Beyond Bulls & Bears

Assessing equity volatility and recession risk: Is now the time to take action?
Multi-Asset

Assessing equity volatility and recession risk: Is now the time to take action?

Is it time to make changes to portfolio allocations due to the current equity market volatility? The Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team discusses the factors driving the recent selloff, the probability of a recession in the United States and what their strategy is given market conditions.

Quick Thoughts: Market dislocations—implications for investors
Multi-Asset

Quick Thoughts: Market dislocations—implications for investors

While markets appear to be in a tailspin over recent US economic data, it’s too soon to conclude the US is headed toward recession, according to Franklin Templeton Institute’s Stephen Dover. He weighs in on recent market action and the silver lining in Fed rate cuts likely ahead.

On My Mind: It’s not the end of the world as we know it
Fixed Income

On My Mind: It’s not the end of the world as we know it

Recent data releases appear to give the green light for the US Federal Reserve to begin easing monetary policy in September. However, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai, the key issue remains the nature of the easing cycle ahead—namely its duration, its speed, and the policy rate endpoint.

Flash Insights: July FOMC meeting—Powell runs ahead of the Committee as usual
Fixed Income

Flash Insights: July FOMC meeting—Powell runs ahead of the Committee as usual

Although the US Federal Reserve left policy rates unchanged at its July meeting, changes to the Federal Open Market Committee statement laid the groundwork for rate cuts. However, as the post-meeting press conference progressed, Chair Jerome Powell’s statement turned from balanced to slightly more dovish, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Economist Nikhil Mohan.

Flash Insights: BoJ delivers on both fronts
Fixed Income

Flash Insights: BoJ delivers on both fronts

The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to more than a 10-year high on July 31, a decision driven by elevated wage growth and the yen’s weakness, both of which pose upside risks to the inflation outlook. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income economists believe that further rate hikes are likely, both this year and next.

Is high US equity-market concentration a reason to turn defensive?
Multi-Asset

Is high US equity-market concentration a reason to turn defensive?

Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions examines whether equity market concentration is a signal to reduce portfolio risk and if it makes sense to rotate within equities.

Dimensions & Insights: AI’s transformative impact—broadening financial inclusion
Perspectives

Dimensions & Insights: AI’s transformative impact—broadening financial inclusion

AI is set to revolutionize the financial sector, not only in terms of efficiency and profitability, but also in terms of enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Regina Curry, Franklin Templeton’s Chief Diversity Officer, recently talked with Deep Ratna Srivastav, Franklin Templeton’s Head of AI & Digital Transformation, about the ways AI can democratize financial services and foster greater financial inclusion. The following article is a summary of their conversation.

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.

Mexico’s post-election potential and investment opportunities
ETFs

Mexico’s post-election potential and investment opportunities

Given Mexico’s vast potential and President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum’s track record of progress during her time as mayor of Mexico City, Franklin Templeton’s Dina Ting thinks that investors should be monitoring opportunities to enter this compelling market.

Public Insights on Private Credit: Barbarians inside the syndicated loan gates
Alternatives

Public Insights on Private Credit: Barbarians inside the syndicated loan gates

In the syndicated loan market—during times of borrower distress—documentation loopholes are allowing majority lenders to disproportionately benefit at the expense of minority holders. This practice, known colloquially as “lender-on-lender violence,” presents a significant challenge to the sector. The menace is growing by the day.

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession Update: Economic growth ahead?
Perspectives

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession Update: Economic growth ahead?

We speak with Jeff Schulze of ClearBridge Investments about the dramatic improvement within the Recession Risk Dashboard, delving into the individual indicator changes. And, he shares his thoughts on when we may see a Fed rate cut and addresses concerns about US equity valuations.