Beyond Bulls & Bears

UK vs. US pensions: The risks of derivatives-led LDI approach
Perspectives

UK vs. US pensions: The risks of derivatives-led LDI approach

It is unlikely that US corporate defined benefit (DB) pensions will have to face liquidity issues like those UK DB pensions recently witnessed, primarily because of their different approach to valuing liabilities, varying use of derivatives/leverage, and therefore a different investment style of liability-driven investing (LDI), according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Tom Meyers.

Something of value
Equity

Something of value

Franklin Mutual Series believes that fewer value investors in the market today may mean better opportunities for those who remain.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The key focus for this week will be the European Central Bank (ECB) meeting on Thursday, with a 75 basis point interest-rate hike expected. ECB President Christine Lagarde will also speak, likely to reiterate that quantitative tightening will begin after interest-rate normalisation has completed. The US GDP report on Thursday will also be closely watched. Earnings season gets into full swing this week, so focus will be on corporate reporting.

Real estate investment opportunities amid macro uncertainties
Alternatives

Real estate investment opportunities amid macro uncertainties

Macro uncertainties and tightening financial conditions are pressuring the real estate investment market. Tim Wang, Head of Investment Research for Clarion Partners, discusses the challenges and opportunities in this current environment.

Quick thoughts: End of a golden era for profits?
Equity

Quick thoughts: End of a golden era for profits?

If the prolonged period of declining and ultra-low interest rates is over, what does that mean future corporate profits, cash flows and dividends? Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, Stephen Dover, opines.

K2 hedge fund strategy outlook: Fourth quarter 2022
Alternatives

K2 hedge fund strategy outlook: Fourth quarter 2022

From an investment standpoint, aggressive regime shifts like the current one often create price dislocations as allocators restructure their portfolios, according to K2 Advisors. Read the team’s latest outlook.

On my mind: Rollercoaster ride to reality
Fixed Income

On my mind: Rollercoaster ride to reality

We are witnessing a major shift in the fixed income investment environment. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai assesses the role of global and country-specific driving forces, and shares her views on the investment opportunities ahead.

PODCAST: Anatomy of a recession—Focusing on the Fed
Equity

PODCAST: Anatomy of a recession—Focusing on the Fed

In our latest "Talking Markets" podcast, Jeff Schulze, Investment Strategist at ClearBridge Investments and architect of their "Anatomy of a Recession" program, speaks about how the Federal Reserve’s latest moves are impacting the odds of a recession in the United States. Plus, what it would take for the Fed to reverse course and make a dovish pivot, and how much a recession is already baked into the markets.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Pressures on the UK consumer remain front and centre. There is a focus on the extreme moves in mortgage rates and the potential impact this will have on the housing market and consumer spending. The government has brought forward its fiscal statement to 31 October in order to shore up market confidence.

Brazil elections: Brace for volatility but look for opportunities
Perspectives

Brazil elections: Brace for volatility but look for opportunities

Brazilian equity markets may remain volatile following the country’s inconclusive presidential elections. However, Franklin Templeton’s Marcus Weyerer and Dina Ting see long-term investor opportunities—such as renewable energy—arising in Latin America’s largest economy even as the dust settles.

Quick thoughts: Arugula is the new popcorn—a conversation on food innovation
Perspectives

Quick thoughts: Arugula is the new popcorn—a conversation on food innovation

Feeding a growing global population requires innovation in food and agricultural technologies. Learn about how investors have a role to play.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Last week, the United Kingdom took centre stage for all the wrong reasons. Following the controversial “fiscal statement” from the UK government on the prior Friday, financial markets took fright at the sweeping range of unfunded tax cuts and spending proposals, as many felt the plans lacked in detail and costing.