Beyond Bulls & Bears

Meet the Manager: Bonnie Wongtrakool
Perspectives

Meet the Manager: Bonnie Wongtrakool

As a young girl with dreams of a career in finance, Western Asset’s Bonnie Wongtrakool is a prime example of manifesting one’s future success—but not without putting in the work to make it happen. Today, she helps mentor other young women hoping to follow in her footsteps. Here, we get to know Bonnie.

Is Brazil Compellingly Out of Sync?
Perspectives

Is Brazil Compellingly Out of Sync?

The Russia-Ukraine war has led to a surge in commodity prices, which means Brazil, a key commodity exporter, stands to benefit. Here, Dina Ting, Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, Franklin Templeton Exchange-Traded Funds, explores the outlook for Brazilian equities in light of recent events.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Soaring commodity prices and the commensurate inflationary impact is alarming investors. The fear is that consumer confidence and spending will be hit, and we find ourselves in a stagflation environment, with stagnating economic growth (or recession) and soaring inflation.

The Inflationary Shock of the Russia-Ukraine Crisis
Fixed Income

The Inflationary Shock of the Russia-Ukraine Crisis

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has ramifications for global inflation and growth, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income. The team examines the dynamics underlying energy and certain agricultural commodities to explore the inflation implications.

Quick Thoughts: What Russia’s Power Play in Ukraine Means for Investors
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: What Russia’s Power Play in Ukraine Means for Investors

We recently hosted a special edition of our “What Our Managers Think” panel discussion to address the current situation in Ukraine. Participants included Kim Catechis, Investment Strategist for the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Scott Glasser, Chief Investment Officer at ClearBridge Investments, Dr. Michael Hasenstab, Chief Investment Officer at Templeton Global Macro, and Dr. Andreas Billmeier, European Economist for Western Asset.

Quick Thoughts: Ukraine, Russia, and the Path Forward
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Ukraine, Russia, and the Path Forward

Kim Catechis, Investment Strategist for the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, recently shared his thoughts around the situation in Ukraine and the implications for the global economy and capital markets. Here are some highlights of his views.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

It is well known that the pain from the gas price moves is significant, particularly for Germany and Italy. The Italian government has said it is reviewing options, including reopening shuttered coal plants. In Germany, the government is reported to be considering delaying the phasing out of nuclear power.

Asset Class Implications of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Equity

Asset Class Implications of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia has invaded Ukraine. Our Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team reflects on the human tragedy that is occurring as they also parse the data to understand the resulting economic and market implications. If the conflict remains protracted, it may produce a “low growth, high inflation” environment, in which case nimble management and keen attention to policy responses will be required.

Thoughts on Russia-Ukraine
Equity

Thoughts on Russia-Ukraine

The degree of the impact of recent Russia-Ukraine strife largely depends on the Western response, which in turn depends on the severity and duration of the conflict itself, according to Templeton Global Equity Group. The team shares its latest views on the situation.

Ukraine-Russia Tensions Signify a Multi-Polar World
Emerging Markets

Ukraine-Russia Tensions Signify a Multi-Polar World

Ukraine-Russia tensions are making headlines—here’s a quick take from Brandywine Global’s Francis Scotland on how he views the situation from an investment-management lens.

Opportunity in Muni Market Volatility
Fixed Income

Opportunity in Muni Market Volatility

January was a volatile month for the markets in general, and municipal bonds were not immune. Ben Barber, Director, Municipal Bonds, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, opines on how the prospect of rising interest rates is impacting the market, and how volatility can create opportunity.

Quick Thoughts: Defensive on the Curve
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Defensive on the Curve

Stephen Dover shares insights on investing in fixed income in a rising-rate environment with Walter Kilcullen, Head of US High Yield for Western Asset Management, and Reema Agarwal, Head of Floating Rate Debt for Franklin Templeton Fixed Income.