strategy & Benefits

Strategy

  • Our Core Plus Bond Fund pursues diversified sources of potential alpha across all global fixed income securities, sectors, and markets with a risk focused approach.

Benefits

  • Differentiated portfolio construction approach designed to reduce performance volatility and provide a consistent range of outcomes and strong risk-adjusted returns across market environments.

Investment Philosophy, Strategy and Approach

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income (FTFI) believes that integrating top-down macroeconomic views, bottom-up fundamental research, and granular portfolio construction can exploit market inefficiencies and serve as an additional source of expected alpha alongside sector allocation and bottom-up security selection delivered by experienced, well-resourced sector teams.

Benefits

  • Differentiated portfolio construction approach designed to reduce performance volatility and provide a consistent range of outcomes and strong risk-adjusted returns across market environments.
  • Custom risk sector framework offers a more granular look at the opportunity set and allows us to allocate risk with greater precision and intent.
  • Provides us the ability to better position for relative value and take advantage of benchmark inefficiencies, while purposely limiting the range of potential outcomes. 
  • Our measured approach aims to result in a market-resilient strategy designed to deliver the outcome investors expect with no surprises. 

Investment Philosophy

FTFI believes that benchmarks are inherently inefficient, and that active management should therefore be able to generate excess returns through all market cycles. It is our belief that integrating top-down macroeconomic views, bottom-up fundamental research, and granular portfolio construction can exploit these market inefficiencies and serve as an additional source of expected alpha alongside sector allocation and bottom-up security selection delivered by experienced, well-resourced sector teams.

Fund Information
Asset Class 
Fixed Income
Share Class Inception Date 
05/24/1994
Fund Inception Date 
05/24/1994
Benchmark 
Bloomberg US Aggregate Index
Investment Style 
Multi-Sector
Morningstar Category 
Intermediate Core-Plus Bond
Lipper Classification 
Core Plus Bond Funds
Total Net Assets  As of 10/31/2025 (Updated Monthly)
$2.56 Billion
Dividends & Yields
Dividend Frequency, if any 
Monthly
Distribution Rate at NAV5  As of 11/14/2025 (Updated Daily)
4.52%
30-Day SEC Yield—With Waiver678  As of 10/31/2025 (Updated Monthly)
4.02%
30-Day SEC Yield—Without Waiver68  As of 10/31/2025 (Updated Monthly)
3.95%
Sales Charges, Expenses & Fees
As of 09/01/2025
Gross Expense Ratio9 
0.85%
Net Expense Ratio910 
0.72%
Maximum Initial Charge 
3.75%
CDSC11 
1.00%
12b-1 Fee 
0.25%
Identifiers
Ticker 
FRSTX
Fund Number 
194
CUSIP Code 
354713505

Portfolio Managers

Sonal Desai, Ph.D

Florida, United States

Managed Fund Since 2018

Michael V Salm

Massachusetts, United States

Managed Fund Since 2024

Patrick A. Klein, Ph.D

California, United States

Managed Fund Since 2022

Albert W Chan, CFA®

Massachusetts, United States

Managed Fund Since 2025

Patricia O'Connor, CFA®

California, United States

Managed Fund Since 2016

Performance

Portfolio

Portfolio Holdings

Holdings

As of 09/30/2025 Updated Monthly
Security Name 
United States Treasury Note/Bond 4.25% 08/15/2054
Weight (%) 
4.96
Market Value ($) 
125,118,181
Quantity 
134,700,000
Security Name 
Fannie Mae Or Freddie Mac 2.5% 10/01/2055 FHLM
Weight (%) 
3.70
Market Value ($) 
93,417,254
Quantity 
110,861,000
Security Name 
GOVT NATL MORTG ASSN 6% 10/01/2055 GNMA
Weight (%) 
3.29
Market Value ($) 
82,917,649
Quantity 
81,518,000
Security Name 
Fannie Mae Pool 2% 04/01/2052 FNMA
Weight (%) 
3.08
Market Value ($) 
77,716,769
Quantity 
95,769,408
Security Name 
Fannie Mae Or Freddie Mac 3% 10/01/2055 FHLM
Weight (%) 
2.23
Market Value ($) 
56,137,902
Quantity 
63,901,000
Security Name 
Fannie Mae Or Freddie Mac 5.5% 10/01/2055 FHLM
Weight (%) 
2.02
Market Value ($) 
51,014,664
Quantity 
50,590,000
Security Name 
United States Treasury Note/Bond 1.875% 02/28/2027
Weight (%) 
1.87
Market Value ($) 
47,095,928
Quantity 
48,200,000
Security Name 
United States Treasury Note/Bond 4.5% 05/31/2029
Weight (%) 
1.81
Market Value ($) 
45,698,538
Quantity 
43,800,000
Security Name 
United States Treasury Note/Bond 3.875% 11/30/2027
Weight (%) 
1.76
Market Value ($) 
44,504,655
Quantity 
43,700,000
Security Name 
Fannie Mae Or Freddie Mac 5% 10/01/2055 FHLM
Weight (%) 
1.54
Market Value ($) 
38,733,364
Quantity 
39,050,000

Portfolio holdings are based on the total portfolio and are subject to change at any time. Holdings are provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any security. 

Distributions & Tax

Distributions

Distribution Schedules

Dividend Frequency, if any This fund is an ex-Dividend fund
Monthly
Capital Gain Distributions 
December

Rates and Yields

Read important information about results and other investment disclosures
Distribution Rate & Breakpoints
As of 11/14/2025
Less than $100,000 
4.35%
$100,000 - $249,999 
4.37%
$250,000 - $499,999 
4.42%
Distribution Rate
As of 11/14/2025
At Net Asset Value (NAV) 
4.52%
30-Day SEC Yield
As of 10/31/2025
w/ Waiver 
4.02%
w/o Waiver 
3.95%

Final composition of the current year’s distribution—income, capital gains and/or return of capital—are based on US tax rules and will be determined by February of the following year. For tax characterization of a distribution, such as return of capital and tax-exempt income, click on the “Tax Information” tab above.

Distributions Per Share

Current Year Distributions Per Share
Distribution amounts may be estimates
Record Date  
12/24/2025
Ex-Dividend Date  
12/26/2025
Reinvestment Date  
12/26/2025
Payable Date  
12/26/2025
Reinvestment Amount  
Long-Term Capital Gains  
$0.0000-$0.0000 Estimates
Short-Term Capital Gains  
$0.0000-$0.0000 Estimates
Income  
Total Distribution Per Share  
Estimates
Record Date  
10/27/2025
Ex-Dividend Date  
10/28/2025
Reinvestment Date  
10/28/2025
Payable Date  
10/28/2025
Reinvestment Amount  
$8.48
Long-Term Capital Gains  
Short-Term Capital Gains  
Income  
$0.0316
Total Distribution Per Share  
$0.0316
Record Date  
09/24/2025
Ex-Dividend Date  
09/25/2025
Reinvestment Date  
09/25/2025
Payable Date  
09/25/2025
Reinvestment Amount  
$8.38
Long-Term Capital Gains  
Short-Term Capital Gains  
Income  
$0.0316
Total Distribution Per Share  
$0.0316
Record Date  
08/25/2025
Ex-Dividend Date  
08/26/2025
Reinvestment Date  
08/26/2025
Payable Date  
08/26/2025
Reinvestment Amount  
$8.33
Long-Term Capital Gains  
Short-Term Capital Gains  
Income  
$0.0316
Total Distribution Per Share  
$0.0316
Record Date  
07/25/2025
Ex-Dividend Date  
07/28/2025
Reinvestment Date  
07/28/2025
Payable Date  
07/28/2025
Reinvestment Amount  
$8.25
Long-Term Capital Gains  
Short-Term Capital Gains  
Income  
$0.0316
Total Distribution Per Share  
$0.0316
Record Date  
06/24/2025
Ex-Dividend Date  
06/25/2025
Reinvestment Date  
06/25/2025
Payable Date  
06/25/2025
Reinvestment Amount  
$8.28
Long-Term Capital Gains  
Short-Term Capital Gains  
Income  
$0.0316
Total Distribution Per Share  
$0.0316
Record Date  
05/22/2025
Ex-Dividend Date  
05/23/2025
Reinvestment Date  
05/23/2025
Payable Date  
05/23/2025
Reinvestment Amount  
$8.14
Long-Term Capital Gains  
Short-Term Capital Gains  
Income  
$0.0316
Total Distribution Per Share  
$0.0316
Record Date  
04/24/2025
Ex-Dividend Date  
04/25/2025
Reinvestment Date  
04/25/2025
Payable Date  
04/25/2025
Reinvestment Amount  
$8.24
Long-Term Capital Gains  
Short-Term Capital Gains  
Income  
$0.0316
Total Distribution Per Share  
$0.0316
Record Date  
03/25/2025
Ex-Dividend Date  
03/26/2025
Reinvestment Date  
03/26/2025
Payable Date  
03/26/2025
Reinvestment Amount  
$8.25
Long-Term Capital Gains  
Short-Term Capital Gains  
Income  
$0.0316
Total Distribution Per Share  
$0.0316
Record Date  
02/24/2025
Ex-Dividend Date  
02/25/2025
Reinvestment Date  
02/25/2025
Payable Date  
02/25/2025
Reinvestment Amount  
$8.30
Long-Term Capital Gains  
Short-Term Capital Gains  
Income  
$0.0316
Total Distribution Per Share  
$0.0316
Record Date  
01/27/2025
Ex-Dividend Date  
01/28/2025
Reinvestment Date  
01/28/2025
Payable Date  
01/28/2025
Reinvestment Amount  
$8.21
Long-Term Capital Gains  
Short-Term Capital Gains  
Income  
$0.0316
Total Distribution Per Share  
$0.0316

Annually, a fund must distribute all realized capital gains net of realized losses, so the fund will not be subject to an entity level income tax. A fund’s capital gain distribution in a particular year may be a result of the disposition of holdings that appreciated in value during prior years. Thus, while the fund may gain or lose value over the course of a year, a capital gain distribution paid by the fund may not be indicative of current performance of the fund.

The distributable amount of net capital gains are paid on a per-share basis to all investors who hold shares of the fund on the record date of the distribution and are recognized by the shareholder for tax purposes as of the ex-date of the distribution, regardless of when the gains or losses arose in the fund. Net gains on holdings held long term by the fund would be distributed to shareholders as a long-term capital gain distribution no matter how long the shareholder has owned shares in the fund.

Refer to the fund’s annual report or statement of additional information for specific information regarding distributions.

Tax Information

Tax Information

Federal ID Number 94-3198573
For information on tax years prior to 2008, please contact us
These amounts represent distributions paid by the fund, foreign taxes passed through (if any), and other distribution characteristics for the calendar year selected. These amounts are reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV.
Distributions per Share ($)
Record Date  
Jan 25
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0316
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
Feb 23
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0317
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
Mar 22
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0316
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
Apr 24
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0316
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
May 24
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0316
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
Jun 24
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0316
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
Jul 25
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0316
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
Aug 26
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0316
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
Sep 24
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0316
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
Oct 25
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0316
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
Nov 22
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0316
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
Dec 24
Ordinary Dividends  
0.0399
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Record Date  
Ordinary Dividends  
0.3876
Qualified Dividends  
Capital Gain Distributions  
Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain  
Non-Taxable Return Of Capital  
Section 199a Dividends  
Foreign Tax Paid  
Exempt Interest Dividends  
Interest on Tax Reclaim Refunds  
Supplemental Tax Information
Foreign Source Income 
Foreign Source Qualified Dividends 
Direct U.S. Government Obligations 
14.43%
Specified Private Activity Bond Interest 
Dividends Received Deduction 
Section 163(j) 
100.00%
Indiana Resident Taxable Income 
Utah Resident Taxable Income 

Franklin Templeton and its specialized investment managers and its employees are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice to taxpayers. These materials and any tax-related statements are not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used or relied upon, by any such taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties or complying with any applicable tax laws or regulations. Tax-related statements, if any, may have been written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed by these materials, to the extent allowed by applicable law. Each investor’s tax situation is different, and is based on an individual’s tax bracket, type of account used for investment and other factors. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Pricing

Pricing History Chart

As of 11/14/2025 Updated Daily

Daily Fund Prices and Breakpoints

As of 11/14/2025

Share Prices

As of 11/14/2025
NAV1 (Net Asset Value)
$8.39
NAV Change1 
$-0.01
NAV Change (%)1 
-0.12%
POP2 (Public Offering Price)
$8.72

52-Week Range

Highest NAV  As on 10/27/2025
$8.50
Lowest NAV  As on 01/13/2025
$8.10
POP and Sales Charge at Breakpoints

Investment

Sales Charge

POP

Less than $100,000 3.75%$8.72
$100,000 - $249,999 3.25%$8.67
$250,000 - $499,999 2.25%$8.58
POP and Sales Charge at Breakpoints
Investment  
Less than $100,000
Sales Charge  
3.75%
POP  
$8.72
Investment  
$100,000 - $249,999
Sales Charge  
3.25%
POP  
$8.67
Investment  
$250,000 - $499,999
Sales Charge  
2.25%
POP  
$8.58