Beyond Bulls & Bears

Quick Thoughts: The Connection Between Climate Change and Geopolitics
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: The Connection Between Climate Change and Geopolitics

Successful international investing includes measuring financial risks and rewards caused by events in an affected country. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, discusses how macroeconomic and political research complemented by environmental, social and governance (ESG) research provides investors additional prisms to view a country’s financials, impacts on climate change, and geopolitical risk.

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe

Last week was remarkable for global equity markets, as the potential for a successful COVID-19 vaccine to be available by spring 2021 drove stocks broadly higher.

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe

Joe Biden’s US presidential election victory was confirmed over the weekend, yet the likelihood that Congress will be split—with Republicans in control of the Senate—has buoyed markets.

The UK Has Left the EU. What’s Next Post-Brexit?
Fixed Income

The UK Has Left the EU. What’s Next Post-Brexit?

It’s been 3-1/2 years since the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, and the process known as Brexit has been far from smooth. Now that the deadline to leave has passed, what’s next for the United Kingdom, and for Europe? Our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn says that while there’s no turning back, there are still quite a few kinks to be worked out, including the all-important trade agreements.

Considering Broad Investment Implications of US/Iranian Tensions
Multi-Asset

Considering Broad Investment Implications of US/Iranian Tensions

Our senior investment leaders recently met to discuss rising US/Middle East tensions. They share a few initial thoughts on the potential market implications.

The Four Pillars to Face a World of Uncertainty
Fixed Income

The Four Pillars to Face a World of Uncertainty

Global investors are facing extraordinary economic, political and financial market conditions that risk sending the world into a perilous period, according to Templeton Global Macro CIO Michael Hasenstab. He explains why he and his team see these conditions as an opportunity, and outlines the “four pillars” behind their strategy to cope with them.

Staying Nimble Amid an Uncertain Outlook
Perspectives

Staying Nimble Amid an Uncertain Outlook

Bouts of volatility hit markets across the globe in the third quarter of 2019 amid continued uncertainties about global growth and trade. Central banks took notice, with the US Federal Reserve easing interest rates for the first time in more than a decade and the European Central Bank also cutting rates and reintroducing quantitative easing. Against this backdrop, our senior investment leaders discuss why they do not see a recession in the near term, but are taking a cautious and nimble approach.

Trade Tensions Flare: Where Do We Go from Here?
Multi-Asset

Trade Tensions Flare: Where Do We Go from Here?

Market volatility has been on the rise as US-China trade tensions continue to flare and recent central bank activity has created more questions than answers. As such, many investors have been on edge. Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions CIO Ed Perks, and Gene Podkaminer, Head of Multi-Asset Research Strategies, present the team’s latest thoughts on where the global economy is headed—and how investors should think about risk today. They say the persistent uncertainty calls for a cautious and nimble stance.

Italian Politics + US Trade Tariffs = Market Turmoil
Equity

Italian Politics + US Trade Tariffs = Market Turmoil

There seems to be no shortage of market-moving events of late, and no shortage of market volatility. In recent days, oil has hit a four-year high, Italy has been thrust into the spotlight amid a political crisis and trade-war fears between the United States and several of its key allies have again flared up after US President Donald Trump’s administration slapped them with tariffs. Katrina Dudley, portfolio manager and research analyst with Franklin Mutual Series, weighs in on it all.

Talking Trade Tensions, Inflation and Volatility
Multi-Asset

Talking Trade Tensions, Inflation and Volatility

Global growth has been accelerating, but there are a few potential headwinds that could cause it to stall. Three of our senior investment leaders—Ed Perks, Chris Molumphy and Stephen Dover—recently participated in a panel discussion on the potential impact of trade tensions, inflation and other issues on their radar.

How the After-Effects of Recent Volatility Are Working Their Way Through Markets
Multi-Asset

How the After-Effects of Recent Volatility Are Working Their Way Through Markets

Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions’ Matthias Hoppe examines the fallout from recent bouts of market volatility from a multi-asset investment perspective.

Putting Geopolitical Tensions into Perspective
Fixed Income

Putting Geopolitical Tensions into Perspective

When world leaders talk, markets react. And with social media becoming mainstream, politicians have a new way of getting their message to the masses. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s John Beck discusses geopolitical tensions, the impact of social media and the broader macroeconomic issues impacting the global fixed income landscape.