Beyond Bulls & Bears

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.

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.

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.

Flood-risk mitigation in Slovenia: A case study
Fixed Income

Flood-risk mitigation in Slovenia: A case study

Climate change adaptation is becoming increasingly necessary. For asset managers, it is imperative to know which issuers are well prepared for future risk events. Using Slovenia’s flood-risk mitigation efforts as an example, we explain why a thorough understanding of both potential risks and relevant mitigation measures is a cornerstone of best-in-class impact investing.

Flash Insights: June FOMC meeting—erring on the side of caution
Fixed Income

Flash Insights: June FOMC meeting—erring on the side of caution

The Federal Reserve exercised caution at its June meeting, signaling only one interest rate cut in 2024. Policymakers will need to see more than just “modest further progress” on inflation before easing can begin, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Economist Nikhil Mohan.

EU election ushers in uncertainty and volatility
Fixed Income

EU election ushers in uncertainty and volatility

The European Parliament election resulted in expected gains for far-right parties—and an unexpected decision by French President Emmanuel Macron to call a national election on June 30. David Zahn, Franklin Templeton’s Head of European Fixed Income, discusses why the campaign in France will contribute to market volatility and may be pivotal for the European Union (EU).

ECB begins what may be a slow cutting cycle
Fixed Income

ECB begins what may be a slow cutting cycle

The European Central Bank cut its key benchmark interest rate by 0.25%, while indicating that its future moves will depend on incoming financial and economic data. David Zahn, Franklin Templeton’s Head of European Fixed Income, shares why he thinks the ECB will likely move slowly and discusses the implications for investors.

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: Stuck in a moment
Fixed Income

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: Stuck in a moment

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income economists are seeing increasing divergence in the monetary policy paths across the Group of Three (G3) nations. While sustained disinflation is far from guaranteed in the United States, keeping the US Federal Reserve vigilant, the European Central Bank has embarked on a controlled monetary policy easing cycle. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan has to weigh the economic benefits of a weak yen against its impact on inflation expectations, in order to decide how far to raise policy rates this year.

On My Mind: (r)-stargazing
Fixed Income

On My Mind: (r)-stargazing

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai discusses where she thinks the real policy rate lies in the United States and how this informs her outlook for US Treasury yields over the medium to long term.

On My Mind: The twin roots of rising rates
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The twin roots of rising rates

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai discusses why rising investment and persistently loose US fiscal policy are simultaneously pushing in the direction of higher long-term real interest rates.

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Getting cash off the sidelines
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Getting cash off the sidelines

Is it time to move out of cash? Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, recently hosted a discussion with Julien Scholnick, Portfolio Manager, Western Asset Management, and Joanne Driscoll, Portfolio Manager and Head of Short-Term Liquid Markets, Putnam Investments, to answer this question and examine the opportunities within the fixed income space.