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As Public Attitudes Towards the Environment Change, So Should the Investment Approach
Fixed Income

As Public Attitudes Towards the Environment Change, So Should the Investment Approach

“After attending this year’s Principles for Responsible Investment Conference (PRI) in San Francisco, our takeaway message is clear: Investors and investment managers have to be proactive in addressing changing public attitudes toward the environment.” -David Zahn

September 26, 2018
Moving Up in Credit Quality for Better Durability
Fixed Income

Moving Up in Credit Quality for Better Durability

Some investment-grade bonds are riskier than their ratings imply, while high-yield bonds have seen some positive tailwinds. Meanwhile, a large number of bank loan agreements now favour borrowers over lenders. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s Glenn Voyles, Marc Kremer, Matt Fey, Brian French and Reema Agarwal take a look at these areas of credit landscape today.

Reema Agarwal, CFA | September 21, 2018
Then and Now: Mortgage-Backed Securities Post-Financial Crisis
Fixed Income

Then and Now: Mortgage-Backed Securities Post-Financial Crisis

“As the Fed stops buying, we expect that will leave a greater supply of mortgage-backed securities for the market to absorb. Now, the question is, who’s going to be the marginal buyer of MBS?” – Paul Varunok, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group

Paul W. Varunok | September 14, 2018
Global Economic Perspective: September
Fixed Income

Global Economic Perspective: September

In this month’s Global Economic Perspective, our Fixed Income Group discusses the spread of populism in Sweden, whether US economic momentum appears sustainable and what’s behind recent emerging-market woes.

Christopher J. Molumphy, CFA | September 14, 2018
Three Developments in Europe You May Have Missed over the Summer—and One You Didn’t
Fixed Income

Three Developments in Europe You May Have Missed over the Summer—and One You Didn’t

David Zahn, head of European fixed income, on why he thinks core European bond yields are unrealistically low, the impact of Japan’s “stealth taper”, and the apparent leadership vacuum at the heart of Europe. Plus why the lack of Brexit progress should be a concern for all EU member states.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | August 31, 2018
Global Economic Perspective: August
Fixed Income

Global Economic Perspective: August

“We think the ECB is wise to retain some flexibility over the timing of its transition to more conventional monetary policies. The central bank has voiced concerns over the impact of the Turkish crisis on some European lenders. Additionally, volatility can be exaggerated at this time of year.” – Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group

Christopher J. Molumphy, CFA | August 21, 2018
Global Economic Perspective: July
Fixed Income

Global Economic Perspective: July

In this month’s Global Economic Perspective, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group examines the potential market impact of ongoing trade issues. Could it derail global growth?

Christopher J. Molumphy, CFA | July 23, 2018
What One US Mega-Deal Might Tell Us about M&A Prospects Globally
Equity

What One US Mega-Deal Might Tell Us about M&A Prospects Globally

“The $86 billion AT&T-Time Warner merger was a response to growing disruption in the media/telecom/entertainment space traditional players have felt. There’s scarcely a sector out there that isn’t labouring under the threat of disruption.” - Sara Araghi and Marc Kremer

Sara Araghi, CFA | June 26, 2018
Global Economic Perspective: June
Fixed Income

Global Economic Perspective: June

In this month’s Global Economic Perspective, our Fixed Income Group sees the broad outlook for the global economy as remaining positive but expects more patches of financial market volatility ahead.

Christopher J. Molumphy, CFA | June 18, 2018
Global Economic Perspective: May
Fixed Income

Global Economic Perspective: May

In this month’s Global Economic Perspective, our Fixed Income Group opines on rising energy prices, US Treasury yields, emerging-market currency pressures and global economic growth.

Christopher J. Molumphy, CFA | May 21, 2018
Cautious European Fixed Income Investors May be Sacrificing Yield
Fixed Income

Cautious European Fixed Income Investors May be Sacrificing Yield

Our “Fixed Income Investor Attitudes, Concerns and Actions 2018” survey shows European fixed income investors are still a cautious bunch a decade out from the global financial crisis. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s David Zahn explores why he thinks it might be time to put fears about market volatility aside.

David Zahn, CFA, FRM | May 16, 2018
Global Economic Perspective: April
Fixed Income

Global Economic Perspective: April

“The extent to which the global economy’s upturn is threatened by the uncertainty over trade policy is clearly the main issue preoccupying many investors. Our view is that market sentiment often swings to extremes in these circumstances, running well ahead of actual events, and the risk of a major disruption to global trade remains low.” - Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group

Christopher J. Molumphy, CFA | April 16, 2018