Beyond Bulls & Bears

Food for Thought: February CPI continues to prove stubborn
Fixed Income

Food for Thought: February CPI continues to prove stubborn

Stubborn core and supercore inflation will mean that the Fed will want some more evidence that their preferred measures of inflation are moving sustainably lower according to Nikhil Mohan, Franklin Fixed Income economist. Read our latest views.

Measuring bitcoin ETF liquidity through the 2024-25 Detroit Lions
ETFs

Measuring bitcoin ETF liquidity through the 2024-25 Detroit Lions

Trading volumes for spot bitcoin ETFs have been the talk of the industry. David Mann, our Head of Global ETF Product and Capital Markets, offers his take on how best to evaluate the liquidity of these ETFs via his favorite NFL team.

Challenges and opportunities within commercial real estate
Alternatives

Challenges and opportunities within commercial real estate

Franklin Templeton’s Tony Davidow discusses the challenges and opportunities within commercial real estate with Jeb Belford of Clarion Partners.

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession update: Soft landing chances rise
Equity

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession update: Soft landing chances rise

In the latest release of the ClearBridge Recession Risk Dashboard, we’ve seen that a particular indicator upgrade was enough to change the overall dashboard—going from red recession to yellow caution—the first time that it’s been yellow since August of 2022. We speak with Jeff Schulze of ClearBridge Investments about this change and his current base case for the US economy.

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: Just a little patience
Fixed Income

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Macro Views: Just a little patience

Franklin Templeton Fixed Income economists are seeing evidence of sticky inflation across the Group of Three (G3) nations. While central banks in the United States and eurozone are gauging when to embark on monetary easing, the Bank of Japan will likely hike in April. All three will continue to monitor wages (and their impact on services inflation) and the balance of risks to economic growth.

Income opportunities in an evolving investment landscape
Multi-Asset

Income opportunities in an evolving investment landscape

The investment landscape continues to evolve as the Federal Reserve responds to economic data. Ed Perks, Chief Investment Officer of Franklin Income Investors, explores the impact of these changes on the fixed income and equity markets and offers insights regarding opportunities in different asset classes.

Great Expectations: Aligning on workplace benefits
Education

Great Expectations: Aligning on workplace benefits

The fourth edition of Franklin Templeton’s “Voice of the American Workplace” survey included the perspectives of both employers and workers. The 2024 survey found US workers are prioritizing higher compensation and the ability to save more for retirement. At the same time, employers’ perceptions of what workers are seeking has diverged. In this piece, our Jacque Reardon shares findings from the survey and potential implications for employers.

Revitalized Japanese stock market fuels investor optimism
ETFs

Revitalized Japanese stock market fuels investor optimism

Promising signs of growth and reform in Japan are instilling investors with renewed optimism, revitalizing the country’s stock market. Dina Ting, Head of Global Index Portfolio Management for Franklin Templeton Exchange-Traded Funds, delves into these developments and sheds light on Japan’s expanding economic prospects.

AI-powered metaverse applications propelled tech stocks in 2023
ETFs

AI-powered metaverse applications propelled tech stocks in 2023

The metaverse's integration with another transformative technology, AI, boosted the performance of tech stocks in 2023. Marcus Weyerer, Senior ETF Investment Strategist, EMEA, for Franklin Templeton ETFs, delves into the industrial and consumer applications of the metaverse, the role of AI in enhancing these experiences, and the significant growth potential and investment opportunities this virtual world holds.

Consider This: Canals are becoming chokepoints
Perspectives

Consider This: Canals are becoming chokepoints

The importance of major canals to global trade cannot be underestimated. Franklin Templeton Institute’s Kim Catechis highlights some of the challenges they face, including militant attacks and climate change.

An opportunity for REITs to shine in 2024
Equity

An opportunity for REITs to shine in 2024

The REIT sector has faced many challenges over the past few years, including COVID-related closures and tightening monetary policy. Franklin Equity Group Portfolio Managers Blair Schmicker and Daniel Scher discuss how a return to pre-pandemic monetary policy could mean a promising 2024 for publicly traded real estate.