Beyond Bulls & Bears

Quick Thoughts: The American Jobs Plan is Not Just an Infrastructure Plan
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: The American Jobs Plan is Not Just an Infrastructure Plan

The American Jobs Plan is not only the biggest traditional infrastructure proposal in over 50 years, but if approved, it will also fund significant investments in human and environmental infrastructure. However, its implications include significant changes to corporate and individual tax rates. Chief Market Strategist Stephen Dover believes environmentally aware investing will likely substantially increase and fossil-fuel companies will likely lose. He says the wise investor will look at how infrastructure is changing.

European Fixed Income in 2021: Focused on Recovery, and Politics
Fixed Income

European Fixed Income in 2021: Focused on Recovery, and Politics

While the calendar has turned to a new year, many of the same uncertainties of 2020 still linger—namely the COVID-19 pandemic. However, David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, sees reasons to be optimistic the picture will look brighter for Europe by year-end, and is poised to take advantage of potential opportunities that arise.

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.

US 2020 Election Investment Pulse: No Blue Wave Lessens Policy Uncertainty
Equity

US 2020 Election Investment Pulse: No Blue Wave Lessens Policy Uncertainty

While the race for US president has not yet been decided, it does appear there is some certainty over the Congressional makeup, with a split maintained between Democrat and Republican majorities in the two chambers. Our Katie Klingensmith talks with our Head of Equities, Stephen Dover, and co-CIO of ClearBridge, Scott Glasser for their thoughts on why this might be a good thing for equities.

US 2020 Election Investment Pulse: How Shifting Attitudes Impact Recovery
Perspectives

US 2020 Election Investment Pulse: How Shifting Attitudes Impact Recovery

In our latest Election Pulse, our Head of Equities Stephen Dover is joined by Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai and Gallup's Jonathan Rothwell to discuss survey findings on COVID-19 and its impact on the consumer. They discuss attitudes about vaccines, mask-wearing, and where they think the research may lead them post-election.

On My Mind: Saving for Sunnier Days
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Saving for Sunnier Days

The Franklin Templeton-Gallup Economics of Recovery Study has unveiled many insights about US consumer attitudes and behaviour in the wake of COVID-19. Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai examines findings from the survey’s second pulse, including encouraging signs confidence has found a floor.

Quick Thoughts: Political Volatility Ahead
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Political Volatility Ahead

Our Head of Equities Stephen Dover explains why he thinks possible changes to the US political landscape could lead to further bouts of market volatility.

New UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Faces Challenges at Home and Abroad
Fixed Income

New UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Faces Challenges at Home and Abroad

Boris Johnson, one of the most enthusiastic supporters of Brexit, is the United Kingdom’s new prime minister. David Zahn, Franklin Templeton’s Head of European Fixed Income, doubts Johnson will have much of a honeymoon period in the new role as he faces stiff challenges domestically and internationally, with global markets scouring his every move.

The EU: Singing from 28 Hymn Sheets
Fixed Income

The EU: Singing from 28 Hymn Sheets

What’s the investment lesson in Europe’s recent parliamentary elections? Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai says it’s differentiation. Read more of what’s on her mind about this topic. 

European Elections: Big Changes, or Business as Usual?
Fixed Income

European Elections: Big Changes, or Business as Usual?

Many observers are predicting that European elections later this month will usher a wave of populist representatives into the European Parliament. David Zahn, Head of European Fixed Income, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group, believes there may be a shift in political balance, but suggests the ability of extremists at either end of the political spectrum to dramatically alter the direction of the European Union is likely to be limited.

Eurozone Debt Disputes Make an Unhappy Union
Fixed Income

Eurozone Debt Disputes Make an Unhappy Union

When investing in sovereign debt, there is a level of trust involved—faith a government will return an investor’s principal plus interest without fail. But Franklin Templeton Fixed Income doesn’t see this as blind faith; it must be backed by verifiable economic metrics. In this excerpt from the latest “FT Thinks,” our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn outlines how governments have changed in Europe, and how new politicians with fresh agendas can bolster confidence, or rouse concerns.

MPs Say No to No Deal, But an Accidental Hard Brexit Remains a Possibility
Fixed Income

MPs Say No to No Deal, But an Accidental Hard Brexit Remains a Possibility

UK members of parliament have voted to reject a situation in which the United Kingdom crashes out of the European Union without a deal. But with only days until the official leave date, the options for a tidy resolution are limited. David Zahn explains why he expects the UK government now to seek an extension to the Brexit negotiations.