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Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Last week’s rally was a welcome relief for equity investors, but questions remain as to the reasons for the move. It seems likely that the market bounce was driven by some month- and quarter-end positioning from oversold levels, but hopes rose that we could be approaching peak inflation thanks to declines in commodity prices.

June 27, 2022
PODCAST: Looking beneath the surface of monetary policy tightening
Perspectives

PODCAST: Looking beneath the surface of monetary policy tightening

Thought leaders from Franklin Templeton and our specialist investment managers discuss how the largest Fed hike in nearly three decades, along with the possibility of subsequent significant hikes, could impact US markets and the economy. Plus, which developed and emerging markets face the most challenging economic and investing environments. 

June 23, 2022
On my mind: The Fed capitulates
Fixed Income

On my mind: The Fed capitulates

The Fed raised interest rates by 75 basis points in its June policy meeting, acknowledging continued upside surprises on inflation, inflation expectations and wage growth. It also de facto abandoned forward guidance. It was a reminder that economic data eventually rule the day, says Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai. She argues this is a welcome but only partial move to a more realistic stance, and discusses why further hawkish surprises likely lie ahead.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | June 16, 2022
Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

All eyes are on this Thursday’s ECB meeting after last week’s Eurozone Consumer Price Index (CPI) data came ahead of expectations at 8.1%, putting further pressure on the ECB to rein in inflation.

June 06, 2022
Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Last week saw some extreme moves in equity markets as investors digested several central bank announcements, most notably the Federal Reserve meeting on Wednesday. In Ukraine, the Russian advance in the east made marginal gains, and with no mention of peace talks anymore, a long, drawn-out campaign into the summer seems probable. The impact of this on commodity and food prices is clear.

May 09, 2022
Quick Thoughts: Are Central Banks Too Slow to Tackle Inflation?
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Are Central Banks Too Slow to Tackle Inflation?

Are the reserve banks too slow in tackling inflation? Will inflation level off by itself? Will rising rates cause a recession? Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, sat down with Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Chief Investment Officer Sonal Desai and Western Asset Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst John Bellows to discuss the investment landscape considering today’s geopolitical and economic challenges.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA | March 31, 2022
Fed Pivot Becomes Fed Prayer
Multi-Asset

Fed Pivot Becomes Fed Prayer

The US Federal Reserve is turning increasingly hawkish—hiking rates fast enough to slow inflation while maintaining economic growth will be a monumental task. The Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team opines on what to expect from the Fed and gauges whether it is already behind the curve.

Gene Podkaminer, CFA | March 30, 2022
Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

It is well known that the pain from the gas price moves is significant, particularly for Germany and Italy. The Italian government has said it is reviewing options, including reopening shuttered coal plants. In Germany, the government is reported to be considering delaying the phasing out of nuclear power.

February 28, 2022
On My Mind: The Long and Winding Road…
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The Long and Winding Road…

With inflation running at multi-decade highs, major central banks get ready to tighten monetary policy. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Chief Investment Officer Sonal Desai argues they are well behind the curve—and why she thinks markets still underestimate the long, volatile adjustment period that lies ahead.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | February 14, 2022
Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The first half of 2022 brings some European political events to keep an eye on, namely appointment of a new Italian president and French presidential elections. A return to a more combative Italian government could create tensions within the European Union—another potential headwind for equity markets.

January 10, 2022
On My Mind: Fed and Inflation: You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Fed and Inflation: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

The Fed seems to have been caught by surprise by its own policy and says this is not the inflation it was looking for. Sonal Desai, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, shares her thoughts on why inflation should not have come as a surprise and why investors need to brace for higher volatility as the Fed adjusts its policy stance.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | December 16, 2021
On My Mind: Inflation: Don’t You (Forget About Me)
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Inflation: Don’t You (Forget About Me)

The US Federal Reserve finally acknowledged inflation is not a “transitory” problem and signalled a greater degree of concern; but investors seem to think that the Fed will blink when markets balk. With consumer inflation at multi-decade highs and COVID-19 risks still alive, what’s next for the monetary policy response—and market implications—as we move into 2022? Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares her views.

Sonal Desai, Ph.D. | December 08, 2021