Beyond Bulls & Bears

Diversifying for income in today’s markets
Multi-Asset

Diversifying for income in today’s markets

Although the US economy remains resilient, labor market and inflation conditions continue to shift. Ed Perks, Chief Investment Officer of Franklin Income Investors, provides perspectives on the current environment and income diversification strategies when seeking opportunities in fixed income and equities.

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.

Equities near all-time highs—Where do we go from here?
Multi-Asset

Equities near all-time highs—Where do we go from here?

As equity markets near all-time highs, Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions believes that equity overbought signals have emerged. They examine forward equity returns after being at, and near, historical peaks, and what these outcomes could mean for allocating between stocks and bonds.

Harvesting opportunities: Income diversification for uncertain times
Multi-Asset

Harvesting opportunities: Income diversification for uncertain times

Despite the US Federal Reserve’s cautious stance on interest rates and the shifting dynamics of the equity and fixed income markets, Franklin Income Investors CIO Ed Perks believes conditions are favorable for investing in these asset classes. This article provides an analysis of the latest economic and market trends and explores strategic opportunities to navigate through the current uncertain environment.

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Getting cash off the sidelines
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Getting cash off the sidelines

Is it time to move out of cash? Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, recently hosted a discussion with Julien Scholnick, Portfolio Manager, Western Asset Management, and Joanne Driscoll, Portfolio Manager and Head of Short-Term Liquid Markets, Putnam Investments, to answer this question and examine the opportunities within the fixed income space.

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Is cash at a tipping point?
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Is cash at a tipping point?

Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, recently hosted a discussion with Michael Buchanan, Co-Chief Investment Officer, Western Asset Management, and Brendan Circle, Portfolio Manager, Franklin Income Investors. The group considered the current market environment as it pertains to cash in client portfolios. Has cash reached a tipping point?

On My Mind: Catch me if you can—Markets outrun the Fed
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Catch me if you can—Markets outrun the Fed

The Federal Reserve has fueled market conviction that the good old days of extremely low interest rates and abundant liquidity are soon to return. Our Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai sees this reaction as an excess of dovish enthusiasm that sets the stage for more volatility. She shares her latest insights on the policy outlook and the implications for investors.

On My Mind: Miracle on 20th Street
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Miracle on 20th Street

Markets cheered a “dovish” December Federal Reserve meeting, seen as an early gift to investors. But has the battle against inflation been won? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai weighs in.

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—The case for fixed income in 2024
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—The case for fixed income in 2024

Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, recently sat down with Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Portfolio Manager Josh Lohmeier and Western Asset Portfolio Manager Mark Lindbloom to discuss the fixed income landscape—and why they believe 2024 will be a good year for fixed income investors.

Opportunity in investment-grade credit
Fixed Income

Opportunity in investment-grade credit

Investment-grade credit is currently offering impressive yields, with relatively less risk than other fixed income sectors, according to Josh Lohmeier of Franklin Templeton Fixed Income. He makes a case for investing in the space today.

Quick Thoughts: Megatrends Accelerate—Webinar on navigating rates and risks of bonds’ comeback year
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Megatrends Accelerate—Webinar on navigating rates and risks of bonds’ comeback year

In the wake of recent banking shocks, the outlook for interest rates has shifted, as well as the landscape for fixed income investors. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, offers highlights of a discussion with our investment teams on the opportunities and risks in the space.

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.