Beyond Bulls & Bears

Anatomy of a Recession Update: Can US exceptionalism continue?

After a period of no indicator upgrades within the Recession Risk Dashboard, there was quite a bit of movement in December. We speak with Jeff Schulze of ClearBridge Investments about these moves and more.

On My Mind: 2025 themes in focus—fiscal headaches, monetary prudence, productivity and volatility
Fixed Income

On My Mind: 2025 themes in focus—fiscal headaches, monetary prudence, productivity and volatility

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares four key themes that she believes will shape economic and financial market developments in 2025 and beyond.

Staying nimble and diversified: Capitalizing on income opportunities in 2025
Multi-Asset

Staying nimble and diversified: Capitalizing on income opportunities in 2025

While the US economy proved more resilient and exceeded economists’ expectations, there are potential downside risks to future growth, according to Franklin Income Investors CIO Ed Perks.

Alternative Allocations: The rise of secondary markets in private equity
Alternatives

Alternative Allocations: The rise of secondary markets in private equity

In the latest Alternative Allocations podcast the critical role of secondaries in the private equity ecosystem are discussed, emphasizing their importance in providing liquidity.

Fixed Income Sector Views: Signs of progress, signals of caution
Fixed Income

Fixed Income Sector Views: Signs of progress, signals of caution

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income team feels optimistic about the US economy, driven by consumer spending, which should limit the need for rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. However, policy changes by President-elect Trump, such as increased tariffs and immigration changes, could add inflationary pressures. Read more in their latest Sector Views.

On My Mind: 2025—Looking good, feeling good?
Fixed Income

On My Mind: 2025—Looking good, feeling good?

Even with the uncertainty surrounding the new US administration’s economic policies, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai thinks the US economic outlook for 2025 remains robust, with upside risks to inflation. She thinks the end of the Fed’s easing cycle might be near, and warns that financial markets volatility will likely remain elevated.

Dimensions & Insights: How inclusive principles can transform financial wellness
Perspectives

Dimensions & Insights: How inclusive principles can transform financial wellness

As more savers are prioritizing financial independence over traditional retirement, the need for an inclusive-focused approach to financial planning has never been more critical, according to Franklin Templeton’s Regina Curry and Jacque Reardon. Read more about their conversation in this article.

Anatomy of a Recession Update: Outlook 2025—Will US exceptionalism continue?
Equity

Anatomy of a Recession Update: Outlook 2025—Will US exceptionalism continue?

In this "Talking Markets" podcast, ClearBridge Investments' colleagues Jeff Schulze and Josh Jamner discuss the US economy and equity markets in 2025.

Alternative Allocations: A CIO’s perspective on allocating to alts
Alternatives

Alternative Allocations: A CIO’s perspective on allocating to alts

In the latest Alternative Allocations podcast, the benefits of evergreen structures in private credit are discussed, as well as the "four Ps" of due diligence (people, philosophy, process, performance).

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: The return of (trade) policy uncertainty
Fixed Income

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: The return of (trade) policy uncertainty

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income economists explore the impact of proposed changes to both US tax and tariff policies and the implications for global economies. Central banks continue to address local conditions, with the US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank further easing monetary policy, while the Bank of Japan is hiking its policy rate as it faces elevated inflation.

Value stocks and the duality of markets in 2025
Equity

Value stocks and the duality of markets in 2025

Value stocks were strong in late 2024, and Mutual Series sees trends that could push this performance into 2025 and beyond.

Japanese rotation: uncertain politics, appealing value opportunities
Equity

Japanese rotation: uncertain politics, appealing value opportunities

A change in Japanese political leadership has sparked some financial market volatility, but Franklin Mutual Series continues to see value investment opportunities as inflation returns and companies embrace change.