Beyond Bulls & Bears

On My Mind: They Blinded Us from Science
Fixed Income

On My Mind: They Blinded Us from Science

Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai unveils the first insights from the new Franklin Templeton–Gallup research project on the behavioral response to the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for the recovery: we find a gross misperception of COVID-19 risk, driven by partisanship and misinformation, and a willingness to pay a significant “safety premium” that could affect future inflation.

COVID-19 Crisis Accelerates the Digital Transformation Trend
Equity

COVID-19 Crisis Accelerates the Digital Transformation Trend

Digital transformation was already underway prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the resulting economic crisis has caused an acceleration, according to Franklin Equity Group’s Jonathan Curtis. He shares where his team is looking for potential opportunities within technology during the current period and beyond.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The COVID-19 threat remains as the number of cases and deaths continues to climb in the United States, and also elsewhere. Focus this week will be on the US Federal Reserve’s interest-rate announcement Wednesday and the press conference with Chair Jerome Powell that follows.

On My Mind: Testing the Recovery: A Franklin Templeton–Gallup Project
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Testing the Recovery: A Franklin Templeton–Gallup Project

The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 economic disruption has made traditional gauges of economic developments woefully inadequate, says our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai. She highlights the need to look deeper into new ways of examining the path toward recovery through people’s attitudes and actual behavioural response to this crisis measured via a new study Franklin Templeton is undertaking with Gallup.

EU’s €750 Billion Rescue Plan a Strong Affirmation of European Integration
Fixed Income

EU’s €750 Billion Rescue Plan a Strong Affirmation of European Integration

After much debate, the ink is now dry on Europe’s €750 billion coronavirus fiscal rescue package, initially proposed in May. David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, says it marks a strong affirmation of European integration and support for beleaguered countries—good news for investors.

Assessing the Depth, Breadth and Resilience of UK Mid-Cap Stocks
Equity

Assessing the Depth, Breadth and Resilience of UK Mid-Cap Stocks

As the United Kingdom emerges from lockdown, our Richard Bullas reminds investors to consider the sheer breadth of the mid-cap space.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Although many market participants are taking summer holidays, there is still a lot of noise expected this week as corporate earnings in United States and Europe continue to be a focus. News on the EU COVID-19 bailout will be a key driver for the region as well.

ETFs: Passing the COVID-19 Stress Test
ETFs

ETFs: Passing the COVID-19 Stress Test

Our Jason Xavier and Rafaelle Lennox examine ETF investing within the context of the COVID-19 crisis, and why they believe investors will continue to embrace these vehicles.

Quick Thoughts: Wall Street and Main Street Disconnect
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Wall Street and Main Street Disconnect

Our Head of Equities, Stephen Dover, gives his take on how COVID-19 has accelerated economic changes and explains what may have caused the stock markets’ second-quarter ascent.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Markets continue to struggle with the two-way pull between the unprecedented monetary and fiscal policy stimulus through this year and any further economic fallout from a second wave of COVID-19 infections.

Presidential Election Complicates US Market Outlook
Perspectives

Presidential Election Complicates US Market Outlook

The global market outlook is already hazy in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upcoming US presidential election adds another layer of uncertainty. In this excerpt from our Midyear Global Investment Outlook, Sonal Desai, Stephen Dover, Michael Hasenstab and Ed Perks offer their views of today’s investment landscape, including the upcoming US elections and economic outlook.

Competing Priorities Impact Retirement Preparedness
Perspectives

Competing Priorities Impact Retirement Preparedness

Franklin Templeton Canada’s 2020 Retirement Income Strategies and Expectations (RISE) survey revealed the importance of having a plan to help reduce financial-related stress—particularly relevant amid today’s uncertainties. Our Manmeet Bhatia discusses some findings of the survey, and how respondents feel about their financial future.