Beyond Bulls & Bears

Boris Johnson resigns: What’s next for markets?
Fixed Income

Boris Johnson resigns: What’s next for markets?

Our Head of European Fixed Income, David Zahn, weighs in on the market implications of the resignation of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Turbulence ahead
Perspectives

Turbulence ahead

The US Fed just made the biggest interest-rate increase since 1994. Should we be worried? Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, discusses the rising risk of a recession.

On my mind: The Fed capitulates
Fixed Income

On my mind: The Fed capitulates

The Fed raised interest rates by 75 basis points in its June policy meeting, acknowledging continued upside surprises on inflation, inflation expectations and wage growth. It also de facto abandoned forward guidance. It was a reminder that economic data eventually rule the day, says Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai. She argues this is a welcome but only partial move to a more realistic stance, and discusses why further hawkish surprises likely lie ahead.

ECB jumps on the bandwagon to start hiking rates
Fixed Income

ECB jumps on the bandwagon to start hiking rates

The European Central Bank held its June meeting this past week, and while it didn’t raise interest rates this time, it signaled rate hikes would begin in July. David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, offers his take on the meeting, noting the central bank has turned more hawkish than many expected.

Making the case for municipal bonds despite recent volatility
Fixed Income

Making the case for municipal bonds despite recent volatility

The first half of the year has so far been challenging for investors in municipal bonds. Ben Barber, Director, Municipal Bonds, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, shares his latest outlook and reasons for optimism.

On my mind: Overdue reality check for Fed and markets has barely begun
Fixed Income

On my mind: Overdue reality check for Fed and markets has barely begun

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Chief Investment Officer Sonal Desai believes investors’ expectations that interest rates will not rise much may be very misguided.

Credit: This Time Is Different?
Fixed Income

Credit: This Time Is Different?

Credit market volatility this year has been extreme. The Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team looks back at history to see what to expect from certain fixed income asset classes, noting that history may not repeat. They also examine the likelihood of recession and its possible severity.

PODCAST: Making Sense of the Recent Market Selloffs
Perspectives

PODCAST: Making Sense of the Recent Market Selloffs

Wylie Tollette, Head of Client Investment Solutions with Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions, joins the head of the Franklin Templeton Institute, Stephen Dover, for a conversation on the recent equity market selloff. They discuss why the pendulum has shifted so strongly negative, whether there is any bottom in sight, and where investors looking for diversification could go.

Peering Around the (Yield) Curve
Multi-Asset

Peering Around the (Yield) Curve

The US Treasury yield curve momentarily inverted. Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions investigates what this implies for recession risk, growth momentum, and equity prices.

On My Mind: The US Dollar and the Retreat from Globalisation
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The US Dollar and the Retreat from Globalisation

With the war taking a tragic toll in Ukraine and triggering a major shift in the geopolitical and economic order, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai discusses the implications for the US dollar’s status as dominant reserve currency, and for the pace of the energy transition.

Meet the Manager: Bonnie Wongtrakool
Perspectives

Meet the Manager: Bonnie Wongtrakool

As a young girl with dreams of a career in finance, Western Asset’s Bonnie Wongtrakool is a prime example of manifesting one’s future success—but not without putting in the work to make it happen. Today, she helps mentor other young women hoping to follow in her footsteps. Here, we get to know Bonnie.

The Inflationary Shock of the Russia-Ukraine Crisis
Fixed Income

The Inflationary Shock of the Russia-Ukraine Crisis

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has ramifications for global inflation and growth, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income. The team examines the dynamics underlying energy and certain agricultural commodities to explore the inflation implications.