Beyond Bulls & Bears

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.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Inflation appears to be continuing to cool in the eurozone. Whilst some European Central Bank (ECB) officials welcomed it, they did continue to push the hawkish messaging last week. Comments suggest officials are still committed to a June hike, and there remains a strong possibility of a hike in July too, as they continue to fight inflation.

Quick Thoughts: The tapestry of debt and what we need to do to unravel it
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: The tapestry of debt and what we need to do to unravel it

Thoughts on the current US debt challenge and the long-term implications for markets and the economy from Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute.

UK equities—shifting to a more positive narrative
Equity

UK equities—shifting to a more positive narrative

UK equities have fallen out of fashion in recent years—not helped by a slew of negative headlines. However, Martin Currie’s Ben Russon believes it is time to change the narrative to a more positive one, and shares the reasons for his optimism.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The clock continues to count down to the US Federal government’s debt default deadline.

Quick Thoughts: What to do when stuff happens
Multi-Asset

Quick Thoughts: What to do when stuff happens

When markets turn volatile, it’s not time to despair. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, offers some judicious perspective on how to turn volatility into opportunity.

Age of AI
Equity

Age of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key pillar of the digital transformation theme, which is driving significant disruption and spurring new growth. Grant Bowers, portfolio manager with Franklin Equity Group, offers a unique perspective of the challenges and benefits of this evolving and disruptive technology.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The US debt ceiling deadline looms, and bipartisan talks failed to yield much progress. The two sides remain far apart in terms of resolving the potential crisis. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned the federal government could default as soon as 1 June, and that this could undermine the US and global economy.