Beyond Bulls & Bears

Asset Class Implications of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Equity

Asset Class Implications of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia has invaded Ukraine. Our Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team reflects on the human tragedy that is occurring as they also parse the data to understand the resulting economic and market implications. If the conflict remains protracted, it may produce a “low growth, high inflation” environment, in which case nimble management and keen attention to policy responses will be required.

Thoughts on Russia-Ukraine
Equity

Thoughts on Russia-Ukraine

The degree of the impact of recent Russia-Ukraine strife largely depends on the Western response, which in turn depends on the severity and duration of the conflict itself, according to Templeton Global Equity Group. The team shares its latest views on the situation.

Ukraine-Russia Tensions Signify a Multi-Polar World
Emerging Markets

Ukraine-Russia Tensions Signify a Multi-Polar World

Ukraine-Russia tensions are making headlines—here’s a quick take from Brandywine Global’s Francis Scotland on how he views the situation from an investment-management lens.

Opportunity in Muni Market Volatility
Fixed Income

Opportunity in Muni Market Volatility

January was a volatile month for the markets in general, and municipal bonds were not immune. Ben Barber, Director, Municipal Bonds, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, opines on how the prospect of rising interest rates is impacting the market, and how volatility can create opportunity.

Quick Thoughts: Defensive on the Curve
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Defensive on the Curve

Stephen Dover shares insights on investing in fixed income in a rising-rate environment with Walter Kilcullen, Head of US High Yield for Western Asset Management, and Reema Agarwal, Head of Floating Rate Debt for Franklin Templeton Fixed Income.

Diving into the ETF and Mutual Fund NAV Pool
LibertyShares

Diving into the ETF and Mutual Fund NAV Pool

With many mutual funds converting into exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the combination of ETF trading and net asset value is garnering more attention. David Mann, Head of Global ETF Capital Markets, dives in.

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.

Re-Evaluating Work and Retirement
Perspectives

Re-Evaluating Work and Retirement

Franklin Templeton’s second edition of our “Voice of the American Worker” survey revealed that US workers are re-evaluating how they think about their jobs and what they expect from employers. Respondents also expressed a focus on financial independence and well-being. Our Yaqub Ahmed and Jacquelyn Reardon share findings from the survey, and potential implications for employers.

Quick Thoughts: On Central Banks and Volatility
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: On Central Banks and Volatility

Thoughts on recent global market volatility and potential central bank actions from our EMEA Investment Strategist, Kim Catechis, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s David Zahn, and Martin Currie’s Zehrid Osmani.

Quick Thoughts: On the US Markets and Volatility
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: On the US Markets and Volatility

With rising inflation, interest rate hikes, declining global growth, and geopolitical tensions around the world, it is not surprising market volatility has been surging. What should investors expect going forward? This past week Stephen Dover discussed these topics and more with colleagues Scott Glasser, Chief Investment Officer of ClearBridge Investments, and Mark Lindbloom, Portfolio Manager for Western Asset.

Global Plays on Inflation for 2022
LibertyShares

Global Plays on Inflation for 2022

When considering portfolio allocation, it’s important to keep in mind the wide dispersion of returns among economies. Dina Ting, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, assesses the recent dislocation among global equity returns, with a look at one notable inflation outlier—Japan.

High Yield in View: An Update on Autos and Semiconductors
Fixed Income

High Yield in View: An Update on Autos and Semiconductors

The intricacies and knock-on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the semiconductor and automotive industries continue to present interesting dynamics for investors to navigate. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Research Analyst Aleck Beach offers his view of the space from a credit lens.