Beyond Bulls & Bears

On My Mind: They Blinded Us from Science
Fixed Income

On My Mind: They Blinded Us from Science

Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai unveils the first insights from the new Franklin Templeton–Gallup research project on the behavioral response to the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for the recovery: we find a gross misperception of COVID-19 risk, driven by partisanship and misinformation, and a willingness to pay a significant “safety premium” that could affect future inflation.

COVID-19 Crisis Accelerates the Digital Transformation Trend
Equity

COVID-19 Crisis Accelerates the Digital Transformation Trend

Digital transformation was already underway prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the resulting economic crisis has caused an acceleration, according to Franklin Equity Group’s Jonathan Curtis. He shares where his team is looking for potential opportunities within technology during the current period and beyond.

On My Mind: Testing the Recovery: A New Franklin Templeton–Gallup Project
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Testing the Recovery: A New Franklin Templeton–Gallup Project

The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 economic disruption has made traditional gauges of economic developments woefully inadequate, says our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai. She highlights the need to look deeper into new ways of examining the path toward recovery through people’s attitudes and actual behavioral response to this crisis measured via a new study Franklin Templeton is undertaking with Gallup.

EU’s €750 Billion Rescue Plan a Strong Affirmation of European Integration
Fixed Income

EU’s €750 Billion Rescue Plan a Strong Affirmation of European Integration

After much debate, the ink is now dry on Europe’s €750 billion coronavirus fiscal rescue package, initially proposed in May. David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, says it marks a strong affirmation of European integration and support for beleaguered countries—good news for investors.

Quick Thoughts: Wall Street and Main Street Disconnect
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Wall Street and Main Street Disconnect

Our Head of Equities, Stephen Dover, gives his take on how COVID-19 has accelerated economic changes and explains what may have caused the stock markets’ second-quarter ascent.

Presidential Election Complicates US Market Outlook
Perspectives

Presidential Election Complicates US Market Outlook

The global market outlook is already hazy in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upcoming US presidential election adds another layer of uncertainty. In this excerpt from our Midyear Global Investment Outlook, Sonal Desai, Stephen Dover, Michael Hasenstab and Ed Perks offer their views of today’s investment landscape, including the upcoming US elections and economic outlook.

K2 Advisors Third Quarter Hedge-Fund Strategy Outlook
Alternatives

K2 Advisors Third Quarter Hedge-Fund Strategy Outlook

Pricing dislocations and adjustments between companies, industries, regions and asset classes due to the impact of COVID-19 offer opportunities for select hedged strategies, according to K2 Advisors. Brooks Ritchey and Robert Christian provide the team’s third quarter hedge-fund strategy outlook.