Beyond Bulls & Bears

ETFs, Message Boards and Volatility
ETFs

ETFs, Message Boards and Volatility

Internet message boards are lighting up and certain stocks have seen some unusually dramatic price moves. David Mann, our Head of Global Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) Capital Markets, ponders whether ETFs could be subject to similar volatility.

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe

COVID-19 and the economic impact of prolonged lockdowns continues to be a driver for Europe’s markets. However, many market observers remain positive on economic outlook, particularly in the United States.

Global 2021 ETF Trends to Watch: ESG, Fixed Income and Emerging Markets
ETFs

Global 2021 ETF Trends to Watch: ESG, Fixed Income and Emerging Markets

Last year clearly brought many challenges and changes in the way we work and live—and created much market uncertainty. While the first few months of 2021 haven’t seen the clouds of COVID-19 clear, there are reasons to think a return to some normalcy is near, says Jason Xavier, our Head of EMEA Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF) Capital Markets. He shares some of the themes and trends he sees ahead in 2021 for ETF investors.

European Fixed Income in 2021: Focused on Recovery, and Politics
Fixed Income

European Fixed Income in 2021: Focused on Recovery, and Politics

While the calendar has turned to a new year, many of the same uncertainties of 2020 still linger—namely the COVID-19 pandemic. However, David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, sees reasons to be optimistic the picture will look brighter for Europe by year-end, and is poised to take advantage of potential opportunities that arise.

Why the Future Still Means Fossil Fuels, for Now
Equity

Why the Future Still Means Fossil Fuels, for Now

Franklin Equity Group's Fred Fromm and Matt Adams explain why they think natural gas is likely to play a major role in the US transition to cleaner energy.

PODCAST: Anatomy of Recession: Reasons Recovery Could Accelerate
Equity

PODCAST: Anatomy of Recession: Reasons Recovery Could Accelerate

In our latest "Talking Markets" podcast, Jeff Schulze, Investment Strategist at ClearBridge Investments, a Specialist Investment Manager of Franklin Templeton, discusses why ClearBridge’s exclusive Recession Risk Dashboard is flashing green—a strong signal for growth.

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe

The proposed US$1.9 trillion fiscal package announced by President-elect Joe Biden was the key focus for the United States, whilst in Europe, politics and the continuing fight against COVID-19 held investor attention.

K2 Advisors First-Quarter Hedge-Fund Strategy Outlook
Alternatives

K2 Advisors First-Quarter Hedge-Fund Strategy Outlook

Our K2 Advisors team is optimistic about the opportunity set in the year ahead, and thinks that active management alpha will be key to success in 2021. Brooks Ritchey and Robert Christian provide the team’s first-quarter hedge-fund strategy outlook.

Quick Thoughts: On Georgia Elections: Stimulus for Individuals and Infrastructure
Equity

Quick Thoughts: On Georgia Elections: Stimulus for Individuals and Infrastructure

The US state of Georgia held January runoff elections that determined two Democrats as their US senators, giving the Democratic Party control of the legislative and executive branches through 2022. Our Head of Equities, Stephen Dover, thinks active investment opportunities can be found in Democratic priorities including green energy and infrastructure, and also within small-cap companies.

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe

Events in the United States have dominated headlines, with the “blue wave” Democratic Party Senate win putting a focus on further fiscal COVID-19 relief.

Europe’s “Man on the Moon” Moment
Equity

Europe’s “Man on the Moon” Moment

While 2020 brought many challenges and uncertainties for investors in Europe, Franklin Mutual Series Portfolio Managers Katrina Dudley and Mandana Hormozi see reasons to be optimistic about the future. They outline positive long-term attributes many may be overlooking.