Beyond Bulls & Bears

Quick thoughts: Navigating uncertainty in a rapidly changing world
Perspectives

Quick thoughts: Navigating uncertainty in a rapidly changing world

Thoughts on recent market volatility and implications for investors from Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, Stephen Dover.

Making the case for municipal bonds despite recent volatility
Fixed Income

Making the case for municipal bonds despite recent volatility

The first half of the year has so far been challenging for investors in municipal bonds. Ben Barber, Director, Municipal Bonds, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, shares his latest outlook and reasons for optimism.

On my mind: Overdue reality check for Fed and markets has barely begun
Fixed Income

On my mind: Overdue reality check for Fed and markets has barely begun

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Chief Investment Officer Sonal Desai believes investors’ expectations that interest rates will not rise much may be very misguided.

Quick thoughts: Global Investor Forum 2022
Perspectives

Quick thoughts: Global Investor Forum 2022

The Franklin Templeton Institute hosted the Global Investor Forum last week in New York featuring internal and external speakers with expertise across economics, history, foreign policy, sustainability and investment management. Here are my key takeaways:

Drilling Down: Oil Production Scenarios Across Countries
Perspectives

Drilling Down: Oil Production Scenarios Across Countries

With economies scrambling for alternatives to Russian fossil fuels, Dina Ting, our Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, offers perspective on single-country portfolio exposure to other world oil producers.

PODCAST: Making Sense of the Recent Market Selloffs
Perspectives

PODCAST: Making Sense of the Recent Market Selloffs

Wylie Tollette, Head of Client Investment Solutions with Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions, joins the head of the Franklin Templeton Institute, Stephen Dover, for a conversation on the recent equity market selloff. They discuss why the pendulum has shifted so strongly negative, whether there is any bottom in sight, and where investors looking for diversification could go.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Last week saw some extreme moves in equity markets as investors digested several central bank announcements, most notably the Federal Reserve meeting on Wednesday. In Ukraine, the Russian advance in the east made marginal gains, and with no mention of peace talks anymore, a long, drawn-out campaign into the summer seems probable. The impact of this on commodity and food prices is clear.

Europe Outlook: A French Economic Evolution
Equity

Europe Outlook: A French Economic Evolution

Franklin Mutual Series’ Katrina Dudley sees President Emmanuel Macron’s re-election as a positive for the French economy and regional equity markets over the longer term.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Corporate earnings should continue to dominate attention in the United States and Europe this week, with a significant number of companies reporting. Last week Fedspeak was a market driver, but as we enter the blackout period ahead of the 4 May FOMC meeting, it will be quieter on this front.

PODCAST: Anatomy of a Recession: Why a US Recession is Unlikely Near Term
Perspectives

PODCAST: Anatomy of a Recession: Why a US Recession is Unlikely Near Term

Jeff Schulze, Investment Strategist at ClearBridge Investments and architect of ClearBridge’s Anatomy of a Recession programme, provides his views on why growing fears of a US recession may be overblown, at least near term.

Technology Investing: Volatility, Valuations and Opportunity
Equity

Technology Investing: Volatility, Valuations and Opportunity

Despite increased volatility due to the Russia-Ukraine war and rising interest rates, Franklin Equity Group’s Jonathan Curtis sees compelling opportunities within high-quality technology companies in an increasingly digital world.

Should Investors “Buy the Dip” in a Time of Geopolitical Crisis?
Multi-Asset

Should Investors “Buy the Dip” in a Time of Geopolitical Crisis?

Many market pundits have advocated a strategy of “buying the dip” after significant selloffs, but does it always make sense to do so? Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions’ Gene Podkaminer and Miles Sampson explore market reactions to geopolitical events and caution against celebrating the success of this strategy too soon.