Beyond Bulls & Bears

Discovering sources of alpha and diversification in fixed income
Fixed Income

Discovering sources of alpha and diversification in fixed income

In an economic environment characterized by rising interest rates and a forecasted slowdown, the fixed income asset class has emerged as a beacon of opportunity. Recently, Katie Klingensmith, Senior Vice President – Investment Strategist at Brandywine Global, moderated a panel of fixed income portfolio managers to explore these opportunities, discuss strategies to generate alpha and share their outlook as we approach the end of the year. Here are her key takeaways from this conversation.

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.

On My Mind: The Fed and markets—Same as it ever was
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The Fed and markets—Same as it ever was

A dovish nudge in the Federal Reserve's (Fed’s) November press conference pushed markets to again price a significant monetary easing as early as mid-2024. Our Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai sees this market reaction as an excess of exuberance that sets the stage for more volatility. She shares her latest insights on the policy outlook and the implications for investors.

Portfolio construction for alpha generation and risk mitigation
Fixed Income

Portfolio construction for alpha generation and risk mitigation

In this period of higher interest rates, the quest to capture alpha and mitigate risk in corporate credit requires a more refined approach. Josh Lohmeier of Franklin Templeton Fixed Income uncovers a dynamic portfolio construction process that is adaptable to various kinds of investors and repeatable in different types of environments.

Alternative Allocations: Lessons learned from institutions
Alternatives

Alternative Allocations: Lessons learned from institutions

At a recent educational event organized by Franklin Templeton, Franklin Templeton Institute’s Senior Alternative Investment Strategist Tony Davidow hosted a day of panels that focused on alternative investments. This article provides insights gained from these discussions, such as lessons learned from institutional clients that can be applied to other client segments.

K2 Hedge Fund Strategy Outlook: Fourth quarter 2023
Alternatives

K2 Hedge Fund Strategy Outlook: Fourth quarter 2023

Higher macro and market volatility, along with greater dispersion, creates a favorable environment for active trading, according to K2 Advisors. Get the team’s latest hedge-fund strategy outlook.

REITs: Providing visibility in an age of uncertainty
Equity

REITs: Providing visibility in an age of uncertainty

Franklin Equity Group portfolio managers Daniel Scher and Blair Schmicker make the case that REITs are more than just a “collection of assets,” as they were once viewed, and instead offer exposure to quality business models and professional management teams with long track records of value creation.

Public and private avenues: How Franklin Equity Group sees digital transformation
Equity

Public and private avenues: How Franklin Equity Group sees digital transformation

Franklin Equity Group has a long history of researching and investing in public and private companies across the technology space. In this article, Portfolio Managers Jonathan Curtis and Ryan Biggs share their insights on where they see opportunities in digital transformation and how they are thinking about the relative attractiveness of public and private company investment opportunities.

The case for low volatility and high dividend equities in international markets
Equity

The case for low volatility and high dividend equities in international markets

There are reasons to be cautious in many markets, but low volatility and high/sustainable dividend stocks can help mitigate risk while providing income and equity exposure. The Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions Team weighs in.

Quick Thoughts: Should we fear the rapid rise of interest rates?
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Should we fear the rapid rise of interest rates?

Term premiums have been on the rise, but should investors be concerned? Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, explains what term premiums are, and why they are worth paying attention to.

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.

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession Update: Threats to a soft landing
Equity

PODCAST Anatomy of a Recession Update: Threats to a soft landing

With lots of chatter in the United States around the potential for a soft landing, Jeff Schulze, Head of Economic and Market Strategy at ClearBridge Investments, shares his thoughts on the matter and the overall state of the US economy in our latest "Talking Markets" podcast.