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Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe

The European economy is recovering fast from the COVID-19 recession. The relaxation in COVID-related restrictions has resulted in sharp growth in both services and manufacturing. The reflation trade appeared to be re-emerging.

Quick Thoughts: Sourcing Income in Bonds, Real Estate, and Multi-Asset Solutions

Sir John Templeton famously said that “this time is different” are the four most dangerous words for investors. However, today’s world appears to be truly different, and with that in mind, our Chief Market Strategist, Stephen Dover, brought together Mark Lindbloom, Portfolio Manager, Western Asset; Onay Payne, Portfolio Manager, Clarion Partners; and Ed Perks, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions to discuss and share perspectives on the recovery, growth, and current opportunities for income.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The primary focus for investors last week was the Fed meeting and the market impact thereafter. As expected, the Fed kept rates unchanged, but id give new guidance for their expected path of rate hikes (the “dot plot”) and revised their inflation expectations.

On My Mind – The Fed’s Last Call for the Punchbowl?

The Fed now acknowledges inflation risks are to the upside. With high uncertainty on the inflation and employment outlook, adjusting its exceptionally loose monetary stance at the right time and pace become a very difficult high-wire act. In the latest edition of our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai’s “On My Mind” series, she discusses the Fed’s challenge, and where she is finding opportunities in the market.

Quick Thoughts: New Realities in Emerging Markets

Emerging market (EM) economies are not what they used to be. Our Chief Market Strategist and Head of Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Stephen Dover, discusses EM disruption, transformation, and digitalisation themes, and why he sees a multitude of potential innovation investment opportunities in EM markets today and in the years ahead.

European Fixed Income Finds Central Bank Support

As Europe’s economy continues to recover from COVID-19, it appears the central bank will remain accommodative, but for how long? Our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn shares his views.

Shortages, Resurgent Demand and Rising Inflation Expectations Lift Commodities

Commodities prices have been moving higher this spring amid rising demand and rising inflation expectations globally as economies emerge from the pandemic. Franklin Equity Group’s Fred Fromm takes a look at the implications for equity investors in the space.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Given the presence of some temporary factors driving inflation data, the markets are telling us investors are happy to run with the Federal Reserve’s narrative that inflationary pressures are transitory. We see this view reflected across asset classes.

PODCAST: Consumer Clout Driving ESG Efforts

Franklin Equity Group's Sara Araghi, Martin Currie's Zehrid Osmani and Western Asset's Bonnie Wongtrakool speak with Franklin Templeton Chief Market Strategist Stephen Dover about how consumers are more in control than ever before, putting companies and brands under the microscope when it comes to environmental, social and governance factors.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Improving macro data and continuously dovish central banks have kept equity markets well supported. Given the push and pull, the market continues to react to specific headlines and announcements, rather than the reopening trade as a general theme.

Quick Thoughts: A Very Hot Housing Market Globally

Tech Opportunities Abound Amid Economic Reopening

As more people are getting vaccinated and economic conditions return to normal, Franklin Equity Group’s Jonathan Curtis says the digital transformation themes that accelerated during the COVID-19 crisis are still just getting started. He still sees plenty of opportunities ahead in the technology sector, despite a recent falloff in investor interest in the first quarter.