Beyond Bulls & Bears

Quick Thoughts: What Russia’s Power Play in Ukraine Means for Investors
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: What Russia’s Power Play in Ukraine Means for Investors

We recently hosted a special edition of our “What Our Managers Think” panel discussion to address the current situation in Ukraine. Participants included Kim Catechis, Investment Strategist for the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Scott Glasser, Chief Investment Officer at ClearBridge Investments, Dr. Michael Hasenstab, Chief Investment Officer at Templeton Global Macro, and Dr. Andreas Billmeier, European Economist for Western Asset.

Quick Thoughts: Ukraine, Russia, and the Path Forward
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Ukraine, Russia, and the Path Forward

Kim Catechis, Investment Strategist for the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, recently shared his thoughts around the situation in Ukraine and the implications for the global economy and capital markets. Here are some highlights of his views.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

It is well known that the pain from the gas price moves is significant, particularly for Germany and Italy. The Italian government has said it is reviewing options, including reopening shuttered coal plants. In Germany, the government is reported to be considering delaying the phasing out of nuclear power.

Asset Class Implications of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Equity

Asset Class Implications of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia has invaded Ukraine. Our Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team reflects on the human tragedy that is occurring as they also parse the data to understand the resulting economic and market implications. If the conflict remains protracted, it may produce a “low growth, high inflation” environment, in which case nimble management and keen attention to policy responses will be required.

Thoughts on Russia-Ukraine
Equity

Thoughts on Russia-Ukraine

The degree of the impact of recent Russia-Ukraine strife largely depends on the Western response, which in turn depends on the severity and duration of the conflict itself, according to Templeton Global Equity Group. The team shares its latest views on the situation.

Ukraine-Russia Tensions Signify a Multi-Polar World
Emerging Markets

Ukraine-Russia Tensions Signify a Multi-Polar World

Ukraine-Russia tensions are making headlines—here’s a quick take from Brandywine Global’s Francis Scotland on how he views the situation from an investment-management lens.

Opportunity in Muni Market Volatility
Fixed Income

Opportunity in Muni Market Volatility

January was a volatile month for the markets in general, and municipal bonds were not immune. Ben Barber, Director, Municipal Bonds, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, opines on how the prospect of rising interest rates is impacting the market, and how volatility can create opportunity.

Quick Thoughts: Defensive on the Curve
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Defensive on the Curve

Stephen Dover shares insights on investing in fixed income in a rising-rate environment with Walter Kilcullen, Head of US High Yield for Western Asset Management, and Reema Agarwal, Head of Floating Rate Debt for Franklin Templeton Fixed Income.

UK Equities: Where Next?
Equity

UK Equities: Where Next?

Many investors had underestimated the strength of the UK economy, and derated equities even prior to the pandemic and today’s inflationary headwinds. However, despite the pressures on household finances, there are encouraging signs for continued economic growth—and attractive market valuations, according to Franklin UK Equity’s Ben Russon. He shares his latest UK equity outlook.

On My Mind: The Long and Winding Road…
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The Long and Winding Road…

With inflation running at multi-decade highs, major central banks get ready to tighten monetary policy. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Chief Investment Officer Sonal Desai argues they are well behind the curve—and why she thinks markets still underestimate the long, volatile adjustment period that lies ahead.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Last week saw markets whipsaw from day-to-day as nerves remained brittle over central-bank policy, geopolitics risk and corporate earnings. The key focus for last week was Wednesday’s Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting, which saw Chair Jerome Powell maintain a hawkish stance and leave an interest-rate hike at the March meeting on the table.

Global Plays on Inflation for 2022
ETFs

Global Plays on Inflation for 2022

When considering portfolio allocation, it’s important to keep in mind the wide dispersion of returns among economies. Dina Ting, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, assesses the recent dislocation among global equity returns, with a look at one notable inflation outlier—Japan.