Beyond Bulls & Bears

Quick Thoughts: Is it Europe’s moment to shine?

European economies, long seen as sluggish, are experiencing a renaissance. Germany is leading the charge with a historic investment in defense and infrastructure, while the EU provides crucial support. This article from Franklin Templeton Institute delves into the factors driving this economic surge and the challenges that lie ahead.

Consider This: Germany’s Zeitenwende is here at last!
Perspectives

Consider This: Germany’s Zeitenwende is here at last!

Germany is making a bold move to break its “debt brake” and invest heavily in defense, infrastructure and energy. Kim Catechis of Franklin Templeton Institute discusses the implications of this policy change that could redefine Europe's economic and political landscape.

On My Mind: The fog of trade war
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The fog of trade war

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares her thoughts on the Federal Reserve policy meeting. Fed projections now call for slower growth and higher inflation versus earlier forecasts, yet hard data shows the US economy is still in good shape; uncertainty is high and the Fed is keeping all options open. Find out what this might mean for the US economy and fixed income investors.

Quick Thoughts: Why are equity markets sinking?
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Why are equity markets sinking?

US policy uncertainties have rattled markets. Franklin Templeton Institute’s Stephen Dover offers his take on the situation—and what might help calm markets.

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession Update: How much rests on consumer confidence?
Equity

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession Update: How much rests on consumer confidence?

Jeff Schulze of ClearBridge Investments provides an update on the health of the US economy, explores the current dynamics of US equities, and reviews the potential effects of tariffs on markets. Plus, he'll break down the latest changes on the Recession Risk Dashboard following two indicator downgrades.

Quick Thoughts: Risk vs. uncertainty
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Risk vs. uncertainty

Weaker US economic data is leading to volatility in the equity markets. Head of Franklin Templeton Institute Stephen Dover discusses why uncertainty is more difficult to factor in than risk and what investors can do about it.

Alternative Allocations: Enhancing retirement options with alternatives
Alternatives

Alternative Allocations: Enhancing retirement options with alternatives

In the latest Alternative Allocations podcast Jonathan Epstein, founder of DCALTA, discusses the organization's mission to educate stakeholders on the benefits of including alternative investments in defined contribution plans, which have historically lagged behind defined benefit plans in this area.

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: When the dust won’t settle
Fixed Income

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: When the dust won’t settle

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income economists explore the impact of proposed changes to US tariffs and the implications for other economies. Meanwhile, the eurozone contemplates increasing defense spending given a United States that promises to be less active in global security, and the Bank of Japan tightens monetary policy in light of increased price pressures.

The crucial role of dividends in investment portfolios
ETFs

The crucial role of dividends in investment portfolios

Dividend investing has seen something of a revival in the current turbulent market environment. Franklin Templeton’s Dina Ting delves into how dividend strategies can potentially offer not only a steady income stream but also a hedge against market volatility.

Flash Insights: Germany’s fiscal shift—an opening gambit
Fixed Income

Flash Insights: Germany’s fiscal shift—an opening gambit

Germany’s main political parties have agreed on increasing fiscal flexibility, amending the existing debt brake and allowing for increased infrastructure and defense spending. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s David Zahn and Angelo Formiggini share their thoughts on the implications for European fixed income markets.

Deep spending on AI boosts the old, value economy
Equity

Deep spending on AI boosts the old, value economy

Artificial intelligence has largely been a growth story, but Franklin Mutual Series believes value investors may find opportunities in the companies that build and power data centers or that spring up to take advantage of AI uses.

On My Mind: Markets getting wobbly?
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Markets getting wobbly?

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares her thoughts on the new US administration’s plans, ideas and actions so far, and what they might mean for the US economy and fixed income investors.