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

Perspectives

The Real Risk in Today’s Global Markets

While some observers might worry that the current global economic cycle is ending, Templeton Global Macro CIO Michael Hasenstab characterises the slowing growth we are experiencing as a cyclical slowdown, not the end of the cycle. He is more concerned with the political vulnerabilities he’s seeing in the global economy today, and says the world’s increasing fragmentation due to populist policies is a major concern.

Michael Hasenstab, Ph.D. | February 8, 2019

Fixed Income

Reinventing Cars—Risks and Rewards on the Transportation Highway

Mobility technologies are reshaping how cars are powered, driven and used for years to come. In this excerpt from the latest edition of FT Thinks: "The Promise of Innovation," Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group outlines three mega-trends—electrification, autonomous mobility and ride-hailing services—upending the old world order. They offer perspective on where we think the auto industry is headed, and the credit qualities the team look for from companies in the rapidly shifting auto industry.

Roger Bayston, CFA | February 4, 2019

Fixed Income

Slowdown Doesn’t Mean Stop. Our View on US Interest Rates, Inflation and China

While the US Federal Reserve (Fed) decided to leave interest rates unchanged at its January policy meeting, the market seems to be thinking the Fed may press pause for an extended period. A prolonged US government shutdown has heightened concerns the economy could be at a tipping point, but Sonal Desai, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group, weighs in on why the notion the Fed won’t raise rates at all this year “is misguided.”

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | January 30, 2019

Fixed Income

Global Uncertainty Highlights GCC Debt Opportunity

“While a stable economic backdrop remains supportive for Gulf Co-operation Council’s (GCC’s) debt, perhaps the most significant event for local bonds is the GCC’s inclusion in the J.P. Morgan Emerging Market Bond Index from January 31.” - Dino Kronfol, chief investment officer of Franklin Templeton Global Sukuk and MENA Fixed Income

Mohieddine (Dino) Kronfol | January 28, 2019

Fixed Income

A Hard Brexit Would Remove Uncertainty for Markets

"Two and a half years ago, with all the options for a negotiated Brexit on the table, a Hard Brexit seemed to be the worst-case scenario. Now, markets may feel that it’s preferable to bring an end to the uncertainty and accept the short-term pain." David Zahn, Head of European Fixed Income

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | January 15, 2019

Perspectives

PODCAST: Making Sense of Recent Market Action

After a turbulent end to 2018, early January brought some relief for equity investors, but there certainly are no shortage of uncertainties about the year ahead. Three of our senior investment leaders recently participated in panel discussion about what they see affecting investor sentiment, how they think changes in monetary policy are influencing market action and why they don’t see a US recession this year.

Edward D. Perks, CFA | January 15, 2019

LibertyShares

Who’s Who in the ETF Ecosystem

Jason Xavier, head of EMEA ETF Capital Markets at Franklin Templeton Investments, offers a simple explanation of what each role plays in ETF trading.

Jason Xavier | December 20, 2018

Fixed Income

A Dovish Fed Rate Hike

The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the fourth time this year, but with critics starting to question the central bank’s actions, will it take a tightening pause in 2019? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group's Michael Materasso weighs in.

Michael Materasso | December 20, 2018

Fixed Income

Theresa May Holds on, but What Does This Mean for Investors?

Theresa May has survived a leadership challenge called by Eurosceptic members of her own party and will continue to lead the United Kingdom as it heads towards Brexit. But David Zahn, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s head of European Fixed Income, warns May’s troubles are not over yet. He predicts further volatility ahead for financial markets, but argues there may be opportunities for shrewd active managers.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | December 12, 2018

Perspectives

Distortion, Divergence and Diversification: 2019 Global Investment Outlook

Volatility has plagued equity markets globally in 2018—most notably emerging markets and US equity markets. As the US economic expansion officially crossed the nine-year mark in 2018, many investors started to wonder when the cycle would change—and what the catalyst might be. Our senior investment leaders see plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the year ahead, but recognise investment opportunities may be more divergent, with some previously overlooked countries or asset classes potentially taking the spotlight.

Edward D. Perks, CFA | December 7, 2018