Beyond Bulls & Bears

An Investor’s Perspective on the Proposed Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance
Perspectives

An Investor’s Perspective on the Proposed Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance

Can stakeholders (regulators, policymakers and market participants) deliver a sustainable finance framework that serves the end-client well? The European Union’s technical expert group has just published its final recommendations on the taxonomy for sustainable finance, establishing common criteria to classify environmentally sustainable activities that support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Fresh from discussing the topic at the Responsible Investor Europe Conference in London, Julie Moret, Head of ESG at Franklin Templeton, offers some immediate feedback on the usability and implications for investors

What’s Really Driving Oil Market Volatility?
Equity

What’s Really Driving Oil Market Volatility?

“At the moment, we think the market seems to be more focused on the weak global demand outlook for oil than a supply disruption after the recent tanker attacks.” – Fred Fromm

US Fed in Tough Spot as Market Clamours for Rate Cuts
Fixed Income

US Fed in Tough Spot as Market Clamours for Rate Cuts

The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at its June meeting; it also emphasised its data-driven approach to policy decisions but noted it believes the case for lower interest rates to be strengthening. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai offers her take on the meeting, and why the Fed might actually be exacerbating market volatility ahead.

PODCAST: Unlocking Innovation: Strategies from Silicon Valley CEOs
Perspectives

PODCAST: Unlocking Innovation: Strategies from Silicon Valley CEOs

Most companies want to be innovators in their field, but how does a company foster innovation? In our latest “Talking Markets” podcast, a panel of accomplished Silicon Valley CEOs—including Franklin Templeton’s Greg Johnson—discuss how to drive and nurture a culture of innovation within their employees.

Should Markets Heed Recession Warnings?
Multi-Asset

Should Markets Heed Recession Warnings?

Our Multi-Asset Solutions CIO Ed Perks discusses how markets are reacting to the possibility of a US recession, and explains why he favours a defensive stance. Read more.

ECB Acts to Reassert Its Inflation-Targeting Role
Fixed Income

ECB Acts to Reassert Its Inflation-Targeting Role

Many observers had low expectations ahead of this week’s European Central Bank (ECB) governing council meeting. But as David Zahn, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s Head of European Fixed Income, explains, the decisions made at the meeting have some intriguing implications and show the extent of the bank’s determination to achieve its inflation target.

Trade War: The Second Front
Equity

Trade War: The Second Front

“In our view, both the China and Mexico trade wars could be long-drawn affairs, as both fronts (jobs/immigration) cater to President Trump’s voter base, and the president has bipartisan support for the one with China.” – Stephen Dover, Head of Equities