Beyond Bulls & Bears

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

It was encouraging to see equity markets stabilise last week, but as we move towards the fourth quarter, it does feel like investor sentiment is somewhat brittle. We did see retail investors stepping in and "buying the dip" last week. This remains an important market dynamic to watch.

Quick Thoughts: Digital Trends Impacting Investors and Advisors
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Digital Trends Impacting Investors and Advisors

Investors and financial advisors alike want to understand the fascinating trends that are transforming the investment industry. Recently, our Chief Market Strategist and Head of Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Stephen Dover, hosted a roundtable discussing trends at the intersection of innovation and goals-based investing with Yaqub Ahmed, Head of Head of Investment-Only Division-U.S., U.S. Defined Contribution, U.S. Insurance & Sub-Advisory; Adam Petryk, Head of Solutions Strategy and Development, Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions; and Craig Ramsey, Chief Operating Officer, AdvisorEngine.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Fears of peak growth and central bank hawkishness as well as recent tax hikes to pay for the impact of COVID-19 stimulus measures have all contributed to recent market bearishness.

Quick Thoughts: Addressing Undiversified Risk
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Addressing Undiversified Risk

When diversification is a core principle for successful investing, what stops women from offering their talents in finance and investment careers? Katrina Dudley, Investment Strategist for Franklin Mutual Series, and I discussed diversification risks and Dudley’s and Ellen Carr’s new book, "Undiversified: The Big Gender Short in Investment Management".

Paradigm Shifts Impacting the Investment Landscape: China, Inflation and Monetary Policy
Fixed Income

Paradigm Shifts Impacting the Investment Landscape: China, Inflation and Monetary Policy

There are several “paradigm shifts” impacting markets today, according to Templeton Global Macro CIO Michael Hasenstab. He outlines how central banks might approach tapering of pandemic-driven asset purchases, and the potential investment risks and opportunities he sees.  

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Last week, markets appeared to be on the lookout for negatives. Whilst there wasn’t one overarching driver behind the weakness, a number of factors contributed.

Quick Thoughts: The Growth and Inflation Argument Continues
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: The Growth and Inflation Argument Continues

When it comes to questions about inflation, growth, and the impacts of vaccination rates on global economies, many of us are asking: what’s next? Our Head of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Stephen Dover, and five economists from Franklin Templeton’s specialist investment teams discuss the current environment and how it shapes their views on the path forward.

An Update on US Growth and Post-Pandemic Equity Opportunities
Equity

An Update on US Growth and Post-Pandemic Equity Opportunities

Franklin Equity Group Portfolio Manager Grant Bowers discusses whether recent moderation in US growth will continue, and where he’s finding opportunities in equities today.

On Central Bank Tapering and European Fixed Income
Fixed Income

On Central Bank Tapering and European Fixed Income

As markets try to look past the COVID-19 pandemic, the question of when central bank support will be withdrawn is a critical one. David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, discusses the implications of potential tapering of asset purchase programmes, and what it means for fixed income investors.

On My Mind: Leaving QE, Never Easy
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Leaving QE, Never Easy

This year’s annual economic policy symposium in Jackson Hole opens the six months that will likely define the legacy of the Powell Fed’s first term. The robust recovery, high inflation and record asset prices call for the Fed to wind down an extraordinary monetary easing that is also exacerbating economic inequality. But leaving QE isn’t easy, as financial markets have become overly dependent on Fed support. In her latest “On My Mind,” our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai discusses the Fed’s challenges and what they mean for investors.

Eurovision: Scores of Return Potential
Equity

Eurovision: Scores of Return Potential

Mutual Series Portfolio Managers Katrina Dudley and Mandana Hormozi discuss why Europe deserves renewed attention. They believe newfound stability and unity of the region, its pioneering use of regulation and environmental initiatives and accelerating vaccine rollout provide Europe scores of return potential.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

It had seemed like COVID-19 trends in Europe were showing signs of progress, but last week brought further concerns about infection rates in the United States and Asia.