Franklin Dividend ETF’s 4.9% Pfizer Holding Gains on PFS Improvement
This ETF’s 4.90% Pfizer holding gained on trial news showing Braftovi combo yielded a statistically significant PFS improvement in BRAF V600E metastatic colorectal cancer. Pfizer shares rose 0.63% near a 52-week high, potentially boosting the ETF’s returns given its weight.
1. Breakthrough in Colorectal Cancer Trial
Pfizer’s Braftovi regimen demonstrated a statistically significant progression-free survival improvement in untreated metastatic colorectal cancer with BRAF V600E mutation. Cohort 3 of the Phase 3 BREAKWATER trial showed a 64.4% confirmed objective response rate versus 39.2% for standard care (odds ratio 2.76, p=0.001), and overall ORR reached 60.9% compared to 40.0%.
2. Pfizer Shares Near 52-Week High
Following the trial update, Pfizer shares rose 0.63% to trade close to their 52-week high. Technical indicators show the stock is 3.5% below its 20-day SMA and 5.2% below its 100-day SMA, with an RSI of 44.45 in neutral territory and a MACD below its signal line indicating mild bearish pressure.
3. XUDV Exposure and Implications
Franklin US Dividend Booster Index Fund holds 4.90% of its portfolio in Pfizer, making the positive trial results and share appreciation a potential catalyst for the ETF’s performance. Improved momentum in Pfizer could attract dividend-oriented inflows and modestly lift overall returns given its weight in the fund.