Beyond Bulls & Bears

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Heightened geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices and little relief for credit markets kept risk assets under pressure. Markets are closely watching events unfolding in Israel and Palestine, fearful that the war will engulf the broader Middle East.

Quick Thoughts: Should we fear the rapid rise of interest rates?
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Should we fear the rapid rise of interest rates?

Term premiums have been on the rise, but should investors be concerned? Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, explains what term premiums are, and why they are worth paying attention to.

Quick Thoughts: Middle East conflict—few implications (for now) for markets
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Middle East conflict—few implications (for now) for markets

For now, the economic and market impacts of the Middle East conflict seem relatively contained, according to Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Earnings will be a clear focus for markets this week, as third quarter reporting kicks into gear in Europe and the United States. Events in the Middle East will also be closely watched.

Meet the Manager: Margaret King
Perspectives

Meet the Manager: Margaret King

San Francisco Business Times has named Margaret King, Franklin Templeton’s Vice President of FinTech Partnership & Corporate Strategic Investments, to its 2023 list of Most Influential Women in the Bay Area. The award recognizes her professional achievements and community leadership. Find out more about Margaret in this Q&A.

Quick Thoughts: Global market outlooks—Too hot, too cold or just right?
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Global market outlooks—Too hot, too cold or just right?

The US economy has been more resilient than many pundits had anticipated over the past year—but can this resilience continue? Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, recently hosted a discussion with economists from across our firm to explore where the risks and opportunities for investors lie today and into year-end.

Quick Thoughts: Midnight madness
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Midnight madness

At least for now, the US government has avoided a shutdown. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, opines on what may come next after this temporary resolution, and the impacts on the markets.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Last week was tough for global equities, with most major indices trading lower following a “hawkish pause” from the Federal Reserve (Fed), sending Treasury yields and the US dollar higher

Copilot, not autopilot: How generative AI augments, but doesn’t replace active management
Perspectives

Copilot, not autopilot: How generative AI augments, but doesn’t replace active management

AI, with its data analysis and predictive power, can revolutionize investing. However, humans remain a crucial part of the process. Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions provides use cases into how different investors can harness AI to achieve their desired outcomes and workflows.

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Building portfolios during economic uncertainty
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Building portfolios during economic uncertainty

When the economic environment is uncertain, investors may be equally uncertain whether their portfolios are positioned to meet any unknown challenges ahead. Tony Davidow, Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist, Franklin Templeton Institute, shares some takeaways from a panel discussion on the topic.

Dimensions & Insights: Blockchain and FinTech expand with diversity and inclusion
Perspectives

Dimensions & Insights: Blockchain and FinTech expand with diversity and inclusion

Inclusive and collaborative innovations, such as digital assets and blockchain, exemplify financial technology and services that can change the trajectory of economies while benefiting many global participants. Chief Diversity Officer Regina Curry and Franklin Templeton Head of Digital Assets Roger Bayston believe creating workplaces with intentional collaborative, inclusive, and debiasing practices can power great development environments. These actions enable trust and diversity that can impact innovation and business growth.

Quick Thoughts: Quiet shifts in corporate debt may explain this year’s big economic surprise
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Quiet shifts in corporate debt may explain this year’s big economic surprise

The resilience of US growth, earnings and markets has been the big surprise of 2023. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, opines on the factors at play—and whether they will last.