Beyond Bulls & Bears

Quick Thoughts: The end of the free trade era
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: The end of the free trade era

Why the new Trump tariffs warrant a cautious market and economic outlook—thoughts from Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute.

Fixed Income Sector Views: Steady in the storm
Fixed Income

Fixed Income Sector Views: Steady in the storm

The Franklin Templeton Fixed Income team believes the US economy remains strong despite concerns over tariff policies and the fiscal deficit. The EU economy, however, is weaker with anemic growth, which has led the European Central Bank to cut rates. The US Federal Reserve's rate-cut expectations have fluctuated, reflecting concerns over economic policies. Read more in their latest Sector Views.

Playing defense: how increased military spending is spurring new global opportunities
ETFs

Playing defense: how increased military spending is spurring new global opportunities

Global defense spending has reached new heights, unlocking potential investment opportunities, according to Dina Ting, Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, Franklin Templeton.

A call to more arms: Sparking a European industrials revival
Equity

A call to more arms: Sparking a European industrials revival

Franklin Mutual Series sees increasing opportunities in European industrials as the Continent rearms and looks to improve its creaking infrastructure.

Quick Thoughts: Is it Europe’s moment to shine?
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Is it Europe’s moment to shine?

European economies, long seen as sluggish, are experiencing a renaissance. Germany is leading the charge with a historic investment in defense and infrastructure, while the EU provides crucial support. This article from Franklin Templeton Institute delves into the factors driving this economic surge and the challenges that lie ahead.

Consider This: Germany’s Zeitenwende is here at last!
Perspectives

Consider This: Germany’s Zeitenwende is here at last!

Germany is making a bold move to break its “debt brake” and invest heavily in defense, infrastructure and energy. Kim Catechis of Franklin Templeton Institute discusses the implications of this policy change that could redefine Europe's economic and political landscape.

On My Mind: The fog of trade war
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The fog of trade war

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares her thoughts on the Federal Reserve policy meeting. Fed projections now call for slower growth and higher inflation versus earlier forecasts, yet hard data shows the US economy is still in good shape; uncertainty is high and the Fed is keeping all options open. Find out what this might mean for the US economy and fixed income investors.

Quick Thoughts: Why are equity markets sinking?
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Why are equity markets sinking?

US policy uncertainties have rattled markets. Franklin Templeton Institute’s Stephen Dover offers his take on the situation—and what might help calm markets.

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession Update: How much rests on consumer confidence?
Equity

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession Update: How much rests on consumer confidence?

Jeff Schulze of ClearBridge Investments provides an update on the health of the US economy, explores the current dynamics of US equities, and reviews the potential effects of tariffs on markets. Plus, he'll break down the latest changes on the Recession Risk Dashboard following two indicator downgrades.

Quick Thoughts: Risk vs. uncertainty
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Risk vs. uncertainty

Weaker US economic data is leading to volatility in the equity markets. Head of Franklin Templeton Institute Stephen Dover discusses why uncertainty is more difficult to factor in than risk and what investors can do about it.

Alternative Allocations: Enhancing retirement options with alternatives
Alternatives

Alternative Allocations: Enhancing retirement options with alternatives

In the latest Alternative Allocations podcast Jonathan Epstein, founder of DCALTA, discusses the organization's mission to educate stakeholders on the benefits of including alternative investments in defined contribution plans, which have historically lagged behind defined benefit plans in this area.

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: When the dust won’t settle
Fixed Income

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: When the dust won’t settle

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income economists explore the impact of proposed changes to US tariffs and the implications for other economies. Meanwhile, the eurozone contemplates increasing defense spending given a United States that promises to be less active in global security, and the Bank of Japan tightens monetary policy in light of increased price pressures.