On My Mind: The sound of sameness
US job growth for the year through March 2025 has seen a significant downward revision. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai explains what this means for the economy, the US Federal Reserve and investors going forward.
Navigating Volatility: The Case for Tactical Alpha
In today's volatile markets, alternative investments are key for diversification, resilience, and returns, but they demand expertise to navigate. Ash Lawrence, Head of AGF Capital Partners and Scott Radke, CEO and Co-CIO of New Holland Capital discuss...
Global Macro Insights: August 2025
Will the US dollar continue to weaken? Templeton Global Macro explores the global market and investment implications if the dollar’s decline continues.
The silent majority: How 90% of ETF assets are proactively managed
The global exchange-traded funds (ETFs) market has rarely been more dynamic. Active strategies may be commanding the headlines, but index-based ETFs remain the bedrock of portfolios worldwide. And yet, misconceptions linger. Many still assume “passive” means automatic and effortless. But is tracking an index really as effortless as it may seem? Dina Ting, Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, explains.
Value Vantage Point: Why currency diversification matters
US investors are more concentrated than they think. Franklin Mutual Series believes diversifying into local, non-US currencies yields benefits, particularly in an environment of downward US-dollar pressure.
Allocation Views: Can too much resiliency lead to fragility?
As global trade uncertainty recedes and macroeconomic conditions improve, investors face a complex landscape. This month's Allocation Views examines sustained equity-market momentum, driven by stronger economic activity and earnings, while cautioning against elevated valuations and unresolved tariff risks.
On My Mind: A tax by any other name
Recent US preliminary trade agreements mark a significant turn in the trade wars, highlighting the substantial fiscal impact of increased tariffs. These changes introduce a shift toward indirect taxation, potentially easing long-term fiscal challenges, while also complicating monetary policy decisions amid mixed economic signals. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai explains what this means for investors going forward.
US rally relieves—but does not reassure
US equities underperformed global markets in the first six months of 2025, but continue to trade at a premium to foreign markets. ClearBridge Investments outlines the case for global diversification.
The mid-cap opportunity: Looking beyond mega-cap momentum
As the US equity market continues to evolve, mid-cap stocks are emerging as a compelling investment opportunity, according to Dina Ting, Head of Global Index Portfolio Management. She believes this market segment is in a unique position to capitalize on domestic manufacturing growth, infrastructure development and technological advancements.
Revolution—Not Evolution: The crypto dilemma
Contrary to popular belief, investors can use TradFi best practices to analyze on-chain KPIs of DeFi networks and the underlying fundamentals of the tokens that drive them.
On My Mind: Stop me if you think you’ve heard this one before
A full three months since President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements sparked panic in financial markets, macro developments have been benign. The passage of the Big Beautiful Bill has brought clarity on the fiscal outlook, but uncertainty on trade negotiations remains. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai explains what this means for investors going forward.
Entering the intelligence age: Tech lessons for today’s market
The recent tech pullback echoes past cycles, but history offers key lessons. Franklin Equity Group shares three lessons to help seize opportunities as we move into the intelligence age.
Value Vantage Point: As Japanese companies change, investment opportunities bloom
Franklin Mutual Series remains bullish on Japanese companies embracing corporate change, underpinned by budding economic progress.
Navigating geopolitical volatility in the Middle East
With the escalation of military conflict between Israel and Iran, investors are guardedly watching the events, which still have the potential to spread, impact Mideast energy supplies, and increase global economic uncertainty. To address those concerns, Lawrence Hatheway, Global Investment Strategist at Franklin Templeton Institute, moderated a discussion with some of our investment professionals with expertise in the region to hear their thoughts on possible effects on global financial markets.
Midyear insights: Opportunities amid globalization’s discontents
As US exceptionalism faces growing scrutiny, investors have increasingly sought portfolio diversification with international exposure. This recalibration raises the critical question of which economies and regions may be best positioned to thrive under our new tariff landscape. Franklin Templeton ETFs’ Dina Ting offers some insights for the second half of the year.
Infrastructure steady as equities swing
ClearBridge Investments: Despite recent strong performance for listed infrastructure versus equities, infrastructure valuations are still attractive on a risk adjusted basis, and could have room to run.
