Beyond Bulls & Bears

PODCAST: Considering Mortgage-Backed Securities in a Fixed Income Portfolio
Fixed Income

PODCAST: Considering Mortgage-Backed Securities in a Fixed Income Portfolio

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all corners of the market, including mortgage-backed securities. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income's Paul Varunok takes a closer look at the space, and why he feels they can offer some stability in a fixed income portfolio.

Responsible Investing in a Traditional Asset Class
Fixed Income

Responsible Investing in a Traditional Asset Class

In the municipal bond market, the issuance of green bonds has provided an attractive solution for investors interested in socially responsible investments while also receiving the tax-exempt income benefit municipal bonds offer. Franklin Templeton’s Municipal Bond team provides an overview of green bonds, including potential benefits and risk considerations.

State Budgets Hit a Bumpy COVID-19 Road—Analyzing Municipal Credit Pressures
Fixed Income

State Budgets Hit a Bumpy COVID-19 Road—Analyzing Municipal Credit Pressures

For most US governors, June typically brings political fireworks when state legislatures hammer out final budgets for the next fiscal year. Our municipal bond team provides an overview of its recent COVID-19 credit research, explaining why some states face mounting credit pressures from high fixed costs and shallow emergency reserves, whereas other states with more diversified economies and strong financial management should fare better post COVID-19.

“Build Back Better”: COVID-19 Brings the “S” From ESG Into Focus
Perspectives

“Build Back Better”: COVID-19 Brings the “S” From ESG Into Focus

Dislocations resulting from the pandemic shine a light on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, which can be used as an additional tool to identify leading companies from the laggards, according to Franklin Templeton’s Global Head of ESG, Julie Moret.

Fed Starts Buying Individual Corporate Bonds: An ETF Update
Equity

Fed Starts Buying Individual Corporate Bonds: An ETF Update

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) recently announced it would purchase individual corporate credit bonds. David Mann, our Head of Capital Markets, Global ETFs, makes a case for using smaller ETFs to accomplish that goal.

On My Mind: The Fed’s Final Frontier—Negative Rates or Yield Curve Control?
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The Fed’s Final Frontier—Negative Rates or Yield Curve Control?

Given fears of a COVID-19 resurgence and US election uncertainties looming, many investors are wondering what comes next for policymakers in terms of supporting the economy. Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai weighs in on the possibility of negative US interest rates or other measures.

Quick Thoughts: This Time Is Different
Equity

Quick Thoughts: This Time Is Different

Our Stephen Dover gives his take on why Sir John Templeton might recognize today’s economic environment as another opportunity for active equity investors.

Disease and Debt Now: Dispersion Later?
Alternatives

Disease and Debt Now: Dispersion Later?

Deficits are rising across the developed world as governments aggressively loosen their purse strings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But what are the ramifications of all this debt? Our K2 Advisors team weighs in on the longer-term unintended consequences for governments that maintain massively leveraged balance sheets for an extended period.

Competing Priorities Impact Retirement Preparedness
Education

Competing Priorities Impact Retirement Preparedness

Franklin Templeton’s 2020 US Retirement Income Strategies and Expectations survey revealed the importance of having a plan to help reduce financial-related stress—particularly relevant amid today’s uncertainties. Our Felix Touchard discusses some findings of the survey, and how respondents feel about their financial future.

PODCAST: Risk Assets and the Reshaping of the Economy
Multi-Asset

PODCAST: Risk Assets and the Reshaping of the Economy

Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions' Gene Podkaminer and Wylie Tollette put market activity in perspective amidst a pandemic and social unrest. They also detail why they believe risk assets are most favorable near term.

Biotechnology Innovation During COVID-19
Equity

Biotechnology Innovation During COVID-19

Innovation has always been a key driver for the biotechnology industry. Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still significant progress in the discovery and development of innovative drugs. Franklin Equity Group’s Evan McCulloch and Wendy Lam are excited about three areas of innovation within biotech that they believe will continue to create value in the long term.

Quick Thoughts: Value vs. Growth? Yes, Both
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Value vs. Growth? Yes, Both

Our Head of Equities, Stephen Dover, gives his take on why value and growth investing are not different strategies.