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Franklin Templeton ETF Trust – ‘N-CSRS’ for 9/30/18

On:  Tuesday, 12/4/18, at 2:32pm ET   ·   Effective:  12/4/18   ·   For:  9/30/18   ·   Accession #:  1193125-18-342003   ·   File #:  811-23124

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  As Of                Filer                Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size              Issuer               Agent

12/04/18  Franklin Templeton ETF Trust      N-CSRS      9/30/18    4:14M                                    Donnelley … Solutions/FA
          → Franklin Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF ⇒ FLMI
          → Franklin Emerging Market Core Dividend Tilt Index ETF ⇒ DIEM
          → Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF ⇒ FLAX
          → Franklin FTSE Australia ETF ⇒ FLAU
          → Franklin FTSE Brazil ETF ⇒ FLBR
          → Franklin FTSE Canada ETF ⇒ FLCA
          → Franklin FTSE China ETF ⇒ FLCH
          → Franklin FTSE Europe ETF ⇒ FLEE
          → Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF ⇒ FLEU
          → Franklin FTSE France ETF ⇒ FLFR
          → Franklin FTSE Germany ETF ⇒ FLGR
          → Franklin FTSE Hong Kong ETF ⇒ FLHK
          → Franklin FTSE India ETF ⇒ FLIN
          → Franklin FTSE Italy ETF ⇒ FLIY
          → Franklin FTSE Japan ETF ⇒ FLJP
          → Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF ⇒ FLJH
          → Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF ⇒ FLMX
          → Franklin FTSE Russia ETF ⇒ FLRU
          → Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF ⇒ FLKR
          → Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF ⇒ FLSW
          → Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF ⇒ FLTW
          → Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF ⇒ FLUK
          → Franklin High Yield Corporate ETF ⇒ FLHY
          → Franklin International Aggregate Bond ETF ⇒ FLIA
          → Franklin International Core Dividend Tilt Index ETF ⇒ DIVI
          → Franklin Investment Grade Corporate ETF ⇒ FLCO
          → Franklin Liberty International Opportunities ETF ⇒ FLIO
          → Franklin Municipal Green Bond ETF ⇒ FLMB
          → Franklin Senior Loan ETF ⇒ FLBL
          → Franklin U.S. Core Dividend Tilt Index ETF ⇒ UDIV
          → Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF ⇒ USPX
          → Franklin U.S. Large Cap Multifactor Index ETF ⇒ FLQL
          → Franklin U.S. Low Volatility ETF ⇒ FLLV
          → Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF ⇒ FLQM
          → Franklin U.S. Small Cap Multifactor Index ETF ⇒ FLQS

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: N-CSRS      Franklin Templeton Etf Trust                        HTML   7.98M 
 4: EX-99.906CE  906 Certifications                                 HTML      8K 
 3: EX-99.CERT  302 Certifications                                  HTML     11K 
 2: EX-99.CODE  Code of Ethics                                      HTML     41K 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM N-CSRS

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-23124

Franklin Templeton ETF 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: 3/31

Date of reporting period: 09/30/18

Franklin Templeton

ETF Trust

Semiannual Report

September 30, 2018

Franklin Templeton Investments

Why Choose Franklin Templeton Investments?

Successful investing begins with ambition. And achievement only comes when you reach for it. That’s why we continually strive to deliver better outcomes for investors. No matter what your goals are, our deep, global investment expertise allows us to offer solutions that can help.

During our more than 70 years of experience, we’ve managed through all kinds of markets—up, down and those in between. We’re always preparing for what may come next. It’s because of this, combined with our strength as one of the world’s largest asset managers that we’ve earned the trust of millions of investors around the world.

Visit libertyshares.com for fund updates and documents.

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

Economic and Market Overview

1. Source: Morningstar.

2. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

Geographic Composition*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 9/30/18

*Figures are stated as a percentage of total net assets and may not equal 100% or may be negative due to rounding, use of derivatives, unsettled trades or other factors.

Investment Strategy

The Fund, using a passive or indexing investment approach, seeks investment results that closely correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the LibertyQ EM Index. The investment manager seeks to achieve, over time, a correlation between the Fund’s performance, before fees and expenses, and that of the Underlying Index of 0.95 or better. A figure of 1.00 would indicate perfect correlation. The Fund’s intention is to replicate the component securities of the Underlying Index as closely as possible. However, under various circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to replicate the Underlying Index. In these circumstances, the Fund may use a “representative sampling” strategy whereby the Fund would invest in what it believes to be a representative sample of the component securities of the Underlying Index, but may not track the Underlying Index with the same degree of accuracy as would an investment vehicle replicating the entire Underlying Index. The Fund’s portfolio is reconstituted semiannually following the semiannual reconstitution of the Underlying Index.

1. The LibertyQ EM Index is a systematic, rules-based proprietary index that is owned and calculated by MSCI Inc. (MSCI). It is based on the MSCI EM Index using a methodology developed with Franklin Templeton to reflect Franklin Templeton’s desired investment strategy. The MSCI EM Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of emerging markets.

2. Source: Factset.

The indexes are unmanaged and include reinvestment of any income or distributions (after the deduction of certain withholding taxes). They do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI). The SOI begins on page 25.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ EMERGING MARKETS ETF

Thank you for your participation in Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

		Dina Ting, CFA
		Louis Hsu, CFA
		Portfolio Management Team

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of September 30, 2018, the end of the reporting period. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

CFA^® is a trademark owned by CFA Institute.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ EMERGING MARKETS ETF

Performance Summary as of September 30, 2018

Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Total returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. 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.

Net asset value or “NAV” is the value of one share of a fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The price used to calculate market return (Market Price) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the primary stock exchange on which shares of a fund are listed for trading, as of the time that such fund’s NAV is calculated. Since shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until after the Fund’s inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary trading (6/3/16), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the Market Price to calculate market returns. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested at Market Price and NAV.

Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 9/30/18¹

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 libertyshares.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 6 for Performance Summary footnotes.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ EMERGING MARKETS ETF

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

Distributions (4/1/18–9/30/18)

Total Annual Operating Expenses⁶

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Generally, those offering potential for higher returns are accompanied by a higher degree of risk. Special risks are associated with foreign investing, including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments. Investments in developing markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors, in addition to those associated with these markets’ smaller size, lesser liquidity and lack of established legal, political, business and social frameworks to support securities markets. The Fund is designed for the aggressive portion of a well-diversified portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s multi-factor stock selection process will enhance performance. Exposure to such investment factors may detract from performance in some market environments, perhaps for extended periods. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

ETFs trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below their net asset value. Brokerage commissions and ETF expenses will reduce returns.

1. Effective December 1, 2017, the Fund adopted a unified fee structure whereby Management has agreed to reimburse the Fund’s acquired fund fees and expenses (if any) and pay all of the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund, including custody, transfer agency, and Trustee fees and expenses, among others, but excluding: (i) payments under the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 plan (if any); (ii) brokerage expenses (including any costs incidental to transactions in portfolio securities or instruments); (iii) taxes; (iv) interest (including borrowing costs and dividend expenses on securities sold short and overdraft charges); (v) litigation expenses (including litigation to which the Trust or a Fund may be a party and indemnification of the Trustees and officers with respect thereto); and (vi) other non-routine or extraordinary expenses.

2. Total return calculations represent the cumulative and average annual changes in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

3. Assumes reinvestment of distributions based on net asset value.

4. Assumes reinvestment of distributions based on market price.

5. Total return information is based on net asset values calculated for shareholder transactions. Certain adjustments were made to net assets of the Fund at 3/31/18 for financial reporting purposes, and as a result, the total returns based on those net asset values differ from the adjusted total returns reported in the Financial Highlights.

6. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ EMERGING MARKETS ETF

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. All funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. 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): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 183/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements.

Franklin LibertyQ Global Dividend ETF

Geographic Composition*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 9/30/18

*Figures are stated as a percentage of total net assets and may not equal 100% or may be negative due to rounding, use of derivatives, unsettled trades or other factors.

Investment Strategy

The Fund, using a passive or indexing investment approach, seeks investment results that closely correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the LibertyQ Global Dividend Index. The investment manager seeks to achieve, over time, a correlation between the Fund’s performance, before fees and expenses, and that of the Underlying Index of 0.95 or better. A figure of 1.00 would indicate perfect correlation. The Fund’s intention is to replicate the component securities of the Underlying Index as closely as possible. However, under various circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to replicate the Underlying Index. In these circumstances, the Fund may use a “representative sampling” strategy whereby the Fund would invest in what it believes to be a representative sample of the component securities of the Underlying Index, but may not track the Underlying Index with the same degree of accuracy as would an investment vehicle replicating the entire Underlying Index. The Fund’s portfolio is reconstituted semiannually following the semiannual reconstitution of the Underlying Index.

1. The LibertyQ Global Dividend Index is a systematic, rules-based proprietary index that is owned and calculated by MSCI Inc. (MSCI). It is based on the MSCI ACWI ex REITs Index using a methodology developed with Franklin Templeton to reflect Franklin Templeton’s desired investment strategy. The MSCI ACWI ex REITs Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets, excluding REIT securities.

2. Source: Factset.

The indexes are unmanaged and include reinvestment of any income or distributions (after the deduction of certain withholding taxes). They do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI). The SOI begins on page 32.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ GLOBAL DIVIDEND ETF

Thank you for your participation in Franklin LibertyQ Global Dividend ETF. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

		Dina Ting, CFA
		Louis Hsu, CFA
		Portfolio Management Team

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of September 30, 2018, the end of the reporting period. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ GLOBAL DIVIDEND ETF

Performance Summary as of September 30, 2018

Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Total returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. 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.

Net asset value or “NAV” is the value of one share of a fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The price used to calculate market return (Market Price) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the primary stock exchange on which shares of a fund are listed for trading, as of the time that such fund’s NAV is calculated. Since shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until after the Fund’s inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary trading (6/3/16), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the Market Price to calculate market returns. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested at Market Price and NAV.

Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 9/30/18¹

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 libertyshares.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 11 for Performance Summary footnotes.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ GLOBAL DIVIDEND ETF

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

Distributions (4/1/18–9/30/18)

Total Annual Operating Expenses⁵

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Generally, those offering potential for higher returns are accompanied by a higher degree of risk. Special risks are associated with foreign investing, including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments; investments in emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors. To the extent the Fund focuses on particular countries, regions, industries, sectors or types of investment from time to time, it may be subject to greater risks of adverse developments in such areas of focus than a fund that invests in a wider variety of countries, regions, industries, sectors or investments. Companies that have historically paid regular dividends to shareholders may decrease or eliminate dividend payments in the future. A decrease in dividend payments by an issuer may result in a decrease in the value of the issuer’s stock and less available income for the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s multi-factor stock selection process will enhance performance. Exposure to such investment factors may detract from performance in some market environments, perhaps for extended periods. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

ETFs trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below their net asset value. Brokerage commissions and ETF expenses will reduce returns.

1. Effective December 1, 2017, the Fund adopted a unified fee structure whereby Management has agreed to reimburse the Fund’s acquired fund fees and expenses (if any) and pay all of the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund, including custody, transfer agency, and Trustee fees and expenses, among others, but excluding: (i) payments under the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 plan (if any); (ii) brokerage expenses (including any costs incidental to transactions in portfolio securities or instruments); (iii) taxes; (iv) interest (including borrowing costs and dividend expenses on securities sold short and overdraft charges); (v) litigation expenses (including litigation to which the Trust or a Fund may be a party and indemnification of the Trustees and officers with respect thereto); and (vi) other non-routine or extraordinary expenses.

2. Total return calculations represent the cumulative and average annual changes in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

3. Assumes reinvestment of distributions based on net asset value.

4. Assumes reinvestment of distributions based on market price.

5. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ GLOBAL DIVIDEND ETF

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. All funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. 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): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 183/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements.

Franklin LibertyQ Global Equity ETF

Geographic Composition*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 9/30/18

*Figures are stated as a percentage of total net assets and may not equal 100% or may be negative due to rounding, use of derivatives, unsettled trades or other factors.

Investment Strategy

The Fund, using a passive or indexing investment approach, seeks investment results that closely correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the LibertyQ Global Equity Index. The investment manager seeks to achieve, over time, a correlation between the Fund’s performance, before fees and expenses, and that of the Underlying Index of 0.95 or better. A figure of 1.00 would indicate perfect correlation. The Fund’s intention is to replicate the component securities of the Underlying Index as closely as possible. However, under various circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to replicate the Underlying Index. In these circumstances, the Fund may use a “representative sampling” strategy whereby the Fund would invest in what it believes to be a representative sample of the component securities of the Underlying Index, but may not track the Underlying Index with the same degree of accuracy as would an investment vehicle replicating the entire Underlying Index. The Fund’s portfolio is reconstituted semiannually following the semiannual reconstitution of the Underlying Index.

1. The LibertyQ Global Equity Index is a systematic, rules-based proprietary index that is owned and calculated by MSCI Inc. (MSCI). It is based on the MSCI ACWI using a methodology developed with Franklin Templeton to reflect Franklin Templeton’s desired investment strategy. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets.

2. Source: Factset.

The indexes are unmanaged and include reinvestment of any income or distributions (after the deduction of certain withholding taxes). They do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI). The SOI begins on page 36.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ GLOBAL EQUITY ETF

Thank you for your participation in Franklin LibertyQ Global Equity ETF. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

		Dina Ting, CFA
		Louis Hsu, CFA
		Portfolio Management Team

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of September 30, 2018, the end of the reporting period. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ GLOBAL EQUITY ETF

Performance Summary as of September 30, 2018

Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Total returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. 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.

Net asset value or “NAV” is the value of one share of a fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The price used to calculate market return (Market Price) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the primary stock exchange on which shares of a fund are listed for trading, as of the time that such fund’s NAV is calculated. Since shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until after the Fund’s inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary trading (6/3/16), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the Market Price to calculate market returns. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested at Market Price and NAV.

Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 9/30/18¹

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 libertyshares.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 16 for Performance Summary footnotes.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ GLOBAL EQUITY ETF

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

Distributions (4/1/18–9/30/18)

Total Annual Operating Expenses⁶

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Generally, those offering potential for higher returns are accompanied by a higher degree of risk. Special risks are associated with foreign investing, including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments; investments in emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors. To the extent the Fund focuses on particular countries, regions, industries, sectors or types of investment from time to time, it may be subject to greater risks of adverse developments in such areas of focus than a fund that invests in a wider variety of countries, regions, industries, sectors or investments. Performance of the Fund may vary significantly from the performance of an index, as a result of transaction costs, expenses and other factors. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s multi-factor stock selection process will enhance performance. Exposure to such investment factors may detract from performance in some market environments, perhaps for extended periods. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

ETFs trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below their net asset value. Brokerage commissions and ETF expenses will reduce returns.

1. Effective December 1, 2017, the Fund adopted a unified fee structure whereby Management has agreed to reimburse the Fund’s acquired fund fees and expenses (if any) and pay all of the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund, including custody, transfer agency, and Trustee fees and expenses, among others, but excluding: (i) payments under the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 plan (if any); (ii) brokerage expenses (including any costs incidental to transactions in portfolio securities or instruments); (iii) taxes; (iv) interest (including borrowing costs and dividend expenses on securities sold short and overdraft charges); (v) litigation expenses (including litigation to which the Trust or a Fund may be a party and indemnification of the Trustees and officers with respect thereto); and (vi) other non-routine or extraordinary expenses.

2. Total return calculations represent the cumulative and average annual changes in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

3. Assumes reinvestment of distributions based on net asset value.

4. Assumes reinvestment of distributions based on market price.

5. Total return information is based on net asset values calculated for shareholder transactions. Certain adjustments were made to net assets of the Fund at 3/31/18 for financial reporting purposes, and as a result, the total returns based on those net asset values differ from the adjusted total returns reported in the Financial Highlights.

6. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ GLOBAL EQUITY ETF

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. All funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. 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): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 183/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements.

Franklin LibertyQ International Equity Hedged ETF

Geographic Composition*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 9/30/18

*Figures are stated as a percentage of total net assets and may not equal 100% or may be negative due to rounding, use of derivatives, unsettled trades or other factors.

Performance Overview

During the six-month period, the Fund posted cumulative total returns of +5.99% based on market price and +6.72% based on net asset value (NAV). In comparison, LibertyQ International Equity Hedged Index had a +6.97% total return for the same period, while the MSCI EAFE 100% Hedged to USD Index (Net Returns) produced a +6.97% total return.² You can find more of the Fund’s performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 21.

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 libertyshares.com or call (800) 342-5236.

1. The LibertyQ International Equity Hedged Index is a systematic, rules-based proprietary index that is owned and calculated by MSCI Inc. (MSCI). It is based on the MSCI EAFE Index using a methodology developed with Franklin Templeton to reflect Franklin Templeton’s desired investment strategy. The MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. and Canada.

2. Source: Factset.

The indexes are unmanaged and include reinvestment of any income or distributions (after the deduction of certain withholding taxes). They do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI). The SOI begins on page 50.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ INTERNATIONAL EQUITY HEDGED ETF

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ INTERNATIONAL EQUITY HEDGED ETF

Thank you for your participation in Franklin LibertyQ International Equity Hedged ETF. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

		Dina Ting, CFA
		Louis Hsu, CFA
		Portfolio Management Team

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of September 30, 2018, the end of the reporting period. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ INTERNATIONAL EQUITY HEDGED ETF

Performance Summary as of September 30, 2018

Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Total returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. 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.

Net asset value or “NAV” is the value of one share of a fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The price used to calculate market return (Market Price) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the primary stock exchange on which shares of a fund are listed for trading, as of the time that such fund’s NAV is calculated. Since shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until after the Fund’s inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary trading (6/3/16), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the Market Price to calculate market returns. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested at Market Price and NAV.

Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 9/30/18¹

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 libertyshares.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 22 for Performance Summary footnotes.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ INTERNATIONAL EQUITY HEDGED ETF

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

Distributions (4/1/18–9/30/18)

Total Annual Operating Expenses⁶

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Generally, those offering potential for higher returns are accompanied by a higher degree of risk. Special risks are associated with foreign investing, including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments; investments in emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors. To the extent the Fund focuses on particular countries, regions, industries, sectors or types of investment from time to time, it may be subject to greater risks of adverse developments in such areas of focus than a fund that invests in a wider variety of countries, regions, industries, sectors or investments. The Fund will attempt to hedge the currency exposure of non-U.S. dollar denominated securities held in its portfolio by investing in foreign currency forward contracts. Foreign currency forward contracts do not eliminate movements in the value of non-U.S. currencies and securities but rather allow the Fund to establish a fixed rate of exchange for a future point in time. Investments in derivatives involve costs and create economic leverage, which may result in significant volatility and cause the Fund to participate in losses (as well as gains) that significantly exceed the Fund’s initial investment. Currency management strategies could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the investment manager expects. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s multi-factor stock selection process will enhance performance. Exposure to such investment factors may detract from performance in some market environments, perhaps for extended periods. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

ETFs trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below their net asset value. Brokerage commissions and ETF expenses will reduce returns.

1. Effective December 1, 2017, the Fund adopted a unified fee structure whereby Management has agreed to reimburse the Fund’s acquired fund fees and expenses (if any) and pay all of the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund, including custody, transfer agency, and Trustee fees and expenses, among others, but excluding: (i) payments under the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 plan (if any); (ii) brokerage expenses (including any costs incidental to transactions in portfolio securities or instruments); (iii) taxes; (iv) interest (including borrowing costs and dividend expenses on securities sold short and overdraft charges); (v) litigation expenses (including litigation to which the Trust or a Fund may be a party and indemnification of the Trustees and officers with respect thereto); and (vi) other non-routine or extraordinary expenses.

2. Total return calculations represent the cumulative and average annual changes in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

3. Assumes reinvestment of distributions based on net asset value.

4. Assumes reinvestment of distributions based on market price.

5. Total return information is based on net asset values calculated for shareholder transactions. Certain adjustments were made to net assets of the Fund at 3/31/18 for financial reporting purposes, and as a result, the total returns based on those net asset values differ from the adjusted total returns reported in the Financial Highlights.

6. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

FRANKLIN LIBERTYQ INTERNATIONAL EQUITY HEDGED ETF

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. All funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. 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): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 183/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements.

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON ETF TRUST

Financial Highlights

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

^aFor the period June 1, 2016 (commencement of operations) to March 31, 2017.

^bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of Creation Unit Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

^cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

^dTotal return is not annualized for periods of less than one year. Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period.

^eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

^fEffective December 1, 2017, the Fund replaced the prior fee structure with a unified management fee.

^gPortfolio turnover rate excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of processing capital share transactions in Creation Units, if any.

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON ETF TRUST

Statement of Investments, September 30, 2018 (unaudited)

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON ETF TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF (continued)

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON ETF TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF (continued)