February 2022 Archives - Beyond Bulls & Bears

Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

It is well known that the pain from the gas price moves is significant, particularly for Germany and Italy. The Italian government has said it is reviewing options, including reopening shuttered coal plants. In Germany, the government is reported to be considering delaying the phasing out of nuclear power.

February 28, 2022

Equity

Asset Class Implications of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia has invaded Ukraine. Our Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team reflects on the human tragedy that is occurring as they also parse the data to understand the resulting economic and market implications. If the conflict remains protracted, it may produce a “low growth, high inflation” environment, in which case nimble management and keen attention to policy responses will be required.

Gene Podkaminer, CFA | February 25, 2022

Equity

Thoughts on Russia-Ukraine

The degree of the impact of recent Russia-Ukraine strife largely depends on the Western response, which in turn depends on the severity and duration of the conflict itself, according to Templeton Global Equity Group. The team shares its latest views on the situation.

February 25, 2022

Emerging Markets

Ukraine-Russia Tensions Signify a Multi-Polar World

Ukraine-Russia tensions are making headlines—here’s a quick take from Brandywine Global’s Francis Scotland on how he views the situation from an investment-management lens.

Francis Scotland | February 17, 2022

Fixed Income

Opportunity in Muni Market Volatility

January was a volatile month for the markets in general, and municipal bonds were not immune. Ben Barber, Director, Municipal Bonds, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, opines on how the prospect of rising interest rates is impacting the market, and how volatility can create opportunity.

Ben Barber, CFA | February 16, 2022

Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Defensive on the Curve

Stephen Dover shares insights on investing in fixed income in a rising-rate environment with Walter Kilcullen, Head of US High Yield for Western Asset Management, and Reema Agarwal, Head of Floating Rate Debt for Franklin Templeton Fixed Income.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA | February 15, 2022

Equity

UK Equities: Where Next?

Many investors had underestimated the strength of the UK economy, and derated equities even prior to the pandemic and today’s inflationary headwinds. However, despite the pressures on household finances, there are encouraging signs for continued economic growth—and attractive market valuations, according to Franklin UK Equity’s Ben Russon. He shares his latest UK equity outlook.

Ben Russon | February 14, 2022

Fixed Income

On My Mind: The Long and Winding Road…

With inflation running at multi-decade highs, major central banks get ready to tighten monetary policy. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Chief Investment Officer Sonal Desai argues they are well behind the curve—and why she thinks markets still underestimate the long, volatile adjustment period that lies ahead.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | February 14, 2022

Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Last week saw markets whipsaw from day-to-day as nerves remained brittle over central-bank policy, geopolitics risk and corporate earnings. The key focus for last week was Wednesday’s Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting, which saw Chair Jerome Powell maintain a hawkish stance and leave an interest-rate hike at the March meeting on the table.

February 07, 2022

ETFs

Global Plays on Inflation for 2022

When considering portfolio allocation, it’s important to keep in mind the wide dispersion of returns among economies. Dina Ting, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, assesses the recent dislocation among global equity returns, with a look at one notable inflation outlier—Japan.

Dina Ting, CFA | February 02, 2022

Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: On Central Banks and Volatility

Thoughts on recent global market volatility and potential central bank actions from our EMEA Investment Strategist, Kim Catechis, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s David Zahn, and Martin Currie’s Zehrid Osmani.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA | February 02, 2022

Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: On the US Markets and Volatility

Stephen Dover, Head of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, recently sat down with colleagues Scott Glasser, Chief Investment Officer of ClearBridge Investments, and Mark Lindbloom, Portfolio Manager for Western Asset, to discuss recent US market volatility.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA | February 02, 2022