As the ravages of the coronavirus reverberated through the global economy in March and into April, the Federal Reserve announced a number of measures to help provide relief to financial markets—one being the purchase of exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

The coronavirus pandemic has created a number of pricing dislocations within markets across the globe. In its second-quarter outlook, the K2 Advisors team takes a look at how hedge fund managers are navigating the current market environment and which strategies are finding opportunities from these dislocations.

In the first quarter of 2020, stock markets across the globe experienced one of the worst quarters in the history of global financial markets. But maybe it’s time for investors to take a pause and do some strategic thinking...

Our Head of Equities Stephen Dover gives his take on what the continued business shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic could mean for US workers, particularly those who are not currently earning a paycheck. He also shares why oil prices could remain subdued for a bit longer, and why he thinks tech companies could come to the rescue of small business.

Franklin Equity Group’s Matt Moberg suggests looking beyond near-term market concerns and focusing on five technology-enabled themes that are likely to disrupt traditional business practices over the next decade.

With recent data showing a coronavirus-driven recession in the United States appears inevitable, the question for many investors is how long it will last. Sonal Desai, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, weighs in on the differences between this one and other recessionary periods—and whether policymakers can engineer a recovery.

The US Federal Reserve announced it would buy exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as part of a range of measures to help support the markets in the wake of the coronavirus. David Mann, Head of Capital Markets, Global ETFs, examines which ETFs it might actually buy, and when.

While the US economy continues to suffer the wrath of the coronavirus, a recovery will eventually come. Franklin Equity Group's Grant Bowers provides his latest update on the US equity market, and what he and his team have an eye on with a long-term investment view.

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.

Even though economic activity in many countries has dramatically slowed or stopped due to the coronavirus outbreak, Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity’s Andrew Ness still thinks there’s underlying long-term potential in emerging markets. He shares the specifics of what he’s on the lookout for as an investor in this highly uncertain period, which eventually will pass.

The US Federal Reserve recently announced a number of measures to support the economy and markets amid the coronavirus crisis. One involves the purchase of fixed income exchange-traded funds (ETFs). David Mann, Head of Capital Markets, Global ETFs, shares his thoughts on the subject, and what he thinks is the best way to support the corporate bond market through these purchases

With the coronavirus creating havoc across the globe, researchers are rushing to find better treatment options and a cure. Our Head of Equities, Stephen Dover, and Portfolio Manager Evan McCulloch outline a few of the efforts the medical and scientific communities are taking to combat the virus.

During these turbulent times, how does one track and value the performance of an exchange-traded fund? David Mann, Head of Capital Markets, Global Exchange-Traded Funds, opines on ways to “keep score.”

The US Federal Reserve continues to use whatever tools it can to help combat economic fallout from the coronavirus. Sonal Desai, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, calls its latest response “a whole new level” of stimulus.

The impact of the coronavirus on the US economy still isn’t fully known yet, as the situation continues to evolve. However, Franklin Equity Group’s Grant Bowers sees at least three reasons to be optimistic about the long-term recovery.

Thoughts on the “new normal” in ETF trading during these turbulent times from our Head of Capital Markets, Global Exchange-Traded Funds.

As coronavirus-related market volatility expands into municipal bonds, the Franklin Municipal Bond Department explains how they are navigating an increasingly challenging muni-market environment. They also share reasons why they believe a longstanding preference for high-quality municipal bonds supports their efforts to turn volatility into opportunity.

The US Federal Reserve took dramatic action on Sunday, March 15, slashing interest rates and relaunching quantitative easing and other measures to battle the economic impacts of the coronavirus.

Falling oil prices can be a double-edged sword in terms of economic impact: welcomed by consumers, but not by producers. Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity’s Bassel Khatoun shares his thoughts on the impact of lower oil prices on emerging market economies and some considerations for investors

When markets turn volatile, some question the role of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in exacerbating market moves. David Mann, our Head of Capital Markets, Global ETFs, offers some perspective.

Newly appointed UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak tore up the fiscal rulebook and unveiled a spend-heavy UK budget, announced just after the Bank of England delivered an emergency interest-rate cut.

Financial markets across the globe have been dealt a one-two punch—the spread of the coronavirus and an oil price war that caused prices to plummet. Glenn Voyles, Matt Fey and Bryant Dieffenbacher of Franklin Templeton Fixed Income examine the impact on high-yield credit.

Our Emerging Markets Equity team examines the impact of the spread of coronavirus across emerging market economies during the month of February.

Franklin Equity Group’s Fred Fromm explains why recent oil market demand and supply shocks are essentially unprecedented and are leading to oil prices that are uneconomical for almost all market participants.

Investors certainly have had to face both volatility and uncertainty these past few weeks given coronavirus concerns and other geopolitical risks. David Mann, our Head of Capital Markets, Global Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), talks about the difference between the two through the lens of ETF trading.

As European Central Bank (ECB) policymakers adjust the budget to reflect lighter eurozone economic activity, moderate economic growth and the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (EU), David Zahn, our Head of European Fixed Income, shares his macroeconomic outlook for the region. He weighs in on why the ECB could remain accommodative.

Responsible investing has gathered enough momentum in recent years to reach the mainstream. What is less clear is how far along global institutional investors are in the process of integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their investment decisions.

The US Federal Reserve surprised markets on Tuesday with an interest-rate cut, but will it restore investor confidence? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares her initial reaction.

There are tangible signs economies in the MENA region have reformed and evolved over the past decade, according to Franklin Templeton Global Sukuk and MENA Fixed Income’s Dino Kronfol, and Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity’s Bassel Khatoun and Salah Shamma. They outline the opportunities they see in the year ahead.

The spread of the coronavirus has created heightened market volatility in recent weeks, but the Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions team remains focused on long-term market fundamentals. Here, Ed Perks and Gene Podkaminer offer an update on how they are approaching the situation, and which countries appear more insulated to growth shocks.

Many people put a lot of thought into the purchase of an asset—whether it’s a car, an investment vehicle or even a more mundane item—but might not think as much about what happens when they don’t want it anymore.

As markets continue to assess the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Templeton Global Macro team shares an update on the economic and market implications, which they say could be more detrimental—and last longer—than many observers previously thought.

Many investors overlook lesser-known smaller companies in favor of well-known behemoths, but there are some mighty values in small-capitalization (cap) stocks, according to Franklin Small Cap Value Fund Portfolio Manager Steve Ranieri. He outlines five things for investors to consider.

The coronavirus and the impact of containment efforts on global economic growth and oil demand is influencing investor sentiment and behavior, according to Franklin Equity Group’s Fred Fromm. Despite the outbreak’s near-term impact on commodity prices and natural resources stocks, he explains why he thinks the situation is likely to be manageable for most companies in the long run.

While there are a number of uncertainties in the global economy today, many investors may not realize the depth and breadth of potential opportunities emerging markets still offer—on both the equity and fixed income side.

Our emerging markets equity team looks at news and events shaping emerging market performances in January, from coronavirus fears to trade to Middle East tensions.

Pricing dislocations in Europe, performance dispersion across the credit spectrum and shifts in the political landscape should likely provide abundant opportunities for select hedge strategies in the year ahead, according to K2 Advisors. The team shares some macro themes and questions its focused on, and shares its outlook for various hedge strategies.

Although European equities performed well in 2019, there’s still a significant value and performance gap compared to US stocks, according to Franklin Mutual Series Portfolio Manager Katrina Dudley. Here, she gives reasons why she’s optimistic about the backdrop for European value stocks and discusses some potential market-moving events she’s monitoring.

The coronavirus outbreak that started in China could certainly be considered an unexpected market shock, one which looks to remain a concern for a while longer.

It’s been 3-1/2 years since the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, and the process known as Brexit has been far from smooth. Now that the deadline to leave has passed, what’s next for the United Kingdom, and for Europe?

Equities saw strong 2019 performances across the globe, so the big question for investors is whether the bullish momentum can continue. Templeton Global Equity Group’s Alan Bartlett and Tony Docal provide a look at what drove the positive performances around the globe in late 2019, and how they are poised to take advantage of any potential dislocations in the year ahead.

As we head into 2020, municipal bonds will likely remain attractive for many tax-sensitive investors, but their performance potential could prove to be relatively muted compared to 2019, according to Sheila Amoroso, director of our Municipal Bond Department.

The Templeton Global Macro team takes a look at the implications of the coronavirus in China, and positioning for potential market shocks.

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) has gone back to expanding its balance sheet. Some claim that quantitative easing (QE) is back; the Fed denies it. What we call it isn’t the point, says Sonal Desai, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO—what matters are the implications of this “permanently loose” policy stance for asset prices, investment strategy and market volatility.

Although easing US-China trade tensions have renewed investor optimism about global economic growth, Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions’ Ed Perks and Gene Podkaminer still see some potential geopolitical headwinds on the horizon.

Emerging markets ended 2019 on a high note, but can the momentum continue? Our emerging markets equity team weighs in, highlighting the market news and events it has an eye on.

Franklin Equity Group’s Fred Fromm gives his take on global oil markets amid elevated tensions between the United States and Iran.

The many gloomy predictions for 2019 did not come to pass, but can we be more optimistic for 2020? Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai draws the key lessons from last year and outlines what we should expect for the year ahead and her main concerns, with political uncertainty top of the list.

As we kick off the new year, market prognosticators are busy making their 2020 predictions. David Mann, our Head of Capital Markets, Global Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), offers some thoughts on trends and milestones within the ETF industry he thinks could come to fruition in 2020.

Franklin Equity Group’s Jonathan Curtis explains why he thinks businesses will need to invest significantly more in digital technology in the coming years to better understand and service their customers and to reduce costs.