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Franklin Templeton

15 March 2021

Western Asset named Fixed Interest Fund Manager of the Year in Australia for the third time in four years

Sydney, 15 March 2021: On Friday (26 February), Western Asset was named Fund Manager of the Year – Fixed Interest at the 2021 Morningstar Australia Awards, winning for the third time in four years – 2018, 2020 and 2021.

The Morningstar awards assess a combination of qualitative research by its manager research analysts, risk-adjusted returns over the one, three and five-year periods and performance in the 2020 calendar year.

Western Asset Management is one of the world’s leading active fixed income managers, with AUD $627.9 billion (31 Dec 20) in funds under management globally. With a focus on long-term fundamental value investing that employs a top-down and bottom-up approach, the firm has nine offices around the globe including an office in Melbourne with deep experience across the range of fixed income sectors. Founded in 1971, Western Asset has been recognised for an approach emphasising team management and intensive proprietary research, supported by robust risk management.

This award covers Western Asset’s full range of funds in Australia. Domestic funds include the highly regarded Legg Mason Western Asset Australian Bond Fund and Western Asset Conservative Income Fund. For global markets, the unconstrained Western Asset Macro Opportunities Bond Fund and Legg Mason Western Asset Global Bond Fund are available.

The Legg Mason Western Asset Bond Fund is one of Western Asset’s flagship Australian offerings with a proven investment team and a compelling track record. The Fund is managed by industry veteran Anthony Kirkham – Head of Australian Investment Management and Operations at Western Asset.

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