If you are interested in investing in a high quality large pharmaceutical company, two of your primary choices would be Pfizer (PFE) or Merck (MRK), of course, Merck being the largest. Which one of these investments would suit you better as an investor?
Despite the US Federal Reserve’s cautious stance on interest rates and the shifting dynamics of the equity and fixed income markets, Franklin Income Investors CIO Ed Perks believes conditions are favorable for investing in these asset classes.
Making the power sector fit for the twenty-first century requires a “banker” that finances and coordinates relevant long-term investments, and an “architect” that guides the development of a complex, interconnected smart-grid system. National governments need to fill both roles.
April’s U.S. inflation report likely offers some comfort to Federal Reserve officials, but rate cuts are unlikely until we see a more substantial deceleration in inflation.
Learn how using a “switch” trading strategy can create efficiencies to improve overall execution cost and quality.
On Tuesday, the Biden administration announced significant tariff increases on China, targeting roughly $18 billion in strategic industries, with a sharp focus on electric vehicles (EVs). These tariffs, which quadruple to 100% on Chinese-made EVs, are designed to counter China’s unfair trade practices and overcapacity while boosting U.S. industries.
The current debate about generative AI focuses disproportionately on the disruption it might unleash. While it is true technological advances always disrupt legacy industries and existing systems and processes, one must not ignore the opportunities they can create or the risks they can mitigate.
In today's financial climate, marked by interest rate and geopolitical uncertainties, infrastructure investment offers financial and strategic opportunities. However, traditionally infrastructure portfolios have been divided into listed and unlisted segments, with investors choosing between one or the other.
If you are interested in investing in a high quality large pharmaceutical company, two of your primary choices would be Pfizer (PFE) or Merck (MRK), of course, Merck being the largest.
More than 338,000 Americans relocated for retirement last year – a 44% increase from 2022 – and about a quarter of those retirees moved to a different state.
We explore how stabilization and growth of global markets may potentially shift preferences toward equities relative to bonds.
Will the good times continue for the UK equity market in light of an upcoming election? Marcus Weyerer opines.
With inflation cooling off somewhat, it may be worth considering adding an active growth investing ETF like TGRT.
As the capital markets brace for potential rate cuts before the end of the new year, investor demand is building for corporate bonds.
ETFs are getting financial advisors more comfortable with putting their money in digital assets. This article, from an investor in early-stage Blockchain ventures, provides advice on why advisors need to invest in bitcoin with the big picture in mind in order to maximize returns and diversification for clients.
Portfolio Manager Shuntaro Takeuchi gives his take on the outlook for investor returns in Japan’s equity markets.
In our latest research insight, RBA's Senior Research Analyst, Matthew Poterba, explains the numerous positive developments that help explain China's strong year-to-date outperformance.
The Northern Trust Economics team shares its outlook for U.S. growth, employment, interest rates and inflation.
In April, the recent stock market performance showed a slight drop, followed by a recovery in the S&P 500, while smaller companies faced challenges from higher interest rates. Despite this, the economic outlook remains positive, with moderate inflation and steady growth.
Global Property Equities portfolio managers Greg Kuhl, Guy Barnard and Tim Gibson discuss the current attractive relative valuation opportunity and merits of residential REITs.
Managers are increasingly focusing on sectors beyond tech that could benefit from the rise in AI in the short term. These include healthcare and consumer companies, which also have more attractive valuations.
Rising profits could bring more fixed income investors to corporate bonds if the profit outlook remains rosy.
In the U.S., first-quarter earnings season is in the books, but there are still some reports to be delivered by big-name ex-US companies, including several from China.
Walmart kicks off retail earnings season as high interest rates and inflation raise concerns over continued robust consumer spending.
Questions are being asked about the US managed care industry, but some businesses are equipped to rise to the challenge.
Sanctions have not been as powerful as expected.
Anticipation is one of those mental states that can result in either relief, or disappointment. We may anticipate the results of a test, for example, and feel relieved if the results are good, or disappointed if they are not.
For families saving for college, 529 plans remain popular. Our Bill Cass shares some key facts about 529 plans.
The path to the US’s energy future is becoming obvious. Over time, nuclear will become one of, if not the primary, sources of energy feeding our ever-growing demand for electricity. China and India are far ahead of the US on this, with hundreds of new reactors slated for construction.
With the potential for higher-for-longer yields across countries, we see the global fixed income opportunity set as the most attractive in years.
An elevated or rising rate environment creates pockets of opportunity within asset classes such as closed-end funds.
Market participants often focus on the Magnificent Seven's earnings growth, share price performance and stock valuations.
When it comes to the financial markets, investors have a litany of investment vehicles to choose from. The choices are nearly unlimited, from brokered certificates of deposit to complex derivative instruments.
The U.S. repurchase agreement, or “repo” market, provides more than $3 trillion in short-term funding each day. Most repo transactions are overnight and are collateralized by Treasuries.
The dollar's strength, particularly against major Asian currencies, has triggered a wave of skittishness in financial markets. Can anything be done to stem the greenback's rise, and even if something can be done, should it?
Investors have seemed transfixed lately by endless news headlines on the path of monetary policy. But fiscal policy outcomes have far-reaching impacts on long-run growth and fundamentals in the world’s economies. On that score, many regions continue to wrestle with the challenges of deficits and debt.
Skepticism is warranted when inflation stories exclude bad news.
The finance world can get complicated, especially for the passive or uninterested investor. Let’s face it, some of us are not curious about sports, movies, exercise, reading, or other things while others of us carry a passion for them.
Investors are understandably frustrated by listed real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P Real Estate Select Sector Index is off 2.1% over the past three years, belying real estate’s reputation as an inflation-fighting group.
Active ETFs seem to be everywhere right now following a big boom over the last few years. While active ETF strategies have been available for many years, the so-called ETF rule in 2019 kickstarted ETF development.
Last week was quiet on the economic and data front. The one high frequency data indicator we did receive was jobless claims, which ticked up after a dull stretch of near constancy. The jobless claims figure came in at 231,000, which is at the higher end of my preferred range of 200-240k.
You will find it very difficult to find good value in stocks in a bull market like we’ve had since 2008. As Warren Buffett says – “You cannot invest in what’s popular and expect to do well.”
Happy National Small Business Day! Every year on May 10, small businesses are officially recognized for their contributions to the US economy. And rightfully so. Small businesses are the backbone of the US economy.
ESG integration is a trend financial markets are familiar with, but that doesn’t mean all asset classes are at the same levels of progress. ESG means different things to different people, and its integration into equity investment does not represent the same journey experienced in fixed income.
Franklin Templeton Institute’s Tony Davidow discusses democratization of alternative investments and the lessons learned from institutions that have historically used alternatives with Matt Brown, Founder and CEO of CAIS.
AI adoption will dent the fight against climate change.
Bank lending standards are still restrictive, underscoring the Fed's view that financial conditions remain tight and any resulting economic weakness could keep rate cuts in play.
One theory making the rounds is that if President Trump gets back into office, inflation is going to surge.
Markets seem to have been basking in the spring sun as they wait for the approaching summer heat, so to speak.
In this issue of Sinology, Andy Rothman offers his perspective on two key questions.
