Commentary

Using Single-Country ETFS as Part of a Tax-Loss Harvesting Strategy

Dina Ting, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, sheds light on the benefits of single-country ETF allocations against what has been a rocky macro backdrop and discusses ways to re-evaluate potential opportunities in terms of tax-loss decision-making.

Commentary

The New FAFSA: What Every Advisor, Parent and Student Should Know

Recent legislative changes will impact the student financial aid process and could create stress and confusion. Dr. Peter Mazareas, author, college financing expert and Co-Founder of Invite Education, shares some need-to-know information for parents, students, and financial advisors.

Commentary

Personalization in Retirement Plans Is Paramount

Individuals are increasingly looking for more tailored investment solutions, so it makes sense for plan fiduciaries to consider a more personalized approach, according to John Kutz, National Retirement Plan Strategist. He says personalization may be the ticket to better retirement outcomes.

Commentary

Inflation—the Final Mile

In the context of fighting inflation, the “‘final mile”’ represents the successful and sustainable achievement of a central bank’s inflation target. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, opines on the Fed’s ability to reach it.

Commentary

Democratizing Alternative Investments

In the latest episode of the Alternative Allocations podcast series, Franklin Templeton’s Tony Davidow has an insightful conversation with the firm’s CEO, Jenny Johnson, regarding the burgeoning opportunities in alternative investments, especially in the current financial climate.

Commentary

How Long Will Consumers Keep Spending?

We speak with ClearBridge Investments’ Jeff Schulze about a topic on many investors’ minds: the 10-year US Treasury yield and the path of monetary policy. He also shares his views on the latest US retail sales data and whether consumer resilience will last into 2024.

Commentary

Discovering Sources of Alpha and Diversification in Fixed Income

In an economic environment characterized by rising interest rates and a forecasted slowdown, the fixed income asset class has emerged as a beacon of opportunity.

Commentary

The Future of Investment and Wealth Management

Topics discussed included the future of investment management and generational differences among investors as well as trends and technologies transforming the industry, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital assets.

Commentary

On My Mind: The Fed and Markets—Same as It Ever Was

Our Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai sees this market reaction as an excess of exuberance that sets the stage for more volatility. She shares her latest insights on the policy outlook and the implications for investors.

Commentary

Portfolio Construction for Alpha Generation and Risk Mitigation

In this period of higher interest rates, the quest to capture alpha and mitigate risk in corporate credit requires a more refined approach.

Commentary

Alternative Allocations: Lessons Learned From Institutions

At a recent educational event organized by Franklin Templeton, Franklin Templeton Institute’s Senior Alternative Investment Strategist Tony Davidow hosted a day of panels that focused on alternative investments.

Commentary

K2 Hedge Fund Strategy Outlook: Fourth Quarter 2023

Higher macro and market volatility, along with greater dispersion, creates a favorable environment for active trading, according to K2 Advisors. Get the team’s latest hedge-fund strategy outlook.

Commentary

REITs: Providing Visibility in an Age of Uncertainty

Franklin Equity Group portfolio managers Daniel Scher and Blair Schmicker make the case that REITs are more than just a “collection of assets,” as they were once viewed, and instead offer exposure to quality business models and professional management teams with long track records of value creation.

Commentary

Public and Private Avenues: How Franklin Equity Group Sees Digital Transformation

In this article, Portfolio Managers Jonathan Curtis and Ryan Biggs share their insights on where they see opportunities in digital transformation and how they are thinking about the relative attractiveness of public and private company investment opportunities.

Commentary

The Case for Low Volatility and High Dividend Equities in International Markets

There are reasons to be cautious in many markets, but low volatility and high/sustainable dividend stocks can help mitigate risk while providing income and equity exposure. The Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions Team weighs in.