Beyond Bulls & Bears

On My Mind: Don’t bank on it
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Don’t bank on it

Financial markets seem to have returned to trying to time a dovish Federal Reserve turn, but Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai says with a tight labor market and inflation running at 5%-6%—don’t bank on it.

Quick Thoughts: Megatrends Accelerate—Webinar on navigating rates and risks of bonds’ comeback year
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Megatrends Accelerate—Webinar on navigating rates and risks of bonds’ comeback year

In the wake of recent banking shocks, the outlook for interest rates has shifted, as well as the landscape for fixed income investors. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, offers highlights of a discussion with our investment teams on the opportunities and risks in the space.

Quick Thoughts: Banking, inflation, and the Fed: Where do we go from here?
Multi-Asset

Quick Thoughts: Banking, inflation, and the Fed: Where do we go from here?

Banking turmoil continues to rattle the global markets and investor confidence. Where are investment opportunities? Stephen Dover offers insights from our latest panel discussion with investment leaders across asset classes.

A multi-asset perspective on recent bank turmoil: Don’t lose sight of the macro story
Multi-Asset

A multi-asset perspective on recent bank turmoil: Don’t lose sight of the macro story

Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions explores the shared macro concerns that set the stage for the recent banking crisis, its ripple effects on the broader economy and implications for multi-asset investing.

Quick Thoughts: Making sense of SVB, a unique bank with a classic problem
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Making sense of SVB, a unique bank with a classic problem

Why did Silicon Valley Bank fail? And what are the implications for investors? Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, provides his latest update on the unfolding situation.

2022 ESG engagement report
Alternatives

2022 ESG engagement report

Transparency should be the bedrock of sustainable finance, while engagement is the essence of a transparent flow of information between issuers, investors and other market participants. Hear from David Zahn as he introduces the 2022 ESG engagement report. He believes that through our engagements, we are committing to the development of a sustainable finance ecosystem that delivers the best results for everyone involved.

Muni bond update: Credit quality still looks strong
Fixed Income

Muni bond update: Credit quality still looks strong

While 2023 has started on shaky ground for the municipal bond market, there are reasons to be optimistic for more stability ahead, according to Jennifer Johnston, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Municipal Bond Research. She explains why California’s issues don’t reflect all states, and offers reasons for optimism.

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.

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.

US budget season implications for the muni market
Fixed Income

US budget season implications for the muni market

A slowdown in US economic activity this year is likely to impact most states, which could face budget deficits, according to Jennifer Johnston, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Municipal Bond Research. She outlines implications for the muni market.