Beyond Bulls & Bears

As Rates Rise, Financials Can Shine
Equity

As Rates Rise, Financials Can Shine

Mutual Series’ analysts see value opportunities in the financials sector as the interest-rate environment turns more favourable in the United States and European banks see greater clarity about the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Quick Thoughts: Energy Prices—Over the Barrel
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Energy Prices—Over the Barrel

Head of Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Stephen Dover, hosted a special webinar to discuss rising oil prices and the fundamentals that would impact them in the future. Here are the key takeaways from his conversation with Frederick Fromm, Portfolio Manager and Energy Sector Research Analyst for Franklin Equity Group.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Events in Ukraine will continue to be a key driver for investor sentiment, with markets likely to see-saw on any meaningful news. It is a busy week for central banks too, with the Federal Reserve policy meeting on Wednesday and Bank of England on Thursday and Bank of Japan on Friday.

Energy Markets in View
Equity

Energy Markets in View

Consumers were feeling the pinch of higher energy prices even before Russia invaded Ukraine. Energy prices have surged to multi-year or record highs amid the war, and many are wondering if they still have further to go. Here, Franklin Equity Group’s Frederick Fromm shares his latest views on investing in the sector.

Geopolitical Risks in the United Kingdom
Equity

Geopolitical Risks in the United Kingdom

As geopolitical tensions escalate across the globe, our UK Equity team provides its insights into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the implications for UK-listed companies.

Is Brazil Compellingly Out of Sync?
Perspectives

Is Brazil Compellingly Out of Sync?

The Russia-Ukraine war has led to a surge in commodity prices, which means Brazil, a key commodity exporter, stands to benefit. Here, Dina Ting, Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, Franklin Templeton Exchange-Traded Funds, explores the outlook for Brazilian equities in light of recent events.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Soaring commodity prices and the commensurate inflationary impact is alarming investors. The fear is that consumer confidence and spending will be hit, and we find ourselves in a stagflation environment, with stagnating economic growth (or recession) and soaring inflation.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
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.

Asset Class Implications of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
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.

Thoughts on Russia-Ukraine
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.

UK Equities: Where Next?
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.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
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.