It is not possible to invest directly in an index. There is no assurance that investment products based on the index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. There is no guarantee that any strategies utilizing the Index will be effective or successful. Multi-asset indices and diversification do not promise any level of performance, success, or guarantee against loss of principal. This does not serve as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any product or security or the use or suitability of the Index. This information should not be relied upon as investment advice, research, or a recommendation by Franklin Templeton regarding (a) any products tied to the Index, (ii) the use or suitability of the Index or (iii) any security in particular.
Any information, statement or opinion set forth herein is general in nature, is not directed to or based on the financial situation or needs of any particular investor, and does not constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, or a recommendation with respect to any particular security or investment strategy or type of retirement account. Investors seeking financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities or investment strategies should consult their financial professional.
Index Information
Merrill Lynch International, a subsidiary of BofA Securities, Inc. (BofAS), is the sponsor of the Franklin BofA Passport 8% VC Index (the “Index”). Franklin Templeton owns the intellectual property of the equity component, Franklin World Equity Index “FWRLDEQ”, and BofAS owns the intellectual property for the US Treasury Futures index, commodity curve alpha index, and commodity liquidity alpha index, (Merrill Lynch 10-year U.S. Treasury Futures Excess Return Index “MLT1ER10 Index”, Commodity Curve Alpha Index “MLCXSX6L Index”, and Commodity Liquidity Alpha Index “MLCIHC1A”). Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC (“Franklin”), has contracted with Merrill Lynch International (“MLI”), a subsidiary of BofAS, to calculate and maintain the Index. Franklin and MLI (collectively, “Index Parties”) will not be liable for any errors, omissions or interruptions in calculating the Index. The Index Parties make no representations or warranties, express or implied and shall have no liability with respect to the adequacy, accuracy, timeliness and/or completeness of the Index. Products based on the Index are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Index Parties and the Index Parties have no responsibilities, obligations or duties to purchasers of such products.
The Index is an excess return index. The Index levels represent performance in excess of the US Fed Funds Rate.
"Volatility Control" Indices are designed to shift allocations, based on signals in the market, to help keep volatility at or near the stated target. When market volatility is relatively low the index will likely maintain exposure to riskier assets, such as equities. When volatility increases, the index is likely to reallocate so that it is weighted toward low-risk assets, such as cash. The Index's "volatility control" mechanism may reduce the appreciation potential of the Index at this time.
Index-linked annuities are insurance contracts issued by an insurance company. Index-linked annuities are not invested in the Index itself, but rather interest is credited based on the performance of the Index and the rules prescribed in the insurer's Index crediting strategy. Index-linked annuities are not issued by Franklin or BofAS.
Hypothetical and Live Performance
Any data for the period prior to index inception consists of pre-inception data calculated by retroactively applying the Index methodology. Simulated returns and pre-inception data are hypothetical and included for illustrative purposes only. Performance is based on hypothetical returns prior to index inception and actual returns thereafter.
The Index was created on December 9, 2025, (live inception). The back-tested inception date is August 16, 2006. Levels for the Index prior to December 9, 2025, represent hypothetical data determined by retroactive application of a back-tested model, itself designed with the benefit of hindsight. Actual performance will vary, perhaps materially, from the performance set forth herein.
Index Closing Levels between the index back-tested inception date and the index live date have been determined by the Index Calculation Agent by reference to historical data and must be considered as simulated and thus purely hypothetical.
The performance of the Index may include certain embedded transaction costs but does not include fees or costs of any financial instrument referencing the Index.
Hypothetical performance results may have other inherent risks. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profit or loss. The relevant market and economic conditions that prevailed will not necessarily reoccur. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program which cannot be accounted for. All hypothetical results are presented for illustrative purposes only.
Hypothetical and past performance is no guarantee of future performance.
Back-testing and other statistical analysis material that is provided in connection with the Index use simulated analysis and hypothetical circumstances to estimate how it may have performed prior to its actual existence. The results obtained from "back-testing" information should not be considered indicative of the actual results that might be obtained from an investment or participation in a financial instrument or transaction referencing the Index. Neither Franklin nor BofAS provide assurance or guarantee that the products linked to the Index will operate or would have operated in the past in a manner consistent with these materials. The hypothetical historical levels have inherent limitations. Alternative simulations, techniques, modeling or assumptions might produce significantly different results and prove to be more appropriate. Actual results will vary, perhaps materially, from the simulated returns presented in this document.
The hypothetical performance information presented herein does not reflect the results of actual trading and calculation of the Index levels and performance do not reflect the fees and expenses that an investor would pay. These fees and expenses would cause the actual and back-tested performance of the Index to be lower.
Investment Risks
There are risks relating to the Index discussed herein. Please request a copy of the applicable Index rulebook for additional information and disclosure.
Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the prices of bonds adjust to a rise in interest rates, the performance of the Index may decline. International investments are subject to special risks, including currency fluctuations and social, economic and political uncertainties, which could increase volatility. During times of extreme market volatility, the Index will not be able to eliminate market losses or capture all market gains.
