Beyond Bulls & Bears

An overview of US state budgets and municipal bonds
Fixed Income

An overview of US state budgets and municipal bonds

As COVID-era funding boosts come to a close, US state and local governments are facing some challenges. However, they have many tools with which to tackle them, according to Jennifer Johnston, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Research, Municipal Bonds. She provides her latest outlook.

Muni bond update: Credit quality still looks strong
Fixed Income

Muni bond update: Credit quality still looks strong

While 2023 has started on shaky ground for the municipal bond market, there are reasons to be optimistic for more stability ahead, according to Jennifer Johnston, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Municipal Bond Research. She explains why California’s issues don’t reflect all states, and offers reasons for optimism

Muni Impact of US Infrastructure Bill Could Prove Longer Term
Fixed Income

Muni Impact of US Infrastructure Bill Could Prove Longer Term

While the new US infrastructure investment bill didn’t have any initiatives directly targeting the municipal bond market, there are still implications for munis in the longer term, according to our Municipal Bond Director of Research Jennifer Johnston. She explains the ramifications for investors in the space.

Muni Market View of The American Jobs Plan
Fixed Income

Muni Market View of The American Jobs Plan

US President Joe Biden recently announced an ambitious new US$2 trillion infrastructure plan, which touches many areas of the US economy. Jennifer Johnston, director of research, Franklin Templeton Municipal Bonds, outlines some highlights of this sweeping legislation, and how it could impact the muni market.

Meet the Manager: Jennifer Johnston
Fixed Income

Meet the Manager: Jennifer Johnston

As a child, Jennifer Johnston didn’t have visions of working in the financial field, but after 27 years in the industry, she hasn’t looked back. Being a woman in a male-dominated field has presented some challenges, but she has had an attitude of embracing every opportunity that presents itself. Here, we get to know more about Jennifer, director of our municipal bond research team.

US 2020 Election Investment Pulse: Neutral to Positive for Municipals
Fixed Income

US 2020 Election Investment Pulse: Neutral to Positive for Municipals

In coming years, US Congress and the Biden administration could implement spending programmes and tax reforms at the national level that trickle down into state and local government policies too. Our Katie Klingensmith joined Muni Bond Team Research Director Jennifer Johnston to discuss the potential implications for the municipal bond market, against a backdrop of COVID-19.