May 2018 Archives - Beyond Bulls & Bears

Equity

Oil Prices Hit Four-Year High, but Will the Surge Continue?

For the first time in a long while, geopolitics has been driving oil prices higher in an already tight market. With oil prices recently hitting a four-year high, Fred Fromm, vice president and research analyst with Franklin Equity Group, shares his views on the oil-price surge and how he sees buoyant economic growth and investor concern about Middle-East risks once again reshaping the global energy industry.

Frederick Fromm, CFA | May 25, 2018

Equity

A Big World for European Small- and Mid-Cap Stocks

“In a potentially more uncertain market environment characterised by higher volatility and rising interest rates, we believe that in-depth stock analysis can uncover overlooked or unfairly punished European small-cap investments.” - Ed Lugo, Franklin Equity Group

Ed Lugo | May 23, 2018

Fixed Income

Global Economic Perspective: May

In this month’s Global Economic Perspective, our Fixed Income Group opines on rising energy prices, US Treasury yields, emerging-market currency pressures and global economic growth.

Christopher J. Molumphy, CFA | May 21, 2018

Fixed Income

Cautious European Fixed Income Investors May be Sacrificing Yield

Our “Fixed Income Investor Attitudes, Concerns and Actions 2018” survey shows European fixed income investors are still a cautious bunch a decade out from the global financial crisis. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s David Zahn explores why he thinks it might be time to put fears about market volatility aside.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | May 16, 2018

Fixed Income

An Unconventional New Government in Italy

“Although we think that fears about the League/Five Star coalition’s euro scepticism are over-played, we recognise there could be tensions between Rome and Brussels in particular over the new government’s spending plans.” – David Zahn, head of European Fixed Income.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | May 16, 2018

Equity

Is It Time For Value Investing to Return to the Limelight?

In recent years, value investing has played second fiddle to growth investing. But now could the stage be set for its return to the limelight? Franklin Mutual Series CEO Peter Langerman weighs in with his thoughts and explains why he is optimistic.

Peter Langerman | May 14, 2018

Equity

Will 2018 Be a Record Year for US Dividend Increases?

Since the passage of US tax reforms last December, some US companies have chosen to reward investors by boosting dividends. Citing sectoral trends, investment leaders from Franklin Equity Group explain why they think that trend is likely to continue in select industries.

May 11, 2018

Multi-Asset

Talking Trade Tensions, Inflation and Volatility

Global growth has been accelerating, but there are a few potential headwinds that could cause it to stall. Three of our senior investment leaders—Ed Perks, Chris Molumphy and Stephen Dover—recently participated in a panel discussion on the potential impact of trade tensions, inflation and other issues on their radar.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA | May 10, 2018

Multi-Asset

Will the Roar of Market Tensions Tame Global Growth?

The first quarter of 2018 started out like a lamb but went out like a lion as long-dormant volatility began to roar. Issues like inflation fears, trade tensions and geopolitical risks contributed to market turbulence, leaving many investors wondering whether these issues will put a damper on global growth—and end the US market’s nine-year bull run. Three of Franklin Templeton’s senior investment leaders—Stephen Dover, Christopher Molumphy and Ed Perks—weigh in.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA | May 09, 2018

Fixed Income

Australia: Caught in the Middle of US-China Trade Tensions?

Franklin Templeton’s Managing Director of Australian Fixed Income, Chris Siniakov, shares his view on why a potential US-China trade war could negatively impact Australia’s education and tourism industries. That said, he’s not alarmed by recent trade headlines—at least not yet.

Chris Siniakov | May 02, 2018

ETFs

Considering ETF Liquidity as Market Volatility Rises

“In our view, the coordinated central bank action to facilitate liquidity through low interest rates and quantitative easing has created an artificial environment. Market declines like those seen so far in 2018 give us a glimpse of historically a more typical market environment.” – Jason Xavier

Jason Xavier | May 02, 2018

Fixed Income

US 10-Year Treasury Crosses 3%: Much Ado About Nothing?

On April 24, the US 10-year Treasury yield crossed the 3% threshold for the first time in four years, prompting much discussion about the potential implications for the US economy. But to reference a famous Shakespeare play, is all the media focus much ado about nothing? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s Michael Materasso says investors shouldn’t fret too much about the number.

Michael Materasso | May 01, 2018