Beyond Bulls & Bears

On My Mind: The Fed fights inflation, the markets fight the Fed
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The Fed fights inflation, the markets fight the Fed

Markets want to believe policy interest rates will soon fall—but inflation and growth data tell a very different story, argues Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai.

On My Mind: Don’t bank on it
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Don’t bank on it

Financial markets seem to have returned to trying to time a dovish Federal Reserve turn, but Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai says with a tight labor market and inflation running at 5%-6%—don’t bank on it.

2022 ESG engagement report
Fixed Income

2022 ESG engagement report

Transparency should be the bedrock of sustainable finance, while engagement is the essence of a transparent flow of information between issuers, investors and other market participants. Hear from David Zahn as he introduces Franklin Templeton Fixed Income's 2022 ESG engagement report. He believes that through our engagements, we are committing to the development of a sustainable finance ecosystem that delivers the best results for everyone involved.

ECB hikes rates—one more to come?
Fixed Income

ECB hikes rates—one more to come?

The European Central Bank hiked rates 50 basis points. Curious about what that means for investors? David Zahn, Head of European Fixed Income shares his thoughts.

On My Mind: Fed to markets—keep dancing
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Fed to markets—keep dancing

Markets think the war against inflation has been won—and the Fed seems to believe it too—but has it? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai analyzes the latest data in light of the Federal Reserve policy meeting and examines whether a “painless landing” is possible.

US budget season implications for the muni market
Fixed Income

US budget season implications for the muni market

A slowdown in US economic activity this year is likely to impact most states, which could face budget deficits, according to Jennifer Johnston, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Municipal Bond Research. She outlines implications for the muni market.

On My Mind: Listen to the man
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Listen to the man

Financial markets seem to have gone from “don't fight the Fed” to “don’t believe the Fed,” opines Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai. She offers her thoughts following the US central bank’s December policy meeting, and warns to brace for more volatility ahead.

On my mind: A different kind of pivot
Fixed Income

On my mind: A different kind of pivot

Markets hoped for a dovish Federal Reserve “pivot,” but got a hawkish surprise instead. Brace for more volatility as the yield curve adjusts, warns Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai. She sees the fixed income outlook as more constructive moving further forward in 2023.

UK vs. US pensions: The risks of derivatives-led LDI approach
Perspectives

UK vs. US pensions: The risks of derivatives-led LDI approach

It is unlikely that US corporate defined benefit (DB) pensions will have to face liquidity issues like those UK DB pensions recently witnessed, primarily because of their different approach to valuing liabilities, varying use of derivatives/leverage, and therefore a different investment style of liability-driven investing (LDI), according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Tom Meyers.

Will Italy still have ECB support in wake of elections?
Fixed Income

Will Italy still have ECB support in wake of elections?

Our Head of European Fixed Income, David Zahn, weighs in on the potential market implications of the outcome of the recent Italian elections.

Municipal markets continue to feel the pressure this year, yet fundamentals remain stable
Fixed Income

Municipal markets continue to feel the pressure this year, yet fundamentals remain stable

The municipal bond market has not been immune to bouts of volatility hitting the markets this year, but there are still pockets of opportunity, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Municipal Bonds, Ben Barber. He points to improving technical conditions, stable fundamentals and inexpensive valuations that make the asset class look compelling.

On my mind: Staying on message
Fixed Income

On my mind: Staying on message

The Fed delivered another 75 bps rate hike and reiterated its Jackson Hole message: reducing inflation is now its one and only priority. But the Fed's forecasts still seem too optimistic, and this could feed extended uncertainty and volatility in markets. Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares her thoughts.