March 2021 Archives - Beyond Bulls & Bears

ETFs

What a Year for ETFs!

COVID-19 has reshaped our lives in many ways, and has transformed markets in some ways, too. Jason Xavier, our Head of EMEA Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF) Capital Markets, takes a brief look back at how COVID-19 has impacted the ETF landscape, and why he believes strong tailwinds remain for ETF growth going forward.

Jason Xavier | March 31, 2021

Alternatives

K2 Advisors Second Quarter Hedge-Fund Strategy Outlook

With a broad-based economic reopening coming closer into focus, investors are planning for the next stage in the cycle. Our K2 Advisors team believes geographical, asset class and sector rotations will be key to driving returns over the next 12 months. Brooks Ritchey and Robert Christian provide the team’s second quarter hedge-fund strategy outlook.

Brooks Ritchey | March 30, 2021

Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe

The COVID-19 situation in Europe remains precariously balanced, which weighed on reopening hopes. The grounded tanker in the Suez Canal also continues to attract attention, with media reports suggesting nearly 200 ships carrying US$10 billion of goods were stalled as a result of the blockage.

March 29, 2021

Alternatives

Getting Ready for EU SFDR: Impact of Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation

We recently assembled a panel to discuss the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, which represents part of a plan to reorient capital towards a more sustainable economy, to mainstream sustainability into risk management, and foster transparency. Here, we share highlights from the panel.

March 26, 2021

Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe

Talk of a third wave of new COVID-19 cases increased across the European Union last week, with France reimposing lockdown in Paris, and German health officials stating cases are accelerating ‘exponentially’. The picture for the UK economy looks more encouraging. New cases remain far below January highs and hospital numbers continue to fall sharply.

March 22, 2021

Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Be an Ally to Women Entrepreneurs and Herstory

Chief Market Strategist Stephen Dover believes addressing gender parity issues is not only the right thing to do, but it also creates greater outcomes and returns. Women as investment leaders, entrepreneurs, and venture capital decisionmakers are fundamental for a more sustainable world. By managing gender biases, wealth, and social networks, we can be an ally for gender parity.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA | March 17, 2021

ETFs

Single-Country Allocation: Viewing the Opportunity Through Three Lenses

The case for disaggregating international exposure by allocating to single countries remains strong, according to Dina Ting, Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, Franklin Templeton Exchange-Traded Funds. She outlines three investment lenses that shape her team’s views.

Dina Ting, CFA | March 16, 2021

Fixed Income

High Yield in View: Automobiles and Semiconductors

COVID-19 caused ripple effects throughout many industries and sectors, including automobiles. An already-challenging lockdown environment that forced vehicle production shutdowns also saw shortages of parts—namely semiconductors—which continue to linger. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Analyst Aleck Beach outlines the implications for investors.

Aleck Beach, CFA | March 15, 2021

Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe

Last week saw stabilisation in European government bond yields, which in turn, led to rotation back into some of the more recent losers, and defensive stocks. Alongside this, the reopening trade was firmly in play.

March 15, 2021

Alternatives

In the Know: Is Crypto a Speculative Play, or Here to Stay?

In the past few years, cryptocurrencies have certainly attracted speculators given their dramatic price moves, but is there a long-term case for crypto from a practical standpoint, and for more traditional investors? We posed these and other questions to Franklin Equity Group Research Analyst Anthony Hardy, who shares his thoughts.

Anthony Hardy | March 11, 2021

Fixed Income

Asia at the Forefront: The World’s Uneven Emergence from COVID-19

There is significant variation in how countries have handled the pandemic, managed fiscal and monetary policy, and supported their economies, according to Templeton Global Macro. While the euro area and the US contend with deepening fiscal deficits and excessive monetary accommodation, areas of Asia are in stronger fiscal shape, with greater growth potential, robust trade dynamics and current account surpluses.

Michael Hasenstab, Ph.D. | March 11, 2021

Equity

Come Together: Why Merger Arbitrage Strategies Deserve Renewed Attention

Despite historically high market valuations, merger and acquisition activity remains subdued. Franklin Mutual Series CIO Christian Correa explains why corporate mergers have slowed, and why he thinks merger arbitrage strategies are worth paying attention to as activity in this area picks up.

Christian Correa, CFA | March 09, 2021