Beyond Bulls & Bears

Quick Thoughts: Quiet shifts in corporate debt may explain this year’s big economic surprise
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Quiet shifts in corporate debt may explain this year’s big economic surprise

The resilience of US growth, earnings and markets has been the big surprise of 2023. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, opines on the factors at play—and whether they will last.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

It looks to be a slow start to the week in Europe, thanks to a Monday UK bank holiday, but there are several global macro data points later in the week that could garner investor interest, including Friday's August employment report.

Quick Thoughts: Jackson Hole—Limited visibility, bumpy landing
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Jackson Hole—Limited visibility, bumpy landing

In the wake of the Federal Reserve’s annual gathering in Jackson Hole, Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, conveys one clear message: interest rates aren’t coming down anytime soon.

Technology advancements driving opportunities in health care
Equity

Technology advancements driving opportunities in health care

Health care’s innovation-driven growth and inherent resilience makes it a natural fit for dividend growth investors, according to Franklin Equity Group.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

This week US earnings season starts, with several banks reporting. Focus will be on loan default data, given the rising cost of debt. Recent data shows filings for bankruptcies rising, so something to keep an eye on.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Equity markets ended the first half of the year on a largely positive note, as investors shrugged off hawkish central banker comments. This week, markets will have an eye on the Australian central bank interest-rate decision and the minutes from the last Fed meeting, which will be released Wednesday.

International value investing makes a comeback
Equity

International value investing makes a comeback

After years lagging the tech-heavy US market, Franklin Mutual Series sees international value stocks coming back into the spotlight over the coming years as the traditional economy comes into sharper focus.

Using avoided emissions to build the case for investing in climate change
Equity

Using avoided emissions to build the case for investing in climate change

Activities that help companies avoid emissions are an attractive investment opportunity, according to Templeton Global Equity Group Portfolio Manager Craig Cameron. By actively seeking opportunities to reduce emissions, he says investors can align themselves with sustainability goals that contribute to a low-carbon economy.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Last week, global equities retreated from recent highs. The European Central Bank’s global banking forum, the US Fed’s annual banking stress test, European Union CPI releases, China PMI and Japan CPI and Industrial Production reports could be key catalysts this week for the markets.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Global equities entered bull market territory last week. Investors took the weaker inflation data and the first Fed pause in a year as a positive, looking past Fed commentary about future rate hikes. Chinese stimulus hopes also helped to buoy global investor sentiment last week, with rhetoric suggesting further measures will be taken to boost China’s economy.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Focus shifts quite firmly this week to some key central bank policy decisions. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve holds its policy meeting. on Thursday, the European Central Bank meets, and on Friday, we have the Bank of Japan rate decision.

REITs: Ever changing, ever valuable
Equity

REITs: Ever changing, ever valuable

Until recently, office buildings were the pinnacle of commercial real estate—skyscrapers stretched perception and awed as symbols of prestige and value. Malls were the buttressed center of communities, where young people reliably gathered to hang out at the video arcade and their families would do what Americans do best: consume. What happens when behaviors change? Franklin Equity Group Portfolio Managers Blair Schmicker and Daniel Scher reflect on the ever-evolving landscape of commercial real estate, and the answer to that question might surprise you.