Beyond Bulls & Bears

2022 ESG engagement report
Fixed Income

2022 ESG engagement report

Transparency should be the bedrock of sustainable finance, while engagement is the essence of a transparent flow of information between issuers, investors and other market participants. Hear from David Zahn as he introduces Franklin Templeton Fixed Income's 2022 ESG engagement report. He believes that through our engagements, we are committing to the development of a sustainable finance ecosystem that delivers the best results for everyone involved.

Muni bond update: Credit quality still looks strong
Fixed Income

Muni bond update: Credit quality still looks strong

While 2023 has started on shaky ground for the municipal bond market, there are reasons to be optimistic for more stability ahead, according to Jennifer Johnston, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Municipal Bond Research. She explains why California’s issues don’t reflect all states, and offers reasons for optimism

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

To start the week, focus will be on headlines from the China’s National People's Congress. Through the course of the week there are some a number of macro data points to watch out for, but the February US employment report, out on Friday, will be the key focus.

Active fixed income ETFs in the spotlight
ETFs

Active fixed income ETFs in the spotlight

Given challenging market conditions, it looks like the time for active fixed income ETFs to shine, according to Jason Xavier, Head of EMEA ETF Capital Markets. He explains why he sees more growth in this area.

International equities: Poised for recovery
Equity

International equities: Poised for recovery

Making the case for international value investing—thoughts from Templeton Global Equity Group on why now’s the time to consider expanding one’s investment horizons.

Dimensions & Insights: The US$1.7 trillion economic bloc that many miss
Perspectives

Dimensions & Insights: The US$1.7 trillion economic bloc that many miss

Filling consumers’ needs can bridge communities with entrepreneurs and companies, but biases can cause missed opportunities. Chief Diversity Officer Regina Curry discusses the increasing financial strengths of Black and African American communities, a projected US $1.7 trillion economic bloc in 2030. Companies and entrepreneurs will find that serving Black and African American consumers, investors, and communities will cultivate markets that may seem invisible.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Last week was tricky for equity markets, which lost ground on fears inflation was proving stickier than anticipated and central banks would keep rates higher for longer as a result.

Quick Thoughts: Is normal really what we want?
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Is normal really what we want?

Tighter monetary policy can lead to inverted yield curves, but is a recession inevitable? Thoughts from Head of Franklin Templeton Institute Stephen Dover.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Investors seemed concerned about how sticky inflation is proving to be, leading the market to adjust its terminal rate expectations both in the United States and Europe.

Outlook for US fixed income and equities amid tighter financial conditions
Multi-Asset

Outlook for US fixed income and equities amid tighter financial conditions

Following the 25 basis-point (bp) increase that the Fed announced on February 1, 2023, Franklin Income Investors Chief Investment Officer Ed Perks answered questions about his outlook on US interest rates as well as fixed income and equity securities for the rest of 2023.

Anatomy of a Recession: The Fed’s job problem
Equity

Anatomy of a Recession: The Fed’s job problem

A review of the US economy with focus on the Federal Reserve (Fed), labor and housing with Jeff Schulze, investment strategist at ClearBridge Investments.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Debate still rages on where we go from here. January is typically considered a good predictor for stock market performance for the rest of the year—the so-called “January barometer”.