Beyond Bulls & Bears

Dimensions & Insights: The US$1.7 trillion economic bloc that many miss
Perspectives

Dimensions & Insights: The US$1.7 trillion economic bloc that many miss

Filling consumers’ needs can bridge communities with entrepreneurs and companies, but biases can cause missed opportunities. Chief Diversity Officer Regina Curry discusses the increasing financial strengths of Black and African American communities, a projected US $1.7 trillion economic bloc in 2030. Companies and entrepreneurs will find that serving Black and African American consumers, investors, and communities will cultivate markets that may seem invisible.

Quick Thoughts: Is normal really what we want?
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Is normal really what we want?

Tighter monetary policy can lead to inverted yield curves, but is a recession inevitable? Thoughts from Head of Franklin Templeton Institute Stephen Dover.

Outlook for US fixed income and equities amid tighter financial conditions
Multi-Asset

Outlook for US fixed income and equities amid tighter financial conditions

Following the 25 basis-point (bp) increase that the Fed announced on February 1, 2023, Franklin Income Investors Chief Investment Officer Ed Perks answered questions about his outlook on US interest rates as well as fixed income and equity securities for the rest of 2023.

Anatomy of a Recession: The Fed’s job problem
Equity

Anatomy of a Recession: The Fed’s job problem

A review of the US economy with focus on the Federal Reserve (Fed), labor and housing with Jeff Schulze, investment strategist at ClearBridge Investments.

Financial independence remains a top priority despite employee feelings of financial anxiety
Education

Financial independence remains a top priority despite employee feelings of financial anxiety

US workers are clearly feeling the strain of economic uncertainty, according to Franklin Templeton’s third annual “Voice of the American Worker” study. The study revealed that financial anxiety has reversed the pandemic’s “Great Resignation” to “the Great Return” and is reshaping employee benefits expectations. Our Jacquelyn Reardon shares findings from the survey, and potential action items for employers.

ECB hikes rates—one more to come?
Fixed Income

ECB hikes rates—one more to come?

The European Central Bank hiked rates 50 basis points. Curious about what that means for investors? David Zahn, Head of European Fixed Income shares his thoughts.

On My Mind: Fed to markets—keep dancing
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Fed to markets—keep dancing

Markets think the war against inflation has been won—and the Fed seems to believe it too—but has it? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai analyzes the latest data in light of the Federal Reserve policy meeting and examines whether a “painless landing” is possible.

Quick Thoughts: The dangers of inertia
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: The dangers of inertia

What does the concept of inertia have to do with portfolio allocations? Head of Franklin Templeton Institute Stephen Dover explains.

Don’t call this a Flash Crash!
ETFs

Don’t call this a Flash Crash!

US market structure was back in the news recently with several stocks experiencing irregular price movements on the morning of January 24. David Mann, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Global Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF) Product and Capital Markets, explains how this event relates to similar events ETFs have seen in the past.

“Managed accounts” is a terrible name
Education

“Managed accounts” is a terrible name

The retirement savings industry is at the dawn of a mega-trend that will define the next decade or more—personalization, according to Kevin Murphy, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Workplace Retirement Distribution.