Beyond Bulls & Bears

Global Plays on Inflation for 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.

Quick Thoughts: On the US Markets and Volatility
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. 

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.

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.

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.

The Supply-Chain Storm: Planes, Cranes, and Automobiles
Multi-Asset

The Supply-Chain Storm: Planes, Cranes, and Automobiles

Supply-chain issues are often cited in the current debate about inflation—and aren’t going away as quickly as consumers and businesses would like. Our Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team explores how supply chains became stuck, whether they will loosen up in 2022, and the implications for multi-asset investors.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Investors continue to assess the economic impact of high COVID infection rates. The latest variant, Omicron, drove the number of infections in the United Kingdom to new daily highs last week and is expected to become the dominant strain in the eurozone.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Central bank policy takes centre stage this week as over 20 central banks have interest-rate decisions this week. Focus is primarily on the Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting on Wednesday, and the Bank of England (BoE) and the European Central Bank (ECB) meetings Thursday.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

News of the COVID-19 variant that emerged in South Africa (named Omicron) shook sentiment late last week prompting sharp declines. Looking ahead, it will be important to watch how this latest COVID news feeds into central bank thinking, with money markets already repriced the timeline for potential interest rate hikes further out.

UK Equities: Attractive Relative Valuations, Despite Relatively Unattractive Macro Signals
Equity

UK Equities: Attractive Relative Valuations, Despite Relatively Unattractive Macro Signals

While UK equities have faced a number of headwinds in 2021, there are reasons to be optimistic about the year ahead, according to Ben Russon and Will Bradwell of our Franklin UK Equity team. They discuss the economic recovery from COVID-19, inflation, the state of the consumer and why stock valuations look attractive.