Beyond Bulls & Bears

On My Mind: Something Has to Give
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Something Has to Give

There are differing opinions for why US Treasury yields have suddenly dropped. In her latest “On My Mind,” our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai outlines three possible scenarios and the logical implications of each; in the current constellation of asset prices, she argues, something does not add up.

PODCAST: Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and Digital Assets: Love ‘em, Hate ‘em, but Don’t Ignore ‘em
Perspectives

PODCAST: Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and Digital Assets: Love ‘em, Hate ‘em, but Don’t Ignore ‘em

Our Chief Market Strategist Stephen Dover explores blockchain and digital assets through an equity-investor lens with Anthony Hardy and Christophe Vande Walle. They discuss the growing implications and why investors and asset managers shouldn’t ignore this space.

Why UK Equities Now?
Equity

Why UK Equities Now?

The global economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but some countries are opening up faster than others and experiencing greater degrees of growth this year. The United Kingdom is one that has seen a strong economic rebound, and its equity market has weathered the storm. But, with new uncertainties ahead—including the threat of inflation—is now a good time to invest in UK stocks? Ben Russon, Richard Bullas, Dan Green and Will Bradwell of our UK Equity team discuss.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Global equities were mixed last week across the regions, reflecting unwinds and relative exposures to value versus growth. COVID-19 themes were evident as fears regarding the spread of the Delta variant hit investor sentiment given potential travel restrictions.

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe

The European economy is recovering fast from the COVID-19 recession. The relaxation in COVID-related restrictions has resulted in sharp growth in both services and manufacturing. The reflation trade appeared to be re-emerging.

Quick Thoughts: Sourcing Income in Bonds, Real Estate, and Multi-Asset Solutions
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Sourcing Income in Bonds, Real Estate, and Multi-Asset Solutions

Sir John Templeton famously said that “this time is different” are the four most dangerous words for investors. However, today’s world appears to be truly different, and with that in mind, our Chief Market Strategist, Stephen Dover, brought together Mark Lindbloom, Portfolio Manager, Western Asset; Onay Payne, Portfolio Manager, Clarion Partners; and Ed Perks, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions to discuss and share perspectives on the recovery, growth, and current opportunities for income.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The primary focus for investors last week was the Fed meeting and the market impact thereafter. As expected, the Fed kept rates unchanged, but id give new guidance for their expected path of rate hikes (the “dot plot”) and revised their inflation expectations.

On My Mind – The Fed’s Last Call for the Punchbowl?
Fixed Income

On My Mind – The Fed’s Last Call for the Punchbowl?

The Fed now acknowledges inflation risks are to the upside. With high uncertainty on the inflation and employment outlook, adjusting its exceptionally loose monetary stance at the right time and pace become a very difficult high-wire act. In the latest edition of our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai’s “On My Mind” series, she discusses the Fed’s challenge, and where she is finding opportunities in the market.

Quick Thoughts: New Realities in Emerging Markets
Emerging Markets

Quick Thoughts: New Realities in Emerging Markets

Emerging market (EM) economies are not what they used to be. Our Chief Market Strategist and Head of Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Stephen Dover, discusses EM disruption, transformation, and digitalisation themes, and why he sees a multitude of potential innovation investment opportunities in EM markets today and in the years ahead.

European Fixed Income Finds Central Bank Support
Fixed Income

European Fixed Income Finds Central Bank Support

As Europe’s economy continues to recover from COVID-19, it appears the central bank will remain accommodative, but for how long? Our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn shares his views.

Shortages, Resurgent Demand and Rising Inflation Expectations Lift Commodities
Equity

Shortages, Resurgent Demand and Rising Inflation Expectations Lift Commodities

Commodities prices have been moving higher this spring amid rising demand and rising inflation expectations globally as economies emerge from the pandemic. Franklin Equity Group’s Fred Fromm takes a look at the implications for equity investors in the space.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Given the presence of some temporary factors driving inflation data, the markets are telling us investors are happy to run with the Federal Reserve’s narrative that inflationary pressures are transitory. We see this view reflected across asset classes.