Franklin Templeton

Crisis in Concrete: Navigating the Ripple Effects of Commercial Real Estate on Municipal Bonds

Declining commercial real estate valuations will not likely lead to a wave of defaults among muni issuers, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s municipal bond team.
Alternative Allocations: The Growth and Diversification of Secondaries

Although once considered a niche strategy, secondaries have matured and now represent a vital cog in the private equity ecosystem, according to Franklin Templeton Institute’s Tony Davidow.
Private credit: Opportunities in today’s market environment

Given the challenges presented by today's market environment, private credit can be a valuable and versatile tool in sourcing incremental growth and income, dampening portfolio volatility, and hedging the corrosive impact of inflation. Read this paper for an in-depth look at the types of private credit, potential benefits and how to access them.
The Tapestry of Debt and What We Need To Do To Unravel It

Thoughts on the current US debt challenge and the long-term implications for markets and the economy from Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute.
On My Mind: The Fed Fights Inflation, the Markets Fight the Fed

Markets want to believe policy interest rates will soon fall—but inflation and growth data tell a very different story, argues Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai.
Is Japan springing into bloom?

Japan’s business and government leaders have undertaken efforts to revitalize the country’s economy. Dina Ting, Franklin Templeton ETFs’ Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, discusses some of these positive developments.
Will 2023 Be a Good Vintage Year for Private Markets?

It is not yet clear when or if we’ll have a recession in 2023— but it has certainly been a challenging market environment, and with dislocation comes opportunity.
The Cost of Being Too Liquid
There's a potential illiquidity premium - the excess return received for tying up capital for an extended period of time - for allocating capital to private equity, private credit and private real estate markets that have historically delivered a substantial illiquidity premium relative to their public market equivalents.
Learn how you can help clients determine the appropriate percentage to allocate to private markets by developing an "illiquidity bucket" that can also help instill a long-term disciplined approach to investing.
From A Deep Dive Into The Banking Sector

Beyond the near-term turmoil, there may need to be a re-evaluation of the regional banking model in the United States, according to a recent panel hosted by Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute.
Banking, Inflation, and the Fed: Where Do We Go From Here?

Banking turmoil continues to rattle the global markets and investor confidence.
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.
European Banking Sector—Taking Stock After Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse

Implications of SVB and Credit Suisse on the European banking sector—check out highlights from our recent panel discussion with Kim Catechis, Investment Strategist with the Franklin Templeton Institute.
Banks and the Butterfly Effect—the Global Ramifications

Financial market volatility has followed the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, shares his thoughts on possible implications outside the United States.
International Equities: Poised for Recovery

Making the case for international value investing—thoughts from Templeton Global Equity Group on why now’s the time to consider expanding one’s investment horizons.
Don’t Call This a Flash Crash!

US market structure was back in the news recently with several stocks experiencing irregular price movements on the morning of January 24.
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 Bonds.
Mid-Cap ETFs’ Moment

Dina Ting, our Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, offers her perspective on the allure of multifactor US mid-capitalization strategies for 2023.
US Retirement Legislation and Regulation Bulletin: Fourth Quarter 2022

We believe it is important to keep you informed on the latest proposals and regulations impacting the retirement industry, as well as implications to your business.
Alternative Investments: The Case for Real Estate

Public and private real estate investments present a compelling opportunity in the current environment of high inflation and rising interest rates, according to Daniel Scher and Blair Schmicker from Franklin Equity Group.
One Small Step Forward —One Giant Leap Away From Deflation in Japan

Templeton Global Equity Group weighs in on inflation’s emergence in Japan, recent monetary policy shifts, and the implications for investors.
What to Watch in 2023

Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, shares his scorecard on some market prognostications for 2022, and what his team is watching in 2023—from blockchain to balanced portfolios.
Harnessing The Power Of Duration

Yield is set to be a more important component of total return for investors during the next few years as the “Fed Put” exerts less influence on markets.
Read, Write, Own—How Web3 Can Restore Trust in Markets and Society

“Web1” represents static websites, and “Web2” represents the shift in the delivery of the internet to user-centric, dynamic web offerings and platforms.
The Value of Dividends in Any Season

Franklin Mutual Series believes dividend payers can give value investors better total returns over the longer term.
The US Prioritizes Climate Change

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), climate and multi-asset implications—Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions examines the IRA from an investment lens.
Midterms and Markets

While a divided US government may look appealing, there are long-term risks amid resulting gridlock, according to Head of Franklin Templeton Institute Stephen Dover.
UK Vs. US Pensions: The Risks of Derivatives-Led LDI Approach

It is unlikely that US corporate defined benefit (DB) pensions will have to face liquidity issues like those UK DB pensions recently witnessed, primarily because of their different approach to valuing liabilities, varying use of derivatives/leverage, and therefore a different investment style of liability-driven investing (LDI), according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Tom Meyers.
Something of Value

Franklin Mutual Series believes that fewer value investors in the market today may mean better opportunities for those who remain.
US Retirement Legislation And Regulation Bulletin: Third Quarter 2022

On August 16th, President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, ending months of uncertainty over whether congressional Democrats would ever reach agreement on a compromise budget reconciliation bill.
A Lesson in Ratios and ETF Liquidity

In the midst of back-to-school season, David Mann opines on the real-life applications of mysterious middle-school math and exchange-traded funds.
Municipal Markets Continue To Feel The Pressure This Year, Yet Fundamentals Remain Stable

The municipal bond market has not been immune to bouts of volatility hitting the markets this year, but there are still pockets of opportunity, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Municipal Bonds, Ben Barber.
Staying on Message

Federal Reserve Chairman Powell delivered another forceful message to markets that an early pivot back to rate cuts will not happen until inflation is under control.
Making The Case for Alternatives—Particularly Commercial Real Estate—in Defined Contribution Plans

Despite widespread use in institutional portfolios, alternative investments are not typically found in US defined contribution plans.
Euro Fall: Why Parity Between the Euro and US Dollar May Persist

Franklin Mutual Series’ Investment Strategist Katrina Dudley believes that higher inflation in Europe stemming from rising energy prices, as well as lower relative interest rates, may keep the euro under pressure.
Think Locally, Invest Globally

Franklin Mutual Series explains how global investing may provide a path to better returns.
The Fed—Do You Hear Me Now?

Fed Chairman Powell delivered a forceful and unequivocal message today at Jackson Hole, pushing back against market expectations of an early pivot back to rate cuts.
In ETF Trading, No News is Good News

David Mann, Head of Global Exchange Traded Funds Capital Markets, takes this quiet end-of-summer opportunity to pre-empt any of the typical ETF investor concerns that can pop up during busier times.
Inflation Hedges: Fact and Fantasy

Equity markets have clearly taken notice of rising inflation—and not in a good way.
Quality Microcaps Can Weather the Current Storm

Mutual Series’ Oliver Wong believes high-quality microcaps house hidden benefits, despite the extreme market declines seen in the first half of the year.
Investing in Infrastructure- Why Now?

Infrastructure has recently seen increased attention as broad equities have been weaker in 2022 due to inflation, rising interest rates, global supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine.
Where Have All the 100-Yen Stores Gone?

Templeton Global Equity Group explores the legacy of Abenomics, the emergence of inflation in Japan, and finding value opportunities there.
Saving For College: Start Small, But Start Now

With National 529 Day last month and graduation season underway, the cost of education is at the top of many people’s minds.
Quick Thoughts: Navigating Uncertainty In A Rapidly Changing World

Thoughts on recent market volatility and implications for investors from Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, Stephen Dover.
Drilling Down: Oil Production Scenarios Across Countries

With economies scrambling for alternatives to Russian fossil fuels, Dina Ting, our Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, offers perspective on single-country portfolio exposure to other world oil producers.
Making Sense of the Recent Market Selloffs

Wylie Tollette, Head of Client Investment Solutions with Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions, joins the head of the Franklin Templeton Institute, Stephen Dover, for a conversation on the recent equity market selloff.
Don’t Fear the ETF Liquidity Boogeyman

Selling an exchange-traded fund (ETF) should be just as easy as buying one, irrespective of the fund’s size or volume.
Managing Challenges in US Equity and Fixed Income Markets Today

Coming out of the depths of the pandemic, US equity and fixed income markets are facing new challenges this year amid a rising interest rate environment and deceleration in growth.
Peering Around the (Yield) Curve

The US Treasury yield curve momentarily inverted.
Europe Outlook: A French Economic Evolution

Franklin Mutual Series’ Katrina Dudley sees President Emmanuel Macron’s re-election as a positive for the French economy and regional equity markets over the longer term.
Budget Season

For US states, spring marks budget season, a time to check the ledger board and allocate funds to entities and projects within the state—or cut back where needed.
Quick Thoughts: Staying Ahead of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Risks and Opportunities

Head of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Stephen Dover, recently hosted a sustainable investing roundtable.
The Inflationary Shock of the Russia-Ukraine Crisis

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has ramifications for global inflation and growth, according to Franklin Templeton Fixed Income.
Quick Thoughts: What Russia’s Power Play in Ukraine Means for Investors

We recently hosted a special edition of our “What Our Managers Think” panel discussion to address the current situation in Ukraine.
Quick Thoughts: Ukraine, Russia, and the Path Forward

Kim Catechis, Investment Strategist for the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, recently shared his thoughts around the situation in Ukraine and the implications for the global economy and capital markets.
Diving into the ETF and Mutual Fund NAV Pool

With many mutual funds converting into exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the combination of ETF trading and net asset value is garnering more attention.
Quick Thoughts: Defensive on the Curve

Stephen Dover shares insights on investing in fixed income in a rising-rate environment with Walter Kilcullen, Head of US High Yield for Western Asset Management, and Reema Agarwal, Head of Floating Rate Debt for Franklin Templeton 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.
Re-Evaluating Work and Retirement

Franklin Templeton’s second edition of our “Voice of the American Worker” survey revealed that US workers are re-evaluating how they think about their jobs and what they expect from employers.
Global Plays on Inflation for 2022

When considering portfolio allocation, it’s important to keep in mind the wide dispersion of returns among economies.
Quick Thoughts: On the US Markets and Volatility

Stephen Dover, Head of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, recently sat down with colleagues Scott Glasser, Chief Investment Officer of ClearBridge Investments, and Mark Lindbloom, Portfolio Manager for Western Asset, to discuss recent US market volatility.
High Yield in View: An Update on Autos and Semiconductors

The intricacies and knock-on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the semiconductor and automotive industries continue to present interesting dynamics for investors to navigate.
The Fed: Walking a Tightrope in 2022

The US Federal Reserve is walking a tightrope—if it acts too quickly it risks hampering growth and market volatility, but if it acts too slowly it risks spiraling price increases.
Quick Thoughts: The Inflation Debate

Disagreements about the outlook for inflation in the new year and beyond continue.
ETF Trends to Watch in 2022: Conversions, International Interest and Sustainable Funds

With January being a month for prognostications, David Mann, our Head of Global Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Capital Markets, shares his annual outlook for the ETF industry and key trends he sees taking shape in 2022.
K2 Hedge-Fund Strategy Outlook: First Quarter 2022

With both the pandemic and inflation proving longer lasting than many had anticipated, what does that mean for central bank policy in the months ahead?
A Tale of Two Real Estate Markets: US and China

Tracy Chen, Portfolio Manager with Brandywine Global, and Tim Wang, Head of Investment Research for Clarion Partners, join Head of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Stephen Dover, to take a closer look at how the pandemic has impacted real estate markets in the United States and China.
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.
Global Investment Outlook: Is the E in ESG Accelerating?
The global pandemic has further highlighted the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in investing. With the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference coming up in November, it is an opportune time to focus on ESG—particularly the “E”—and the roles of policymakers, asset managers and end investors.
K2 Hedge Fund Strategy Outlook: Fourth Quarter 2021

Is inflation truly transitory? Will central banks start to tighten the policy reins? Will earnings continue to boost equity valuations? Heading into year end, the K2 Advisors team ponders these and other questions in its fourth quarter (Q4) hedge-fund strategy outlook.
Quick Thoughts: Innovation Builds Deep Water Technology Waves

The next decade will see an urgent and widespread boom in investments in innovation across all economic sectors, according to Stephen Dover and Kim Catechis of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute. They say this technology wave will be experienced in both private and public sectors, and in every facet of investment portfolios for years to come.
The Value of Being Actively and Constructively Engaged

Robust engagement with company management can be key in sparking catalysts that unlock shareholder value and potentially lead to better returns over the longer term, according to Franklin Mutual Series Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Ambassador Tim Rankin.
Quick Thoughts: The Growth and Inflation Argument Continues

When it comes to questions about inflation, growth, and the impacts of vaccination rates on global economies, many of us are asking: what’s next? Our Head of the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Stephen Dover, and five economists from Franklin Templeton’s specialist investment teams discuss the current environment and how it shapes their views on the path forward.
Deep Water Waves: Long-Term Drivers That Face Investors
“Deep Water Waves” represent the powerful long-term forces that face investors, fundamentally altering the economic, political, and public policy foundations for asset prices.
While it’s tempting to focus on passing market storms, Franklin Templeton Investment Institute explores these forces that look to shape the future of our world—and the investment landscape.
Survey Shows Importance of Personalized Approach to Retirement Planning

Franklin Templeton’s 2021 US Retirement Income Strategies and Expectations survey revealed financial-related concerns across generations of Americans including health care, inadequate savings, and debt management—and the need for a personalized approach to retirement planning.
On My Mind: Leaving QE, Never Easy

This year’s annual economic policy symposium in Jackson Hole opens the six months that will likely define the legacy of the Powell Fed’s first term.
On Post-Pandemic Growth and Inflation, Equity Prospects and Income-Seeking Strategies

Ed Perks, CIO of Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions, outlines what factors should likely support economic growth, how he views inflation, why US equities remain attractive, and where income-seeking investors should look for potential opportunities.
Eurovision: Scores of Return Potential

Mutual Series Portfolio Managers Katrina Dudley and Mandana Hormozi discuss why Europe deserves renewed attention.
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.
The Certainty of Change: Evolution of Investor Access to China

The unpredictable nature of politics and government action within individual countries can make a case for disaggregating international exposure, according to our Dina Ting.
Quick Thoughts: Are You Pricing in Water Risk?

Our Chief Market Strategist, Stephen Dover, believes that water risk is global now—devastating floods, unseasonal hurricanes, droughts, megafires, and more demonstrate this.
European Fixed Income Finds Central Bank Support

As Europe’s economy continues to recover from COVID-19, it appears the central bank will remain accommodative, but for how long?
Quick Thoughts: New Realities in Emerging Markets

Emerging market (EM) economies are not what they used to be.
Shortages, Resurgent Demand and Rising Inflation Expectations Lift Commodities

Commodities prices have been moving higher this spring amid rising demand and rising inflation expectations globally as economies emerge from the pandemic.
Quick Thoughts: A Very Hot Housing Market Globally

Rising housing prices often reflect a country’s economic growth and health.
Tech Opportunities Abound Amid Economic Reopening

As more people are getting vaccinated and economic conditions return to normal, Franklin Equity Group’s Jonathan Curtis says the digital transformation themes that accelerated during the COVID-19 crisis are still just getting started.
Value and Growth: The Indivisible Dichotomy

Franklin Mutual Series’ Director of Research Grace Hoefig sits down with us to explain how value investing involves more than just computing ratios, and why the answer to the age-old question “growth or value” should be “yes.”
Pent-Up Consumer Demand Fuels US Recovery

As the US recovery gains momentum, Franklin Equity Group’s Grant Bowers explains why pent-up consumer demand should present a fertile environment for stocks and highlights some opportunities he sees in the US equity market.
Factoring Inflation and Valuations into Stock-Picking Decisions

Our Chief Market Strategist Stephen Dover speaks with portfolio managers Matt Moberg from Franklin Equity Group and Aram Green from ClearBridge Investments on how they factor inflation and valuations into stock-picking decisions.
Quick Thoughts: The Opportunities in Innovation

Our recent investing in innovation roundtable confirmed that investing in innovation requires intuitive and fundamental knowledge.
Muni Market View of The American Jobs Plan

US President Joe Biden recently announced an ambitious new $2 trillion infrastructure plan, which touches many areas of the US economy. Jennifer Johnston, director of research, Franklin Templeton Municipal Bonds, outlines some highlights of this sweeping legislation, and how it could impact the muni market.
Muni Market View on The American Jobs Plan

US President Joe Biden recently announced an ambitious new $2 trillion infrastructure plan, which touches many areas of the US economy.
Quick Thoughts: Blockchain Innovates and Disrupts

Blockchain has the potential to launch a new global digital renaissance, transforming financial services, supply chains, healthcare, backend offices, and more. Our Chief Market Strategist Stephen Dover outlines how we continue to evaluate its risks and opportunities as active investors.
Climate Change Sectors Heat Up

From digital factories to plant-based clothing, climate change investing is much more than just investing in renewable energy, according to the Templeton Global Equity Group.
On My Mind: A Tale of Two Recoveries

While a global recovery has now become the base case for financial markets, differences between countries and regions on the path toward normalcy are significant and seem set to widen.
Biotech Innovations Remain at Forefront

The first quarter of 2021 was challenging for investors in biotechnology, but Franklin Equity Group Portfolio Managers Evan McCulloch, Wendy Lam and Akiva Felt believe the second half of the year will likely bring welcome tailwinds for the industry.
State and Local Governments Get Shot of Stimulus

Another round of stimulus totaling $1.9 trillion is making its way through the US economy, with hopes it will trigger a sharp rebound from the ravages of COVID-19.
Quick Thoughts: The American Jobs Plan is Not Just an Infrastructure Plan

The American Jobs Plan is not only the biggest traditional infrastructure proposal in over 50 years, but if approved, it will also fund significant investments in human and environmental infrastructure.
Secular Tailwinds Prevail Across Market Cycles

With global equities trading near record highs, many investors are questioning the potential for continued gains going forward.
K2 Advisors Second Quarter Hedge-Fund Strategy Outlook

With a broad-based economic reopening coming closer into focus, investors are planning for the next stage in the cycle.
Take the Time to Love ETF Liquidity

Is it time to give newer or smaller exchange-traded funds (ETFs) a look?
Time for Social Security’s Shot in the Arm

The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for individuals and economies around the world.
Quick Thoughts: Be an Ally to Women Entrepreneurs and Herstory

Entrepreneurial women’s lack of access to venture capital (VC) is one of the oldest stories in the world. How do we change herstory and empower women entrepreneurs and founders?
Single-Country Allocation: Viewing the Opportunity Through Three Lenses

The case for disaggregating international exposure by allocating to single countries remains strong, according to Dina Ting, Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, Franklin Templeton Exchange-Traded Funds.
High Yield in View: Automobiles and Semiconductors

COVID-19 caused ripple effects throughout many industries and sectors, including automobiles.
Asia at the Forefront: The World’s Uneven Emergence from COVID-19

There is significant variation in how countries have handled the pandemic, managed fiscal and monetary policy, and supported their economies, according to Templeton Global Macro.
Brexit Deal Finally Struck as 2020 Comes to a Close

The United Kingdom and European Union finally put Brexit to bed, striking a deal in the final days of 2020. While the deal may not be perfect for either side, David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, says the markets welcomed the removal of uncertainty.
Preparing the Post-Pandemic Playbook

Ongoing uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened headwinds to global growth, says Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions CIO Ed Perks. In his 2021 investment outlook, he says nimble and diversified positioning is key to effective investment strategies.
US 2020 Election Investment Pulse: Resilience and Vulnerability in Emerging Markets
The US elections have implications for emerging markets in the area of global trade relations in particular, but for investors, it’s important to look at countries and companies individually within the asset class, according to Portfolio Manager Andrew Ness. He joins our Head of Equities Stephen Dover to discuss how emerging markets are navigating today’s challenges—including the COVID-19 pandemic—and note they are home to some of the most innovative and resilient companies in the world.
Investors Turn Cautious in September after a Strong Start to the Quarter

Emerging markets have had different approaches to coping with COVID-19 and are at different stages of recovery. Our emerging markets equity team examines trends, news and data shaping emerging markets in the third quarter, and shares its latest outlook.
Investing in Innovation

The pace of innovation is accelerating. See why Matt Moberg, PM of Franklin DynaTech Fund, thinks the fourth industrial revolution is just beginning.
COVID-19: A Positive Tipping Point for Some Brazilian Banks?
The coronavirus pandemic is hurting Brazilian banks in the near term, but is the outlook entirely grim? Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity’s Gustavo Stenzel explains why certain banks could emerge from the outbreak stronger relative to a new pack of financial technology competitors.v
The Fed’s Final Frontier—Negative Rates or Yield Curve Control?
Given fears of a COVID-19 resurgence and US election uncertainties looming, many investors are wondering what comes next for policymakers in terms of supporting the economy. Our Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai weighs in on the possibility of negative US interest rates or other measures.
Navigating Uncertain Waters: Preparing for a Post-Pandemic World

Dr. Michael Hasenstab and team examine the economic implications of the global pandemic, then look ahead to reopened economies and a post-virus world.
The Path to Recovery: What's Next?

The coronavirus has dealt a severe and unexpected shock to people - and markets - worldwide. Our senior investment leaders examine where we go from here, outlining how they see a recovery taking shape once the crisis passes.