Beyond Bulls & Bears

On My Mind: Fed and Inflation: You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Fed and Inflation: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

The Fed seems to have been caught by surprise by its own policy and says this is not the inflation it was looking for. Sonal Desai, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, shares her thoughts on why inflation should not have come as a surprise and why investors need to brace for higher volatility as the Fed adjusts its policy stance.

The Liquidity Unicorn: Are any ETFs Truly Bulletproof During Market Stress?
LibertyShares

The Liquidity Unicorn: Are any ETFs Truly Bulletproof During Market Stress?

In the ongoing discussion about liquidity and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), David Mann, Head of Global ETFs Capital Markets, examines a recent report outlining how ETFs have navigated the pandemic. He says it provides some validation that lower-volume funds are not all that different than higher-volume ones in navigating such crisis periods.

On My Mind: Inflation: Don’t You (Forget About Me)
Fixed Income

On My Mind: Inflation: Don’t You (Forget About Me)

The US Federal Reserve finally acknowledged inflation is not a “transitory” problem and signaled a greater degree of concern; but investors seem to think that the Fed will blink when markets balk. With consumer inflation at multi-decade highs and COVID-19 risks still alive, what’s next for the monetary policy response—and market implications—as we move into 2022? Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares her views.

Gifts for a Brighter Future
Education

Gifts for a Brighter Future

Instead of purchasing the latest toy or electronic gadget for your children or grandchildren, what about giving them something that will last a lifetime and isn’t in limited supply: the gift of a more secure future. Sandra Palmer, Head of 529 Distribution for Franklin Templeton’s 529 College Savings Plan, discusses how crowdfunding can help finance a college education. She also has some tips if you are looking for ways to extend your charitable giving further this holiday season.

Muni Impact of US Infrastructure Bill Could Prove Longer Term
Fixed Income

Muni Impact of US Infrastructure Bill Could Prove Longer Term

While the new US infrastructure investment bill didn’t have any initiatives directly targeting the municipal bond market, there are still implications for munis in the longer term, according to our Municipal Bond Director of Research Jennifer Johnston. She explains the ramifications for investors in the space.

(ETF) Anniversaries and Taxes
LibertyShares

(ETF) Anniversaries and Taxes

As we celebrate the holiday season and ponder what we are thankful for, it’s also time to take stock of one’s investments. Here, David Mann, Head of Global Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Capital Markets, opines on an ETF anniversary he’s thankful for—and offers some tax-planning food for thought.

Inflation Insulation: Navigating the Nuances of Inflationary and Rising-Rate Environments
Equity

Inflation Insulation: Navigating the Nuances of Inflationary and Rising-Rate Environments

Moderate inflation can be good, especially for some value stocks. Christian Correa breaks down why investors should not be afraid of the current inflationary or rising rate environments and explains how they can actually help some businesses and areas of the equity market.

Quick Thoughts: What Our Managers Think: Do Growth or Value Stocks Have the Upper Hand?
Equity

Quick Thoughts: What Our Managers Think: Do Growth or Value Stocks Have the Upper Hand?

While “growth” and “value” have typically been seen as distinct styles, that type of thinking continues to evolve, according to our investment professionals. For Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, the real issue is how to invest where you are best rewarded.

PODCAST: High Time for High Yield?
Fixed Income

PODCAST: High Time for High Yield?

In our latest "Talking Markets" podcast, Bill Zox and John McClain, portfolio managers with Brandywine Global, join Amer Hasan to discuss how current market and economic conditions could benefit high yield investors, the opportunities and risks right now, and why the asset class is often overlooked or misunderstood.

Japan: A New Quiver of Arrows?
Multi-Asset

Japan: A New Quiver of Arrows?

With a new Prime Minister taking the helm in Japan, what does the future hold? Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions’ Gene Podkaminer and members of the research team take a look at both local and global trends influencing Japan—and why investors should pay more attention to the country.

Quick Thoughts: Inflation, Debt, and Changing Economic Sweet Spots
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Inflation, Debt, and Changing Economic Sweet Spots

Investors need a more flexible, opportunistic approach to investing, given the current low interest rate environment with the likelihood of interest rates rising over the next few years, according to Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Investment Institute. He opines on inflation, debt, and changing economic sweet spots.

Celebrating an ETF Milestone with a Look at Volatility
LibertyShares

Celebrating an ETF Milestone with a Look at Volatility

David Mann, our Head of Global Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Capital Markets, discusses the evolution of active ETFs in the marketplace over the last five years with Portfolio Manager Todd Brighton, and how they can address critical investor outcomes.