Beyond Bulls & Bears

Alternative Allocations: Podcast episode 1—The state of the alternative investments industry
Alternatives

Alternative Allocations: Podcast episode 1—The state of the alternative investments industry

In this first episode, Franklin Templeton Institute’s Tony Davidow discusses the democratization of alternative investments and related topics with CAIA’s John Bowman.

Back to school: ETF fundamentals
ETFs

Back to school: ETF fundamentals

In the spirit of back-to-school season, Jason Xavier, Head of EMEA ETF Capital Markets at Franklin Templeton, offers a refresher on the basics of exchange-traded funds.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

In terms of market drivers, investor focus is mainly on the upcoming European Central Bank Meeting (14 September) and the Federal Reserve meeting (20 September). Some stronger recent US macroeconomic data suggest the possibility of a more hawkish tilt there.

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.

Time to snag UK equities from the Brexit bargain bin?
ETFs

Time to snag UK equities from the Brexit bargain bin?

The UK equity market has been a laggard among global peers since Brexit, but bargain-hunting investors have been showing renewed interest. Dina Ting, Franklin Templeton ETFs’ Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, explores the positive trends that are making a case for holding UK equities.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Equity markets ended August on a positive note, with Chinese stimulus aiding sentiment, along with global macro data releases that increased hopes central banks would pause their rate-hiking cycles.

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.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

It looks to be a slow start to the week in Europe, thanks to a Monday UK bank holiday, but there are several global macro data points later in the week that could garner investor interest, including Friday's August employment report.

Quick Thoughts: Jackson Hole—Limited visibility, bumpy landing
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Jackson Hole—Limited visibility, bumpy landing

In the wake of the Federal Reserve’s annual gathering in Jackson Hole, Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, conveys one clear message: interest rates aren’t coming down anytime soon.

Crisis in concrete: Navigating the ripple effects of commercial real estate on municipal bonds
Fixed Income

Crisis in concrete: Navigating the ripple effects of commercial real estate on municipal bonds

Declining commercial real estate valuations will not likely lead to a wave of defaults among muni issuers, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s municipal bond team.

On My Mind: The structural shift that wasn’t
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The structural shift that wasn’t

Markets seem to be coming around to our Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai’s view that the Fed will have to keep interest rates higher for longer, but now runaway fiscal deficits pose further upside risk to yields in the long term, she warns. She shares her latest insights on the fiscal and monetary outlook and the implications for investors.