Beyond Bulls & Bears

Flash Insights: BoJ delivers on both fronts
Fixed Income

Flash Insights: BoJ delivers on both fronts

The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to more than a 10-year high on July 31, a decision driven by elevated wage growth and the yen’s weakness, both of which pose upside risks to the inflation outlook. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income economists believe that further rate hikes are likely, both this year and next.

Is high US equity-market concentration a reason to turn defensive?
Multi-Asset

Is high US equity-market concentration a reason to turn defensive?

Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions examines whether equity market concentration is a signal to reduce portfolio risk and if it makes sense to rotate within equities.

Dimensions & Insights: AI’s transformative impact—broadening financial inclusion
Perspectives

Dimensions & Insights: AI’s transformative impact—broadening financial inclusion

AI is set to revolutionize the financial sector, not only in terms of efficiency and profitability, but also in terms of enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Regina Curry, Franklin Templeton’s Chief Diversity Officer, recently talked with Deep Ratna Srivastav, Franklin Templeton’s Head of AI & Digital Transformation, about the ways AI can democratize financial services and foster greater financial inclusion. The following article is a summary of their conversation.

Uncovering income opportunities
Perspectives

Uncovering income opportunities

Inflation is cooling but the journey to the Fed's target is tough. Meanwhile, the labor market has steadied, hinting at less aggressive Fed rate cuts. Insights on the market implications from Franklin Income Investors CIO Ed Perks.

Quick Thoughts: GOP clean sweep? What it might mean for markets
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: GOP clean sweep? What it might mean for markets

With the 2024 US election a focal point for investors, Franklin Templeton Institute’s Stephen Dover outlines the possible economic and market impacts of a Republican ”clean sweep” in November.

Mexico’s post-election potential and investment opportunities
ETFs

Mexico’s post-election potential and investment opportunities

Given Mexico’s vast potential and President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum’s track record of progress during her time as mayor of Mexico City, Franklin Templeton’s Dina Ting thinks that investors should be monitoring opportunities to enter this compelling market.

Public Insights on Private Credit: Barbarians inside the syndicated loan gates
Alternatives

Public Insights on Private Credit: Barbarians inside the syndicated loan gates

In the syndicated loan market—during times of borrower distress—documentation loopholes are allowing majority lenders to disproportionately benefit at the expense of minority holders. This practice, known colloquially as “lender-on-lender violence,” presents a significant challenge to the sector. The menace is growing by the day.

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession Update: Economic growth ahead?
Perspectives

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession Update: Economic growth ahead?

We speak with Jeff Schulze of ClearBridge Investments about the dramatic improvement within the Recession Risk Dashboard, delving into the individual indicator changes. And, he shares his thoughts on when we may see a Fed rate cut and addresses concerns about US equity valuations.

On My Mind: Let’s spend lots of money! US elections and fiscal prospects
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Let’s spend lots of money! US elections and fiscal prospects

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai discusses what the US government’s persistently loose fiscal policy means for the upcoming monetary policy easing cycle and, in turn, for the US Treasury yield outlook over the medium to long term.

Alternative Allocations: The growth and evolution of alternative investments
Alternatives

Alternative Allocations: The growth and evolution of alternative investments

Franklin Templeton Institute’s Tony Davidow sits down with Daniil Shapiro of Cerulli Associates to discuss the growing interest in alternative investments among advisors, the increased availability of private market funds, and the need for better alternatives education.

Quick Thoughts: Surprise in France—What are the implications?
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Surprise in France—What are the implications?

A major shift is happening in France, as the left-wing unity prevails in the Assembly elections, signaling potential changes ahead. Here’s a look at how this could reshape France's political and economic landscape, from Franklin Templeton Institute’s Stephen Dover.

Quick Thoughts: French first-round elections
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: French first-round elections

Thoughts on the first round of the French elections and why governing France will likely prove challenging from Franklin Templeton Institute’s Stephen Dover.