Beyond Bulls & Bears

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

There has been a clear focus on central bank rhetoric at the start of the new year, with investors wary of the speed and extent to which monetary policy will begin to tighten.

PODCAST: Anatomy of a Recession: Changing Conditions but US Economy Remains Strong
Perspectives

PODCAST: Anatomy of a Recession: Changing Conditions but US Economy Remains Strong

In our latest "Talking Markets" podcast, Jeff Schulze, Investment Strategist at ClearBridge Investments, provides his latest look at the health of the US economy. We hear about the number one factor driving consumer sentiment down to recessionary levels, three reasons why inflation may not last long term, and what may lie ahead after the Federal Reserve begins to taper and raise interest rates. 

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The first half of 2022 brings some European political events to keep an eye on, namely appointment of a new Italian president and French presidential elections. A return to a more combative Italian government could create tensions within the European Union—another potential headwind for equity markets.

Why Bank Loans Look Attractive in Today’s Market
Fixed Income

Why Bank Loans Look Attractive in Today’s Market

The technical and fundamental picture looks favourable for bank loans for a number of reasons, according to Reema Agarwal, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Floating Rate Debt. She says current spreads look attractive amid what is likely to be a period of monetary policy tightening over the course of the year, and periods of volatility should be considered buying opportunities.

K2 Hedge-Fund Strategy Outlook: First Quarter 2022
Alternatives

K2 Hedge-Fund Strategy Outlook: First Quarter 2022

With both the pandemic and inflation proving longer lasting than many had anticipated, what does that mean for central bank policy in the months ahead? The K2 Advisors team ponders the implications for hedge-fund strategies in its first-quarter 2022 outlook.

PODCAST: A Tale of Two Real Estate Markets: US and China
Alternatives

PODCAST: A Tale of Two Real Estate Markets: US and China

Tracy Chen, Portfolio Manager with Brandywine Global, and Tim Wang, Head of Investment Research for Clarion Partners, join Head of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Stephen Dover, to take a closer look at how the pandemic has impacted real estate markets in the United States and China.

The Supply-Chain Storm: Planes, Cranes, and Automobiles
Multi-Asset

The Supply-Chain Storm: Planes, Cranes, and Automobiles

Supply-chain issues are often cited in the current debate about inflation—and aren’t going away as quickly as consumers and businesses would like. Our Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team explores how supply chains became stuck, whether they will loosen up in 2022, and the implications for multi-asset investors.

Where Are the Workers?
Multi-Asset

Where Are the Workers?

As the Federal Reserve debates its monetary tightening timeline, the labour market is an important factor to watch in the year ahead, according to our Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team. Read their thoughts on the labour market’s implications for both monetary policy and risk assets.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Investors continue to assess the economic impact of high COVID infection rates. The latest variant, Omicron, drove the number of infections in the United Kingdom to new daily highs last week and is expected to become the dominant strain in the eurozone.

Quick Thoughts: What Our Managers Think: Positioning Portfolios for 2022
Multi-Asset

Quick Thoughts: What Our Managers Think: Positioning Portfolios for 2022

Stephen Dover, Head of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, recently discussed growth, inflation, interest rates, and valuation during our monthly discussion, “What Our Managers Think,” with Ed Perks, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions; Gene Podkaminer, Head of Research; and Josh Greco, Head of Institutional Portfolio Management. Below are some of their current views on positioning portfolios for 2022.

On My Mind: Fed and Inflation: You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Fed and Inflation: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

The Fed seems to have been caught by surprise by its own policy and says this is not the inflation it was looking for. Sonal Desai, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, shares her thoughts on why inflation should not have come as a surprise and why investors need to brace for higher volatility as the Fed adjusts its policy stance.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Central bank policy takes centre stage this week as over 20 central banks have interest-rate decisions this week. Focus is primarily on the Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting on Wednesday, and the Bank of England (BoE) and the European Central Bank (ECB) meetings Thursday.