Beyond Bulls & Bears

Quick Thoughts: Do elections matter for markets?
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Do elections matter for markets?

The upcoming US presidential elections transcend mere political rivalry. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Institute, examines the policy differences between the major parties and their potential implications on capital markets in the years to come. He also discusses whether elections and their outcomes have significantly affected equity markets or if other factors made more of an impact.

Quick Thoughts: The Fed—Steady as she goes
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: The Fed—Steady as she goes

Thoughts on the US monetary policy path ahead from Franklin Templeton Institute’s Stephen Dover and Rick Polsinello.

Quick Thoughts: Demographics are not destiny
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Demographics are not destiny

More than just demographics, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute Stephen Dover and Investment Strategist Kim Catechis think education and government policy are of critical importance to economic growth.

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Is cash at a tipping point?
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Is cash at a tipping point?

Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, recently hosted a discussion with Michael Buchanan, Co-Chief Investment Officer, Western Asset Management, and Brendan Circle, Portfolio Manager, Franklin Income Investors. The group considered the current market environment as it pertains to cash in client portfolios. Has cash reached a tipping point?

Quick Thoughts: Kicking the can down the road
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Kicking the can down the road

While interest rates were left unchanged at the January Fed meeting as expected, there were some interesting hints about future monetary policy. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, opines.

Quick Thoughts: Five surprises for 2024
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Five surprises for 2024

As we near the end of 2023, Head of Franklin Institute Stephen Dover reviews how his forecasts for the year panned out and shares the themes his team is watching out for in 2024.

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—The case for fixed income in 2024
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—The case for fixed income in 2024

Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, recently sat down with Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Portfolio Manager Josh Lohmeier and Western Asset Portfolio Manager Mark Lindbloom to discuss the fixed income landscape—and why they believe 2024 will be a good year for fixed income investors.

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.

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Is the Muni Comeback Still in the Making?
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Is the Muni Comeback Still in the Making?

Making the case for municipal bonds today with Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute.

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.

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.