Beyond Bulls & Bears

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s take on the new EU Green Bond Standard
Fixed Income

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s take on the new EU Green Bond Standard

The new European Union Green Bond Standard came into effect in December 2024, and two bonds that comply with it have just been announced. Our sustainable investing team at Franklin Templeton Fixed Income welcomes the increased allocation transparency that the framework provides but will continue to invest in a variety of green bonds.

Europe cuts rates as growth grinds to a halt
Fixed Income

Europe cuts rates as growth grinds to a halt

The European Central Bank cut its key benchmark interest rate by 0.25% to 2.75% at its January 30 policy meeting. David Zahn, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Head of European Fixed Income, shares why he thinks the ECB will likely continue cutting throughout 2025 and describes the implications for investors.

On My Mind: 2025 themes in focus—fiscal headaches, monetary prudence, productivity and volatility
Fixed Income

On My Mind: 2025 themes in focus—fiscal headaches, monetary prudence, productivity and volatility

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares four key themes that she believes will shape economic and financial market developments in 2025 and beyond.

Fixed Income Sector Views: Signs of progress, signals of caution
Fixed Income

Fixed Income Sector Views: Signs of progress, signals of caution

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income team feels optimistic about the US economy, driven by consumer spending, which should limit the need for rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. However, policy changes by President-elect Trump, such as increased tariffs and immigration changes, could add inflationary pressures. Read more in their latest Sector Views.

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: The return of (trade) policy uncertainty
Fixed Income

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: The return of (trade) policy uncertainty

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income economists explore the impact of proposed changes to both US tax and tariff policies and the implications for global economies. Central banks continue to address local conditions, with the US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank further easing monetary policy, while the Bank of Japan is hiking its policy rate as it faces elevated inflation.

What to make of the November election—potential implications for high-yield investors
Fixed Income

What to make of the November election—potential implications for high-yield investors

The upcoming November US elections for the president, House of Representatives, and Senate are highly unpredictable. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Glenn Voyles and Brian French discuss what a sweep by either the Republican or Democratic party could present in terms of significant risks and opportunities within high-yield fixed income.

On My Mind: The first cut is the deepest
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The first cut is the deepest

Where does the Fed go next after this week’s 50 basis point interest-rate cut? Thoughts from Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai.

Shifting tides: How the 2024 US election could shape capital markets
Fixed Income

Shifting tides: How the 2024 US election could shape capital markets

What are the potential impacts of the upcoming US election on the economy and capital markets? How will fiscal spending programs affect debt levels? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Multi-Sector Director Mike Salm shares his thoughts on the US election implications.

Strategic Shifts: Optimizing fixed income allocations as the Fed’s hiking cycle ends
Fixed Income

Strategic Shifts: Optimizing fixed income allocations as the Fed’s hiking cycle ends

With expectations the Federal Reserve will start cutting interest rates at its September meeting, investors are asking, “what should we be doing with our fixed income allocation?” The Franklin Templeton Fixed Income team evaluates historical inflection points for fed funds rates to explore the impact on fixed income sectors and resulting investment opportunities.

Flash Insights: July FOMC meeting—Powell runs ahead of the Committee as usual
Fixed Income

Flash Insights: July FOMC meeting—Powell runs ahead of the Committee as usual

Although the US Federal Reserve left policy rates unchanged at its July meeting, changes to the Federal Open Market Committee statement laid the groundwork for rate cuts. However, as the post-meeting press conference progressed, Chair Jerome Powell’s statement turned from balanced to slightly more dovish, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Economist Nikhil Mohan.

Flash Insights: BoJ delivers on both fronts
Fixed Income

Flash Insights: BoJ delivers on both fronts

The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to more than a 10-year high on July 31, a decision driven by elevated wage growth and the yen’s weakness, both of which pose upside risks to the inflation outlook. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income economists believe that further rate hikes are likely, both this year and next.

Flash Insights: June FOMC meeting—erring on the side of caution
Fixed Income

Flash Insights: June FOMC meeting—erring on the side of caution

The Federal Reserve exercised caution at its June meeting, signaling only one interest rate cut in 2024. Policymakers will need to see more than just “modest further progress” on inflation before easing can begin, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Economist Nikhil Mohan.