Beyond Bulls & Bears

The Supply-Chain Storm: Planes, Cranes, and Automobiles
Multi-Asset

The Supply-Chain Storm: Planes, Cranes, and Automobiles

Supply-chain issues are often cited in the current debate about inflation—and aren’t going away as quickly as consumers and businesses would like. Our Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team explores how supply chains became stuck, whether they will loosen up in 2022, and the implications for multi-asset investors.

Where Are the Workers?
Multi-Asset

Where Are the Workers?

As the Federal Reserve debates its monetary tightening timeline, the labor market is an important factor to watch in the year ahead, according to our Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions team. Read their thoughts on the labor market’s implications for both monetary policy and risk assets.

ETF 2021 Year-End Report Card: The Grades Are in!
LibertyShares

ETF 2021 Year-End Report Card: The Grades Are in!

As another year of living with COVID-19 draws to a close, David Mann, Head of Global Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Capital Markets, looks back on how the industry has fared in 2021—and how his prior predictions have unfolded.

Quick Thoughts: What Our Managers Think: Positioning Portfolios for 2022
Multi-Asset

Quick Thoughts: What Our Managers Think: Positioning Portfolios for 2022

Stephen Dover, Head of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, recently discussed growth, inflation, interest rates, and valuation during our monthly discussion, “What Our Managers Think,” with Ed Perks, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions; Gene Podkaminer, Head of Research; and Josh Greco, Head of Institutional Portfolio Management. Below are some of their current views on positioning portfolios for 2022.

On My Mind: Fed and Inflation: You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Fed and Inflation: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

The Fed seems to have been caught by surprise by its own policy and says this is not the inflation it was looking for. Sonal Desai, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, shares her thoughts on why inflation should not have come as a surprise and why investors need to brace for higher volatility as the Fed adjusts its policy stance.

The Liquidity Unicorn: Are any ETFs Truly Bulletproof During Market Stress?
LibertyShares

The Liquidity Unicorn: Are any ETFs Truly Bulletproof During Market Stress?

In the ongoing discussion about liquidity and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), David Mann, Head of Global ETFs Capital Markets, examines a recent report outlining how ETFs have navigated the pandemic. He says it provides some validation that lower-volume funds are not all that different than higher-volume ones in navigating such crisis periods.

On My Mind: Inflation: Don’t You (Forget About Me)
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Inflation: Don’t You (Forget About Me)

The US Federal Reserve finally acknowledged inflation is not a “transitory” problem and signaled a greater degree of concern; but investors seem to think that the Fed will blink when markets balk. With consumer inflation at multi-decade highs and COVID-19 risks still alive, what’s next for the monetary policy response—and market implications—as we move into 2022? Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares her views.

Gifts for a Brighter Future
Education

Gifts for a Brighter Future

Instead of purchasing the latest toy or electronic gadget for your children or grandchildren, what about giving them something that will last a lifetime and isn’t in limited supply: the gift of a more secure future. Sandra Palmer, Head of 529 Distribution for Franklin Templeton’s 529 College Savings Plan, discusses how crowdfunding can help finance a college education. She also has some tips if you are looking for ways to extend your charitable giving further this holiday season.

Muni Impact of US Infrastructure Bill Could Prove Longer Term
Fixed Income

Muni Impact of US Infrastructure Bill Could Prove Longer Term

While the new US infrastructure investment bill didn’t have any initiatives directly targeting the municipal bond market, there are still implications for munis in the longer term, according to our Municipal Bond Director of Research Jennifer Johnston. She explains the ramifications for investors in the space.

(ETF) Anniversaries and Taxes
LibertyShares

(ETF) Anniversaries and Taxes

As we celebrate the holiday season and ponder what we are thankful for, it’s also time to take stock of one’s investments. Here, David Mann, Head of Global Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Capital Markets, opines on an ETF anniversary he’s thankful for—and offers some tax-planning food for thought.

Inflation Insulation: Navigating the Nuances of Inflationary and Rising-Rate Environments
Equity

Inflation Insulation: Navigating the Nuances of Inflationary and Rising-Rate Environments

Moderate inflation can be good, especially for some value stocks. Christian Correa breaks down why investors should not be afraid of the current inflationary or rising rate environments and explains how they can actually help some businesses and areas of the equity market.

Quick Thoughts: What Our Managers Think: Do Growth or Value Stocks Have the Upper Hand?
Equity

Quick Thoughts: What Our Managers Think: Do Growth or Value Stocks Have the Upper Hand?

While “growth” and “value” have typically been seen as distinct styles, that type of thinking continues to evolve, according to our investment professionals. For Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, the real issue is how to invest where you are best rewarded.