Beyond Bulls & Bears

Fixed Income

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. |
European Parliamentary Elections: A Barometer of European Thinking?
Fixed Income

European Parliamentary Elections: A Barometer of European Thinking?

European parliamentary elections don’t typically generate international headlines, but with the wrinkle of Brexit still unsettled, this time they are front and centre. Our David Zahn weighs in.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM |
May Confirms Departure Date, but What Could It Mean for Investors?
Fixed Income

May Confirms Departure Date, but What Could It Mean for Investors?

“We calculate there would be no time for May’s successor to renegotiate a fresh deal with Brussels, so we think is more likely the UK could leave the EU without a deal.” David Zahn, Head of European Fixed Income.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM |
On My Mind: Embracing Tech Disruption—Four Lessons For Fixed Income Investors
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Embracing Tech Disruption—Four Lessons For Fixed Income Investors

The impact of innovation on productivity, economic growth and global trade will be more profound than most people realise, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai. She shares her thoughts on the subject and other key takeaways from our annual Global Investment Forum in San Francisco.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. |
How the Search For Yield is Going Green
Fixed Income

How the Search For Yield is Going Green

Investors are considering a growing range of methods to try to eke out yield in this resolutely low interest-rate environment. As David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income notes, fixed maturity (or so-called buy and hold) funds have proven a popular choice for some. And with environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations high on the agenda, Zahn argues that investors should not have to sacrifice their green credentials in the search for yield.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM |
European Elections: Big Changes, or Business as Usual?
Fixed Income

European Elections: Big Changes, or Business as Usual?

Many observers are predicting that European elections later this month will usher a wave of populist representatives into the European Parliament. David Zahn, Head of European Fixed Income, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group, believes there may be a shift in political balance, but suggests the ability of extremists at either end of the political spectrum to dramatically alter the direction of the European Union is likely to be limited.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM |
Eurozone Debt Disputes Make an Unhappy Union
Fixed Income

Eurozone Debt Disputes Make an Unhappy Union

When investing in sovereign debt, there is a level of trust involved—faith a government will return an investor’s principal plus interest without fail. But Franklin Templeton Fixed Income doesn’t see this as blind faith; it must be backed by verifiable economic metrics. In this excerpt from the latest “FT Thinks,” our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn outlines how governments have changed in Europe, and how new politicians with fresh agendas can bolster confidence, or rouse concerns.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM |
The Case for Active Gilts Management as Volatility Returns
Fixed Income

The Case for Active Gilts Management as Volatility Returns

After several years of relatively stable conditions, the slide in equities at the end of last year and the subsequent recovery in the first quarter of 2019 were a stark reminder not to become complacent. Read more on why Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s David Zahn believes an active approach to gilts management makes sense now.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM |
Still No Roadmap to a Brexit Resolution as EU Offers Another Extension
Fixed Income

Still No Roadmap to a Brexit Resolution as EU Offers Another Extension

Brexit may have been delayed again. The European Union has offered to allow the United Kingdom more time to decide how it wants to leave. While the measure may prevent a no-deal Brexit in the short-term, our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn thinks it may simply be saving up problems for the future.

On My Mind: Trade Wars—The Dog That Didn’t Bark
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Trade Wars—The Dog That Didn’t Bark

The prospect of a “trade war” between the United States and China has caused some investor trepidation over the past year. But are the fears of economic fallout from this “war” warranted? And, was there ever really a war at all? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai weighs in.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. |
Is the US Yield Curve Signalling a US Recession?
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.

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