Beyond Bulls & Bears

Staying Nimble Amid an Uncertain Outlook
Perspectives

Staying Nimble Amid an Uncertain Outlook

Bouts of volatility hit markets across the globe in the third quarter of 2019 amid continued uncertainties about global growth and trade. Central banks took notice, with the US Federal Reserve easing interest rates for the first time in more than a decade and the European Central Bank also cutting rates and reintroducing quantitative easing. Against this backdrop, our senior investment leaders discuss why they do not see a recession in the near term, but are taking a cautious and nimble approach.

Real Assets Could Be the Alternative
Multi-Asset

Real Assets Could Be the Alternative

Given the backdrop of a slowing global economy and shaky investor sentiment tied to trade tensions, Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions' Ed Perks and Gene Podkaminer are calling for an active investment approach. In the latest edition of “Allocation Views,” they outline six major themes driving their current views: slower global growth, subdued inflation, monetary policy effectiveness, the importance of nimble management, real assets, and alternative assets that aren’t really alternative enough.

The Fed Calls Time for a Reality Check
Fixed Income

The Fed Calls Time for a Reality Check

The US Federal Reserve cut its benchmark short-term interest rate for the second time this year, but some observers were disappointed the Fed didn’t more strongly signal future easing moves. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares her thoughts on why the central bank needed to rein in expectations a bit.

How ETFs Can Help Address Changing Client Expectations
ETFs

How ETFs Can Help Address Changing Client Expectations

Across Europe, we’re seeing evidence that exchange-traded funds are playing a more prominent role in investors’ portfolios. However, Jason Xavier, Head of EMEA ETF Capital Markets at Franklin Templeton, still encounters advisers who remain unconvinced of the merits of ETFs. In this article, he argues that ETFs have a central role to play for the investors of tomorrow.

Franklin Templeton 2019 RISE Survey: Savings Attitudes in Hong Kong and China Are Not Keeping Up with Societal Change
Perspectives

Franklin Templeton 2019 RISE Survey: Savings Attitudes in Hong Kong and China Are Not Keeping Up with Societal Change

More than half of pre-retirement age respondents of our 2019 RISE survey in Hong Kong and China haven’t started saving for retirement. Learn more about attitudes and concerns around retirement savings.

European Political Developments: A Lesson in Unexpected Consequences
Fixed Income

European Political Developments: A Lesson in Unexpected Consequences

Even the most dedicated news-junkie may struggle to keep up with the pace of political shenanigans in Europe in recent weeks. Two countries in which the news has been especially fast-moving are Italy and the United Kingdom. Our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn notes some peculiar similarities in the way events have unfolded.

Pinpointing Fixed Income Credit Risks
Fixed Income

Pinpointing Fixed Income Credit Risks

In this excerpt from the latest Franklin Templeton Thinks, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group examines how machine learning techniques can measure the risks of consumer and home loans—helping pinpoint credit risks they think are worth taking. They review digital loans, a relatively new asset class, and explain why quantitative approaches may be more applicable to some fixed income sectors than others.

What We Think Could Drive European Markets in the Coming Months
Fixed Income

What We Think Could Drive European Markets in the Coming Months

As European investors and market practitioners return from their summer vacations and prepare for the final third of 2019, our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn highlights the issues he thinks will drive markets in the coming months.