Beyond Bulls & Bears

Category: Perspectives

The new FAFSA: What every advisor, parent and student should know
Education

The new FAFSA: What every advisor, parent and student should know

Recent legislative changes will impact the student financial aid process and could create stress and confusion. Dr. Peter Mazareas, author, college financing expert and Co-Founder of Invite Education, shares some need-to-know information for parents, students, and financial advisors.

Peter Mazareas, Ph.D. |
Workplace Retirement Voice: Personalization in retirement plans is paramount
Perspectives

Workplace Retirement Voice: Personalization in retirement plans is paramount

Individuals are increasingly looking for more tailored investment solutions, so it makes sense for plan fiduciaries to consider a more personalized approach, according to John Kutz, National Retirement Plan Strategist. He says personalization may be the ticket to better retirement outcomes.

John M. Kutz |
Quick Thoughts: Inflation—the final mile
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Inflation—the final mile

In the context of fighting inflation, the “‘final mile”’ represents the successful and sustainable achievement of a central bank’s inflation target. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, opines on the Fed’s ability to reach it.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |
Evolution & Revolution: The future of investment and wealth management— insights from Franklin Templeton’s Innovation Forum and inaugural Industry Advisory Services Annual Survey
Perspectives

Evolution & Revolution: The future of investment and wealth management— insights from Franklin Templeton’s Innovation Forum and inaugural Industry Advisory Services Annual Survey

Franklin Templeton recently hosted its annual Innovation Forum that brought together leading minds in investment, fintech and digital assets. The forum, which was anchored by its inaugural Industry Advisory Services Annual Survey, covered topics ranging from artificial intelligence, blockchain and the future of investing.

Sandy Kaul |
Quick Thoughts: Middle East conflict—few implications (for now) for markets
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Middle East conflict—few implications (for now) for markets

For now, the economic and market impacts of the Middle East conflict seem relatively contained, according to Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |
Meet the Manager: Margaret King
Perspectives

Meet the Manager: Margaret King

San Francisco Business Times has named Margaret King, Franklin Templeton’s Vice President of FinTech Partnership & Corporate Strategic Investments, to its 2023 list of Most Influential Women in the Bay Area. The award recognizes her professional achievements and community leadership. Find out more about Margaret in this Q&A.

Margaret King |
Quick Thoughts: Global market outlooks—Too hot, too cold or just right?
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Global market outlooks—Too hot, too cold or just right?

The US economy has been more resilient than many pundits had anticipated over the past year—but can this resilience continue? Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, recently hosted a discussion with economists from across our firm to explore where the risks and opportunities for investors lie today and into year-end.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |
Quick Thoughts: Midnight madness
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Midnight madness

At least for now, the US government has avoided a shutdown. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, opines on what may come next after this temporary resolution, and the impacts on the markets.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |
Copilot, not autopilot: How generative AI augments, but doesn’t replace active management
Perspectives

Copilot, not autopilot: How generative AI augments, but doesn’t replace active management

AI, with its data analysis and predictive power, can revolutionize investing. However, humans remain a crucial part of the process. Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions provides use cases into how different investors can harness AI to achieve their desired outcomes and workflows.

Max Gokhman, CFA |
Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Building portfolios during economic uncertainty
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Building portfolios during economic uncertainty

When the economic environment is uncertain, investors may be equally uncertain whether their portfolios are positioned to meet any unknown challenges ahead. Tony Davidow, Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist, Franklin Templeton Institute, shares some takeaways from a panel discussion on the topic.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |
Dimensions & Insights: Blockchain and FinTech expand with diversity and inclusion
Perspectives

Dimensions & Insights: Blockchain and FinTech expand with diversity and inclusion

Inclusive and collaborative innovations, such as digital assets and blockchain, exemplify financial technology and services that can change the trajectory of economies while benefiting many global participants. Chief Diversity Officer Regina Curry and Franklin Templeton Head of Digital Assets Roger Bayston believe creating workplaces with intentional collaborative, inclusive, and debiasing practices can power great development environments. These actions enable trust and diversity that can impact innovation and business growth.

Regina Curry |
Quick Thoughts: Quiet shifts in corporate debt may explain this year’s big economic surprise
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Quiet shifts in corporate debt may explain this year’s big economic surprise

The resilience of US growth, earnings and markets has been the big surprise of 2023. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, opines on the factors at play—and whether they will last.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |