Beyond Bulls & Bears

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Nerves have been on edge as Russia President Vladimir Putin continues to amass troops along the Ukrainian border, which has created some market volatility as the threat of war in Europe looms over investors. January has been a rollercoaster ride for equity markets.

The Fed: Walking a Tightrope in 2022
Multi-Asset

The Fed: Walking a Tightrope in 2022

The US Federal Reserve is walking a tightrope—if it acts too quickly it risks hampering growth and market volatility, but if it acts too slowly it risks spiraling price increases. Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions weighs in on the Fed’s dilemma. They provide their monetary policy expectations and offer insight into investments they currently favour in their portfolios—and ones they don’t.

Quick Thoughts: The Inflation Debate
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: The Inflation Debate

Disagreements about the outlook for inflation in the new year and beyond continue. Stephen Dover, Head of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, recently led a lively debate on the topic with Western Asset’s John Bellows and Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Sonal Desai.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

It’s been a tough start to the week for European equities as they catch up with the US move lower on Friday. Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the Fed meeting on Wednesday and a number of bellwether corporate earnings reports in the United States.

Global ETF 2022 Outlook: Growth Streak Looks Likely to Continue
ETFs

Global ETF 2022 Outlook: Growth Streak Looks Likely to Continue

What’s ahead for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) globally in 2022? Jason Xavier, our Head of EMEA ETFs Capital Markets, opines on trends he sees taking shape—including the areas of growth.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

There has been a clear focus on central bank rhetoric at the start of the new year, with investors wary of the speed and extent to which monetary policy will begin to tighten.

PODCAST: Anatomy of a Recession: Changing Conditions but US Economy Remains Strong
Perspectives

PODCAST: Anatomy of a Recession: Changing Conditions but US Economy Remains Strong

In our latest "Talking Markets" podcast, Jeff Schulze, Investment Strategist at ClearBridge Investments, provides his latest look at the health of the US economy. We hear about the number one factor driving consumer sentiment down to recessionary levels, three reasons why inflation may not last long term, and what may lie ahead after the Federal Reserve begins to taper and raise interest rates. 

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The first half of 2022 brings some European political events to keep an eye on, namely appointment of a new Italian president and French presidential elections. A return to a more combative Italian government could create tensions within the European Union—another potential headwind for equity markets.

Why Bank Loans Look Attractive in Today’s Market
Fixed Income

Why Bank Loans Look Attractive in Today’s Market

The technical and fundamental picture looks favourable for bank loans for a number of reasons, according to Reema Agarwal, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Floating Rate Debt. She says current spreads look attractive amid what is likely to be a period of monetary policy tightening over the course of the year, and periods of volatility should be considered buying opportunities.

K2 Hedge-Fund Strategy Outlook: First Quarter 2022
Alternatives

K2 Hedge-Fund Strategy Outlook: First Quarter 2022

With both the pandemic and inflation proving longer lasting than many had anticipated, what does that mean for central bank policy in the months ahead? The K2 Advisors team ponders the implications for hedge-fund strategies in its first-quarter 2022 outlook.

PODCAST: A Tale of Two Real Estate Markets: US and China
Alternatives

PODCAST: A Tale of Two Real Estate Markets: US and China

Tracy Chen, Portfolio Manager with Brandywine Global, and Tim Wang, Head of Investment Research for Clarion Partners, join Head of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Stephen Dover, to take a closer look at how the pandemic has impacted real estate markets in the United States and China.