Beyond Bulls & Bears

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

US Thanksgiving holiday week is traditionally a quiet one for equity markets globally, and last week proved to be just that. There were very little in terms of market catalysts, and equities slowly grinded higher.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The October US Consumer Price Index reading decelerated at a faster-than-expected rate, fuelling hopes for a dovish pivot from the Federal Reserve. Market expectations are now pricing in a Fed rate cut by May or June 2024, with all eyes on the next Fed meeting on 13 December.

Quick Thoughts: Inflation—the final mile
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Inflation—the final mile

In the context of fighting inflation, the “‘final mile”’ represents the successful and sustainable achievement of a central bank’s inflation target. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, opines on the Fed’s ability to reach it.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Some important inflation data points will dominate the narrative this week, with PPI and CPI prints from the United States, the United Kingdom and European Union.

Alternative Allocations: Democratizing alternative investments
Alternatives

Alternative Allocations: Democratizing alternative investments

In the latest episode of the Alternative Allocations podcast series, Franklin Templeton’s Tony Davidow has an insightful conversation with the firm’s CEO, Jenny Johnson, regarding the burgeoning opportunities in alternative investments, especially in the current financial climate. They also discuss the importance of educating advisors and investors to help them use available tools appropriately.

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession update: How long will consumers keep spending?
Equity

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession update: How long will consumers keep spending?

We speak with ClearBridge Investments’ Jeff Schulze about a topic on many investors' minds: the 10-year US Treasury yield and the path of monetary policy. He also shares his views on the latest US retail sales data and whether consumer resilience will last into 2024.

Discovering sources of alpha and diversification in fixed income
Fixed Income

Discovering sources of alpha and diversification in fixed income

In an economic environment characterized by rising interest rates and a forecasted slowdown, the fixed income asset class has emerged as a beacon of opportunity. Recently, Katie Klingensmith, Senior Vice President – Investment Strategist at Brandywine Global, moderated a panel of fixed income portfolio managers to explore these opportunities, discuss strategies to generate alpha and share their outlook as we approach the end of the year. Here are her key takeaways from this conversation.

Evolution & Revolution: The future of investment and wealth management— insights from Franklin Templeton’s Innovation Forum and inaugural Industry Advisory Services Annual Survey
Perspectives

Evolution & Revolution: The future of investment and wealth management— insights from Franklin Templeton’s Innovation Forum and inaugural Industry Advisory Services Annual Survey

Franklin Templeton recently hosted its annual Innovation Forum that brought together leading minds in investment, fintech and digital assets. The forum, which was anchored by its inaugural Industry Advisory Services Annual Survey, covered topics ranging from artificial intelligence, blockchain and the future of investing.

On My Mind: The Fed and markets—Same as it ever was
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The Fed and markets—Same as it ever was

A dovish nudge in the Federal Reserve's (Fed’s) November press conference pushed markets to again price a significant monetary easing as early as mid-2024. Our Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai sees this market reaction as an excess of exuberance that sets the stage for more volatility. She shares her latest insights on the policy outlook and the implications for investors.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The Bank of Australia holds its policy meeting on Tuesday and markets anticipate its key interest rate will be lifted by 25 bps after a four-month pause. It could prove an interesting contrast versus the picture developing elsewhere, as the European Central Bank, Fed and BoE all remained on hold at recent meetings.

Portfolio construction for alpha generation and risk mitigation
Fixed Income

Portfolio construction for alpha generation and risk mitigation

In this period of higher interest rates, the quest to capture alpha and mitigate risk in corporate credit requires a more refined approach. Josh Lohmeier of Franklin Templeton Fixed Income uncovers a dynamic portfolio construction process that is adaptable to various kinds of investors and repeatable in different types of environments.

Alternative Allocations: Lessons learned from institutions
Alternatives

Alternative Allocations: Lessons learned from institutions

At a recent educational event organized by Franklin Templeton, Franklin Templeton Institute’s Senior Alternative Investment Strategist Tony Davidow hosted a day of panels that focused on alternative investments. This article provides insights gained from these discussions, such as lessons learned from institutional clients that can be applied to other client segments.