Beyond Bulls & Bears

Anatomy of a Recession: The Fed’s job problem
Equity

Anatomy of a Recession: The Fed’s job problem

A review of the US economy with focus on the Federal Reserve (Fed), labor and housing with Jeff Schulze, investment strategist at ClearBridge Investments.

Financial independence remains a top priority despite employee feelings of financial anxiety
Education

Financial independence remains a top priority despite employee feelings of financial anxiety

US workers are clearly feeling the strain of economic uncertainty, according to Franklin Templeton’s third annual “Voice of the American Worker” study. The study revealed that financial anxiety has reversed the pandemic’s “Great Resignation” to “the Great Return” and is reshaping employee benefits expectations. Our Jacquelyn Reardon shares findings from the survey, and potential action items for employers.

ECB hikes rates—one more to come?
Fixed Income

ECB hikes rates—one more to come?

The European Central Bank hiked rates 50 basis points. Curious about what that means for investors? David Zahn, Head of European Fixed Income shares his thoughts.

On My Mind: Fed to markets—keep dancing
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Fed to markets—keep dancing

Markets think the war against inflation has been won—and the Fed seems to believe it too—but has it? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai analyzes the latest data in light of the Federal Reserve policy meeting and examines whether a “painless landing” is possible.

Quick Thoughts: The dangers of inertia
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: The dangers of inertia

What does the concept of inertia have to do with portfolio allocations? Head of Franklin Templeton Institute Stephen Dover explains.

Don’t call this a Flash Crash!
ETFs

Don’t call this a Flash Crash!

US market structure was back in the news recently with several stocks experiencing irregular price movements on the morning of January 24. David Mann, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Global Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF) Product and Capital Markets, explains how this event relates to similar events ETFs have seen in the past.

“Managed accounts” is a terrible name
Education

“Managed accounts” is a terrible name

The retirement savings industry is at the dawn of a mega-trend that will define the next decade or more—personalization, according to Kevin Murphy, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Workplace Retirement Distribution.

US budget season implications for the muni market
Fixed Income

US budget season implications for the muni market

A slowdown in US economic activity this year is likely to impact most states, which could face budget deficits, according to Jennifer Johnston, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Municipal Bond Research. She outlines implications for the muni market.

K2 Hedge Fund Strategy Outlook: First quarter 2023
Alternatives

K2 Hedge Fund Strategy Outlook: First quarter 2023

The first half of 2023 is looking volatile, presenting an opportunity for tactical managers focused on equity selection, according to K2 Advisors. Read the team’s latest outlook.

Meet the Manager: Ryan Biggs
Perspectives

Meet the Manager: Ryan Biggs

Winning an award for stock-picking in elementary school, Ryan Biggs has extended his wins with a recent recognition from the Business Insider as one of the venture capital industry’s rising stars in 2022. He has also established a “scout program” to help young people get a head start in their careers just like he had received from his mentors. Get to know more about Ryan’s background as well as trends he’s excited about.

Quick Thoughts: How to avoid making a unicorn skeleton
Multi-Asset

Quick Thoughts: How to avoid making a unicorn skeleton

Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, crunches the data to decipher the odds of a US recession this year and the implications for investor portfolios.

On My Mind: Transitory tightening?
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Transitory tightening?

Does the latest US data confirm the battle against inflation has already been won? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai says markets are overly optimistic.