Beyond Bulls & Bears

Category: Education

Getting personal: Mind the benefits gap
Education

Getting personal: Mind the benefits gap

Educating workers about workplace benefits is vital to employee retention, according to findings from Franklin Templeton’s 2024 “Voice of the American Workplace” survey. Our Jacque Reardon shares findings from the survey related to what employees want—and how employers can meet these needs to benefit both parties.

Jacquelyn Reardon |
Alternative Allocations: Private equity—Secondaries anyone?
Alternatives

Alternative Allocations: Private equity—Secondaries anyone?

In recent years, private equity fundraising surged, yet exits slowed drastically in 2022, prompting institutional investors to rebalance portfolios through increased secondaries activity. Franklin Templeton Institute’s Senior Strategist Tony Davidow explains.

Tony Davidow, CIMA® |
Great Expectations: Aligning on workplace benefits
Education

Great Expectations: Aligning on workplace benefits

The fourth edition of Franklin Templeton’s “Voice of the American Workplace” survey included the perspectives of both employers and workers. The 2024 survey found US workers are prioritizing higher compensation and the ability to save more for retirement. At the same time, employers’ perceptions of what workers are seeking has diverged. In this piece, our Jacque Reardon shares findings from the survey and potential implications for employers.

Jacquelyn Reardon |
Consider This: Canals are becoming chokepoints
Perspectives

Consider This: Canals are becoming chokepoints

The importance of major canals to global trade cannot be underestimated. Franklin Templeton Institute’s Kim Catechis highlights some of the challenges they face, including militant attacks and climate change.

Kim Catechis |
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.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |
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?

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |
SECURE 2.0 creates new backdoor Roth opportunity
Education

SECURE 2.0 creates new backdoor Roth opportunity

Here’s a look at how a new legislative provision may be an opportunity to help jump-start retirement savings for children while saving for college at the same time.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
The new FAFSA: What every advisor, parent and student should know
Education

The new FAFSA: What every advisor, parent and student should know

Recent legislative changes will impact the student financial aid process and could create stress and confusion. Dr. Peter Mazareas, author, college financing expert and Co-Founder of Invite Education, shares some need-to-know information for parents, students, and financial advisors.

Peter Mazareas, Ph.D. |
Workplace Retirement Voice: Personalization in retirement plans is paramount
Perspectives

Workplace Retirement Voice: Personalization in retirement plans is paramount

Individuals are increasingly looking for more tailored investment solutions, so it makes sense for plan fiduciaries to consider a more personalized approach, according to John Kutz, National Retirement Plan Strategist. He says personalization may be the ticket to better retirement outcomes.

John M. Kutz |
Workplace Retirement Voice: Adding the two “P”s to the three “F”s
Equity

Workplace Retirement Voice: Adding the two “P”s to the three “F”s

The advisor of the future needs to embrace a new value proposition, according to John Kutz, National Retirement Plan Strategist at Franklin Templeton. This means moving beyond the “three F’s” and taking a more holistic approach to changing client needs.

John M. Kutz |
An attractive deal awaits small businesses when starting a workplace retirement plan
Education

An attractive deal awaits small businesses when starting a workplace retirement plan

Small business owners without workplace retirement plans now may take advantage of expanded tax credits if they establish one, according to John Kutz, National Retirement Plan Strategist at Franklin Templeton. He outlines recent regulatory and legal developments.

John M. Kutz |
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.

Jacquelyn Reardon |