Beyond Bulls & Bears

Fixed Income

Yield Curve Hysteria
Fixed Income

Yield Curve Hysteria

The inversion of the Treasury yield curve has recently gotten a lot of attention in the financial press as being a harbinger of economic malaise ahead. Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai says these conclusions are misguided.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | August 14, 2019
Adrift: Has Monetary Policy Become Unanchored?
Fixed Income

Adrift: Has Monetary Policy Become Unanchored?

In light of the Federal Reserve’s recent interest-rate cut, our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai takes a look at how US central bank thinking seems to have changed, and whether there’s a risk of having interest rates too close to zero. She argues deflation risks are overblown and looser monetary policy will lead to increased financial market distortions.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | August 08, 2019
The Federal Reserve: Dealer’s Choice
Fixed Income

The Federal Reserve: Dealer’s Choice

The US Federal Reserve cut its benchmark short-term interest rate for the first time in 11 years in what Chairman Jerome Powell called a “mid-cycle adjustment” to sustain the US economic expansion. Powell appeared to struggle to reconcile his admission the US economy is strong with this decision, says Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai. She shares her thoughts on the July policy meeting and the potential market implications.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | July 31, 2019
New UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Faces Challenges at Home and Abroad
Fixed Income

New UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Faces Challenges at Home and Abroad

Boris Johnson, one of the most enthusiastic supporters of Brexit, is the United Kingdom’s new prime minister. David Zahn, Franklin Templeton’s Head of European Fixed Income, doubts Johnson will have much of a honeymoon period in the new role as he faces stiff challenges domestically and internationally, with global markets scouring his every move.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | July 24, 2019
Food Security Through an ESG Lens
Fixed Income

Food Security Through an ESG Lens

“Given the already tight supply and demand balance and the expectation for further demand growth, the prices for meat-based proteins in general and pork are expected to continue to increase.” - S. James McGiveran III, Research Analyst, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group.

S. James McGiveran III CFA, CPA, FRM | July 19, 2019
Why We’re Positive About Lagarde’s ECB Nomination
Fixed Income

Why We’re Positive About Lagarde’s ECB Nomination

Christine Lagarde may have emerged as a surprise candidate to take the helm of the European Central Bank (ECB), but David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, sees it as a positive choice. Here he explains why both her experience, and lack of it, could prove positive if she does secure the job. And he shares his conviction that, whoever is in charge, the ECB is likely to remain steadfast on its easing path.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | July 03, 2019
PODCAST: Midyear Outlook: Reining in Risk
Perspectives

PODCAST: Midyear Outlook: Reining in Risk

Equity markets continued to march higher in the first half of 2019, despite trade uncertainties and recessionary fears. An abrupt change to a more dovish stance among central bankers has recently provided fresh tinder to the equity fire. But does a looser policy stance signal there are cracks in the global economy’s foundation? Our senior investment leaders share their views on investing in uncertain times and how their outlooks have changed from earlier this year. They weigh in on market divergence, whether there is simply too much focus on the US Federal Reserve, where they see pockets of opportunity and how they are looking to play defence.

Edward D. Perks, CFA | July 01, 2019
Are Investors Today Too Complacent?
Fixed Income

Are Investors Today Too Complacent?

Templeton Global Macro CIO Michael Hasenstab recently shared his perspective on investing at FundForum International 2019 in Copenhagen. He outlines why he thinks many investors are too complacent today, leading to some “dangerous” risk-taking. He also cautions why he thinks the next decade won’t be like the last for investors.

Michael Hasenstab, Ph.D. | July 01, 2019
US Fed in Tough Spot as Market Clamours for Rate Cuts
Fixed Income

US Fed in Tough Spot as Market Clamours for Rate Cuts

The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at its June meeting; it also emphasised its data-driven approach to policy decisions but noted it believes the case for lower interest rates to be strengthening. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai offers her take on the meeting, and why the Fed might actually be exacerbating market volatility ahead.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | June 19, 2019
Should Markets Heed Recession Warnings?
Multi-Asset

Should Markets Heed Recession Warnings?

Our Multi-Asset Solutions CIO Ed Perks discusses how markets are reacting to the possibility of a US recession, and explains why he favours a defensive stance. Read more.

Edward D. Perks, CFA | June 06, 2019
ECB Acts to Reassert Its Inflation-Targeting Role
Fixed Income

ECB Acts to Reassert Its Inflation-Targeting Role

Many observers had low expectations ahead of this week’s European Central Bank (ECB) governing council meeting. But as David Zahn, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s Head of European Fixed Income, explains, the decisions made at the meeting have some intriguing implications and show the extent of the bank’s determination to achieve its inflation target.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | June 06, 2019
The EU: Singing from 28 Hymn Sheets
Fixed Income

The EU: Singing from 28 Hymn Sheets

What’s the investment lesson in Europe’s recent parliamentary elections? Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai says it’s differentiation. Read more of what’s on her mind about this topic. 

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | May 29, 2019