Beyond Bulls & Bears

On My Mind: The Long and Winding Road…
Fixed Income

On My Mind: The Long and Winding Road…

With inflation running at multi-decade highs, major central banks get ready to tighten monetary policy. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Chief Investment Officer Sonal Desai argues they are well behind the curve—and why she thinks markets still underestimate the long, volatile adjustment period that lies ahead.

Still No Roadmap to a Brexit Resolution as EU Offers Another Extension
Fixed Income

Still No Roadmap to a Brexit Resolution as EU Offers Another Extension

Brexit may have been delayed again. The European Union has offered to allow the United Kingdom more time to decide how it wants to leave. While the measure may prevent a no-deal Brexit in the short term, our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn thinks it may simply be saving up problems for the future.

Can the EU’s Extension Offer Really Break the Brexit Deadlock?
Fixed Income

Can the EU’s Extension Offer Really Break the Brexit Deadlock?

After a nail-biting few hours, European Union leaders have agreed to the UK government’s request to delay Brexit, albeit the extension is less than Theresa May had requested. But our Head of European Fixed Income David Zahn believes the decision does little more than reset the clock and he warns there is still a strong chance that the United Kingdom could still crash out without a deal.

The Case for Municipal Bonds in a Rising-Rate Environment
Fixed Income

The Case for Municipal Bonds in a Rising-Rate Environment

Municipal bond yields moved higher in 2018 and seem likely to continue moving up in 2019 if market expectations for further interest-rate increases play out. Sheila Amoroso, director of Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s Municipal Bond Department, makes a case for munis within a rising-rate environment. She says there could actually be more demand for munis ahead as a source of tax-free income.

Putting Geopolitical Tensions into Perspective
Fixed Income

Putting Geopolitical Tensions into Perspective

When world leaders talk, markets react. And with social media becoming mainstream, politicians have a new way of getting their message to the masses. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group’s John Beck discusses geopolitical tensions, the impact of social media and the broader macroeconomic issues impacting the global fixed income landscape.

European Drama Hasn’t Derailed US Growth
Equity

European Drama Hasn’t Derailed US Growth

With the Greek debt crisis coming to a head and China’s equity market experiencing a correction, the summer doldrums have not been in effect this ...

China: Searching for a New Equilibrium
Emerging Markets

China: Searching for a New Equilibrium

Michael Hasenstab, CIO of Templeton Global Macro, recognizes that China’s economy has shifted down a gear, but the slowdown from the 10%+ growth ...

Global Economic Perspective: May
Fixed Income

Global Economic Perspective: May

Perspective from the Franklin Templeton Fixed Income Group® IN THIS ISSUE Federal Reserve Grapples with Mixed Data Multiple Central Banks Still in ...

Headwinds—or Tailwinds—for Fixed Income Investors
Fixed Income

Headwinds—or Tailwinds—for Fixed Income Investors

Only a month into the new year and investors already have plenty to think about, from plunging oil prices to a key election in Greece to dramatic ...

2015 Investment Outlook: US Credit Cycle Tiptoes into Middle Age
Fixed Income

2015 Investment Outlook: US Credit Cycle Tiptoes into Middle Age

In our view, companies' generally slow and steady approach to spending and expanding has delayed the US economy's progression through the credit cycle.

Mid-Term Bond Approvals May Help Close the Book on Muni Supply Saga
Fixed Income

Mid-Term Bond Approvals May Help Close the Book on Muni Supply Saga

The municipal bond market roared back this year after a disappointing 2013, as a dearth in supply and improved demand buoyed muni bond prices. ...

A Strengthening Case for European Bonds
Fixed Income

A Strengthening Case for European Bonds

The pace of the eurozone’s economic recovery has been so slow that many people are now asking whether quantitative easing (QE) is inevitable to ...