Beyond Bulls & Bears

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of Japan hold their respective policy meetings this week. The market anticipates the Fed and ECB will hike rates 25 basis points.

Cautiously optimistic on commodities
Equity

Cautiously optimistic on commodities

While caution in some areas of the commodities space may be prudent, there are also reasons for optimism, according to Fred Fromm, portfolio manager, Franklin Equity Group. He offers his mid-year outlook and potential investment opportunities.

Quick Thoughts: Impacts of ceilings, tightening and liquidity
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Impacts of ceilings, tightening and liquidity

Head of Franklin Templeton Institute Stephen Dover recently moderated a panel of our leading economists and asked this key question: What’s in store for investors in the second half? Here’s a quick take of their answers.

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession update: Gradually, then suddenly
Perspectives

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession update: Gradually, then suddenly

In this episode, we speak with Jeff Schulze, head of economic and market research at ClearBridge Investments about the Federal Reserve, rolling-sector recessions, artificial intelligence, and receive the latest update on the ClearBridge Recession Risk Dashboard.

Dimensions & Insights: How to drive innovation and growth from everywhere
Perspectives

Dimensions & Insights: How to drive innovation and growth from everywhere

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices drive growth and groundbreaking innovation. As business change accelerates, deploying intentional DEI actions develops diverse thinking and new ideas that can break new ground and build business resiliency. Chief Diversity Officer Regina Curry recently discussed these topics with Frans Johansson, CEO of The Medici Group, author of The Medici Effect, and entrepreneur; and Franklin Templeton Head of Digital Assets Roger Bayston. They believe diverse and intentional inclusion practices increase the capabilities of participants, communities, networks, and teams to solve ever-changing problems.

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession update: US labor market cracks emerging?
Perspectives

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession update: US labor market cracks emerging?

In this conversation with Jeff Schulze, head of economic and market research at ClearBridge Investments, we focus on the US employment market and consumption, receive an update on the ClearBridge Recession Risk Dashboard, and discuss the on-again, off-again, soft-landing narrative.

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.

An overview of US state budgets and municipal bonds
Fixed Income

An overview of US state budgets and municipal bonds

As COVID-era funding boosts come to a close, US state and local governments are facing some challenges. However, they have many tools with which to tackle them, according to Jennifer Johnston, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Research, Municipal Bonds. She provides her latest outlook.

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.

Quick Thoughts: Preparing for a pause
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Preparing for a pause

There is a disconnect between the Fed’s message regarding taking a pause in hiking interest rates this year and the market’s expectations of rate cuts. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, shares the views of the company’s investment leaders regarding the likely path for interest rates as well as how investors can best position themselves in this uncertain environment.

On My Mind: The Fed fights inflation, the markets fight the Fed
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The Fed fights inflation, the markets fight the Fed

Markets want to believe policy interest rates will soon fall—but inflation and growth data tell a very different story, argues Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai.