Beyond Bulls & Bears

Quick Thoughts: China’s New Regulatory Cycle
Emerging Markets

Quick Thoughts: China’s New Regulatory Cycle

China is in the midst of a tightening regulatory cycle which has led to some investor uncertainty and heightened market volatility. Our Chief Market Strategist, Stephen Dover, discusses China’s aspirations to increase economic growth while also providing social fairness and stability.

Quick Thoughts: Living on “COVID” Time
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Living on “COVID” Time

The coronavirus has forced a number of behavior changes throughout societies across the globe, including how we work, shop and interact with others. Our Head of Equities Stephen Dover discusses how COVID-19 has impacted investor decisions, too.

Quick Thoughts: Pessimists May Miss the Up Market—Don’t Become One
Equity

Quick Thoughts: Pessimists May Miss the Up Market—Don’t Become One

In the midst of uncertainty, many investors act out of fear. As an alternative approach to responding to recent market turmoil, our Head of Equities Stephen Dover urges investors not to panic and consider the long-term view.

Volatile Markets: Are High-Frequency Traders to Blame?
Equity

Volatile Markets: Are High-Frequency Traders to Blame?

“In our view, high-frequency trading plays a role in market meltdowns or melt-ups, which could be exacerbated when stocks or markets have low levels of liquidity.” – Stephen Dover, Head of Equities

Putting Equity-Market Turbulence into Context
Multi-Asset

Putting Equity-Market Turbulence into Context

Many equity investors were no doubt happy to put 2018 in the rear-view mirror. The heightened volatility in the fourth quarter of the year in particular took many investors by surprise—but what is often missing in the discussions about the volatility is that it didn’t stem from a broad deterioration in economic fundamentals, according to Ed Perks, CIO, Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions. And, he notes investors had become so used to low levels of volatility that 2018 actually marked a return to “normal levels.”

What Will a Government Shutdown Mean for Investors?
Equity

What Will a Government Shutdown Mean for Investors?

US members of Congress are finding themselves at a stand-off over the creation of a border wall between the United States and Mexico. President Trump’s threats to shut down the government if the bill is not passed raise questions and uncertainty that will contribute to increased political risks for investors to consider. Stephen Dover, Head of Equities for Franklin Templeton Investments, shares his perspective about the potential impacts.

Convertible Securities: a Versatile Asset Class
Equity

Convertible Securities: a Versatile Asset Class

“Given the run we’ve seen in the US equity market over the past few years, many investors may be concerned about stock valuations and their equity exposures. In this environment, some investors may want to consider select exposure to convertible securities.” – Alan Muschott, Franklin Equity Group

Time to Reset Expectations?
Perspectives

Time to Reset Expectations?

Global markets have been relatively calm this summer despite many uncertainties. Geopolitical risks have continued across the globe, and in some areas, looming monetary policy changes also appear likely. A key question for many investors is whether the sleepy summer period of low volatility will give way to a more turbulent autumn. Franklin Templeton’s senior investment leaders offer their perspective on the markets and discuss where they see opportunities and risks ahead.

The Cutting Edge: Not Just for Tech Companies Anymore
Equity

The Cutting Edge: Not Just for Tech Companies Anymore

"The ‘military grade’ cybersecurity technology that we expect will be developed may eventually become the standard for the private sector, which will likely be a boon to sectors such as financials and utilities, which tend to be more vulnerable to cyber attacks than others." - Serena Perin Vinton and Matt Moberg, Franklin Equity Group®

In the Know: Clean Power Plan Faces Supreme Challenge
Perspectives

In the Know: Clean Power Plan Faces Supreme Challenge

Last month, the US Supreme Court pulled the plug on President Obama’s ambitious plan to substantially cut carbon dioxide emissions, ruling that it ...

On January Barometers and Market Bargains
Equity

On January Barometers and Market Bargains

If market action in the first few weeks of January is a barometer for the year ahead, investors could be in for some stormy weather. (Of course, ...

Will Equities See a Sweeter ’16 Ahead?
Equity

Will Equities See a Sweeter ’16 Ahead?

Global equity markets last year were weighed down by sputtering growth in developed economies, slumping emerging markets and collapsing commodity ...