Fixed Income - 2/15 - Beyond Bulls & Bears

Beyond Bulls & Bears

Fixed Income

Is the US Yield Curve Signalling a US Recession?

Although one part of the US yield curve has inverted this year, investment leaders from Franklin Templeton explain why they aren’t concerned about a US recession—at least not yet.

March 29, 2019

LibertyShares

Understanding the Role of Trading Volume and Size in Assessing an ETF

Although exchange-traded funds (ETFs) display some similar characteristics to stocks and mutual funds, there are some significant differences. Jason Xavier, head of EMEA ETF Capital Markets at Franklin Templeton, explains why he believes investors should think differently when considering their ETF allocations.

Jason Xavier | March 28, 2019

Perspectives

PODCAST: Market Resilience: Strength in Numbers

Concerns about where the financial markets are heading are at the forefront of many investors’ minds. The risks of a US or global recession this year continue to persist amid slowing global growth, trade tensions and worries about potential geopolitical shocks. Our senior investment leaders see a different story unfolding. In this roundtable discussion, they outline why they think some market observers are misguided and where they see opportunities today.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | March 25, 2019

Fixed Income

Can the EU’s Extension Offer Really Break the Brexit Deadlock?

After a nail-biting few hours, European Union leaders have agreed to the UK government’s request to delay Brexit, albeit the extension is less than Theresa May had requested. But our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn believes the decision does little more than reset the clock and he warns there is still a strong chance that the United Kingdom could still crash out without a deal.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | March 21, 2019

Fixed Income

Steady Fed Maintains Dovish Stance

The US Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates steady at its March meeting came as little surprise, but its updated “dot plot” projections were interpreted by markets as sending a decidedly more dovish signal than expected. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group CIO Sonal Desai offers her take on the meeting, and why she feels markets shouldn’t read too much into the dots.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | March 21, 2019

Fixed Income

MPs Say No to No Deal, But an Accidental Hard Brexit Remains a Possibility

UK members of parliament have voted to reject a situation in which the United Kingdom crashes out of the European Union without a deal. But with only days until the official leave date, the options for a tidy resolution are limited. David Zahn explains why he expects the UK government now to seek an extension to the Brexit negotiations.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | March 13, 2019

Alternatives

On My Mind: Modern Magical Thinking

In economic (and political) circles, “Modern Monetary Theory” has gotten some buzz of late. What does it mean—and does it have any merit? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Chief Investment Officer Sonal Desai thinks it’s not only potentially dangerous, but offers intellectual fuel for populism.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | March 12, 2019

Fixed Income

Meet the Manager: Sheila Amoroso

Some people seem to have a career path in place from an early age, while others just sort of stumble into one. Sheila Amoroso, director of Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s municipal bond department, is in the latter camp. You’d probably be hard-pressed to find many young women who aspire to be municipal bond managers—and Sheila was no exception. But, as she made her first foray into financial services, she found the work interesting, challenging and rewarding. And after more than 30 years with Franklin Templeton, that’s still the case.

Sheila Amoroso | March 7, 2019

Fixed Income

Looking at Australian Fixed Income Through a Global Lens

“We think the global corporate credit markets could face obstacles in the year ahead. The profit cycle is slowing and some sectors are facing particular pressures.” – Andrew Canobi, Australia Fixed Income team

Andrew Canobi, CFA | March 5, 2019

Fixed Income

Why European Investors Might Consider Fixed Maturity Investing

Against a background of sustained low interest rates, the search for yield is leading some investors to cast their nets a little wider. David Zahn, Head of European Fixed Income at Franklin Templeton, looks at one idea that seems to be sparking interest: fixed maturity investing.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | February 20, 2019

Fixed Income

On My Mind: The Fed Will Hike Again—Because It Can

While the financial markets seem to be betting on a very extended pause in the US Federal Reserve’s multiyear tightening cycle, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group Chief Investment Officer Sonal Desai has another idea. Here, she makes the case that interest-rate hikes may still be on the table this year.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | February 13, 2019

Equity

Convertible Securities: Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

“As long-term investors, our view on convertible securities doesn’t change from quarter to quarter or during periods of market volatility.” - Alan Muschott, Franklin Equity Group

Alan Muschott, CFA | February 13, 2019

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