David Zahn - 3/11 - Beyond Bulls & Bears

Fixed Income

European Elections: Big Changes, or Business as Usual?

Many observers are predicting that European elections later this month will usher a wave of populist representatives into the European Parliament. David Zahn, Head of European Fixed Income, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group, believes there may be a shift in political balance, but suggests the ability of extremists at either end of the political spectrum to dramatically alter the direction of the European Union is likely to be limited.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | May 03, 2019

Fixed Income

Eurozone Debt Disputes Make an Unhappy Union

When investing in sovereign debt, there is a level of trust involved—faith a government will return an investor’s principal plus interest without fail. But Franklin Templeton Fixed Income doesn’t see this as blind faith; it must be backed by verifiable economic metrics. In this excerpt from the latest “FT Thinks,” our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn outlines how governments have changed in Europe, and how new politicians with fresh agendas can bolster confidence, or rouse concerns.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | May 02, 2019

Fixed Income

The Case for Active Gilts Management as Volatility Returns

After several years of relatively stable conditions, the slide in equities at the end of last year and the subsequent recovery in the first quarter of 2019 were a stark reminder not to become complacent. Read more on why Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s David Zahn believes an active approach to gilts management makes sense now.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | April 25, 2019

Fixed Income

Still No Roadmap to a Brexit Resolution as EU Offers Another Extension

Brexit may have been delayed again. The European Union has offered to allow the United Kingdom more time to decide how it wants to leave. While the measure may prevent a no-deal Brexit in the short-term, our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn thinks it may simply be saving up problems for the future.

April 10, 2019

Fixed Income

Can the EU’s Extension Offer Really Break the Brexit Deadlock?

After a nail-biting few hours, European Union leaders have agreed to the UK government’s request to delay Brexit, albeit the extension is less than Theresa May had requested. But our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn believes the decision does little more than reset the clock and he warns there is still a strong chance that the United Kingdom could still crash out without a deal.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | March 21, 2019

Fixed Income

MPs Say No to No Deal, But an Accidental Hard Brexit Remains a Possibility

UK members of parliament have voted to reject a situation in which the United Kingdom crashes out of the European Union without a deal. But with only days until the official leave date, the options for a tidy resolution are limited. David Zahn explains why he expects the UK government now to seek an extension to the Brexit negotiations.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | March 13, 2019

Fixed Income

Why European Investors Might Consider Fixed Maturity Investing

Against a background of sustained low interest rates, the search for yield is leading some investors to cast their nets a little wider. David Zahn, Head of European Fixed Income at Franklin Templeton, looks at one idea that seems to be sparking interest: fixed maturity investing.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | February 20, 2019

Fixed Income

A Hard Brexit Would Remove Uncertainty for Markets

"Two and a half years ago, with all the options for a negotiated Brexit on the table, a Hard Brexit seemed to be the worst-case scenario. Now, markets may feel that it’s preferable to bring an end to the uncertainty and accept the short-term pain." David Zahn, Head of European Fixed Income

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | January 15, 2019

Fixed Income

Theresa May Holds on, but What Does This Mean for Investors?

Theresa May has survived a leadership challenge called by Eurosceptic members of her own party and will continue to lead the United Kingdom as it heads towards Brexit. But David Zahn, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s head of European Fixed Income, warns May’s troubles are not over yet. He predicts further volatility ahead for financial markets, but argues there may be opportunities for shrewd active managers.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | December 12, 2018

Fixed Income

Back from the Road Again: Five Things We Learnt from Our European Roadshow

On a recent European roadshow, David Zahn, Franklin Templeton’s head of European Fixed Income, had the chance to meet investors from Germany, France, Italy and Spain. In this article, he sets out some of his takeaway messages from the trip, including a couple of surprises.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | December 04, 2018

Alternatives

Theresa May’s Brexit Steeplechase Has Only Just Begun: An Investor’s Perspective

UK Prime Minister Theresa May seemed to have cleared the first hurdle in her bid to secure a soft Brexit. Her Cabinet initially backed the withdrawal deal UK and European Union negotiators have agreed to. But subsequently a number of cabinet members resigned. David Zahn, Franklin Templeton’s head of European Fixed Income, warns her most difficult challenge now lies ahead. And he believes there remain plenty of obstacles in her path, with profound implications for investors.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | November 14, 2018

Fixed Income

How Angela Merkel’s Future Could Influence European Markets

Markets have largely brushed off speculation about the future of German Chancellor Angela Merkel as she stood down as leader of the Christian Democratic Union party. However, our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn believes her decision could have ramifications, both politically and economically, in the not-so-distant future.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | October 31, 2018