Beyond Bulls & Bears

Amid Brexit Stalemate, Could a New Scottish Referendum Be on the Cards?
Fixed Income

Amid Brexit Stalemate, Could a New Scottish Referendum Be on the Cards?

Issues still remain unresolved between the United Kingdom and the European Union, with continued posturing on both sides. David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, weighs in on the latest developments, and ponders whether we could see some disharmony within the United Kingdom—potentially leading to another Scottish referendum.

European Union Launches Social Bonds
Fixed Income

European Union Launches Social Bonds

The coronavirus pandemic has created many challenges for individuals, businesses and governments around the world. In Europe, there’s a new vehicle to help finance the economic recovery there—social bonds. David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, discusses this exciting new bond issuance, earmarked for funding employment initiatives.

Notes from the Trading Desk
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk

This week it will be the familiar themes of continuing Brexit negotiations and COVID-19 cases and restrictions that should give European markets direction. In addition, third-quarter earnings season heats up. It’s a similar story in  in the United States, with politics, stimulus and earnings likely to drive markets.  

Notes from the Trading Desk
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk

The US presidential election remains a key investor focus in Europe. Democratic nominee Joe Biden continues to lead in the polls; however, President Donald Trump’s comeback in the 2016 election proves that there is still scope for uncertainty over the final result. There is also risk of a contested result, which would imply prolonged equity market uncertainty.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Equities were volatile last week as political drama took centre stage, with the noise around the US presidential debate and President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis dominating investor focus.

Outlook and Implications for the Upcoming US Election
Equity

Outlook and Implications for the Upcoming US Election

Franklin Equity Group Portfolio Manager Grant Bowers considers what potential election outcomes could mean for the US equity market. He also explains why he thinks investors should prepare for possible bouts of equity market volatility.

Podcast: Work, Life and Investing: How the Pandemic Is Shaping the Future
Perspectives

Podcast: Work, Life and Investing: How the Pandemic Is Shaping the Future

As economies reopen from COVID-19 lockdowns, there have been fundamental shifts to daily life and work, as well as the investment landscape. Sonal Desai, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, Scott Glasser, Chief Investment Officer of ClearBridge Investments, and Dave Gilbert, Chief Investment Officer of Clarion Partners, discuss the changes they are seeing.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Increases in COVID-19 infections, as well as the uncertainty of the US presidential race and Brexit negotiations, are all providing significant overhangs for markets right now.

Green Bonds Growing in Europe
Fixed Income

Green Bonds Growing in Europe

Growing concerns about climate change have caused an explosion in “green” bonds amongst environmentally conscious investors. David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, highlights some exciting developments in the green bond market, including new issuance from Germany.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

In Europe, rising COVID-19 cases are weighing on sentiment, whilst the upcoming presidential election, delays over fiscal support, and some disappointment over the Federal Reserve’s (Fed’s) commentary at its latest policy meeting have all added to a “risk-off” tone in the United States.

Brexit Saga Meets Trade Roadblocks
Fixed Income

Brexit Saga Meets Trade Roadblocks

The United Kingdom officially left the European Union in January of this year, but issues remain in the Brexit saga, namely trade relations. David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, weighs in on the odds no deal will be reached by year-end—and the market implications.

PODCAST: US Election Heightens Pandemic Uncertainty
Multi-Asset

PODCAST: US Election Heightens Pandemic Uncertainty

Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions' Gene Podkaminer and Wylie Tollette provide their insights on the upcoming US election as well as the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on investment and economic activity.