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Quick Thoughts: Are markets complacent?

When we asked some investors to rank their greatest economic fears, soaring oil prices topped the list. Yet equity markets have rebounded sharply and asset prices have snapped back, even as economic forecasters warn of mounting risks ahead. Are markets dangerously complacent or do resilient fundamentals support their optimism?

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Breaking Views: Briefings with the Institute

Get the latest updates and actionable insights from the Franklin Templeton Institute.
1/23

Navigating geopolitical risk: Investment insights amid Middle East escalation

Kim Catechis of Franklin Templeton Institute hosts a discussion to review the financial market implications of the US Operation Epic Fury and the escalation of the conflict in the broader region.

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Market implications of “Operation Epic Fury”

Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, led a panel of investment leaders to discuss the global and market investment implications of the US “Operation Epic Fury” and the widening conflict in the Middle East.

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SCOTUS on Tariffs

The US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) released a much-awaited decision on the legality of President Trump’s tariffs. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, led a panel of investment leaders to discuss the market implications.

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Investment impacts of the US involvement in Venezuela

Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, led a panel of investment leaders to discuss the global and market investment implications of the United States’ capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro.

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December FOMC Meeting

At its December policy meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered its benchmark interest rate for the third time in a row. A panel of Franklin Templeton Institute strategists discuss the decision and the potential investment implications.

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October FOMC Meeting

The Federal Reserve (Fed) lowered its benchmark interest rate at its October policy meeting, the second cut in a row. Franklin Templeton Institute Strategists Larry Hatheway and Rick Polsinello discuss the implications for markets and investors.

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September FOMC Meeting

At its September policy meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered its benchmark interest rate, the first rate cut in nine months. A panel of our Franklin Templeton Institute strategists gathered to discuss the decision and the investment implications. Below are highlights from the conversation.

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Potential market implications following the Trump-Putin summit

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit meeting in Alaska on August 15, 2025, to discuss the potential for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine War. See what the Franklin Templeton Institute had to say about its potential impact on commodity prices and global economic stability.

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Trump's tariffs and the global implications

Michael Browne, Investment Strategist with Franklin Templeton Institute, recently sat down with a panel of our investment leaders outside the United States to discuss the global impacts of US President Trump’s tariff policies.

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Tariffs update

With the arrival of the August 1 deadline that President Trump set last April, the trade landscape has shifted. Watch the replay to get expert insights from the Franklin Templeton Institute on the economic and market impacts.

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July FOMC meeting

The July FOMC meeting resulted in no change in policy. Access this replay to hear experts from the Franklin Templeton Institute discuss the Fed's decision and its implications to fixed income and equity market strategies.

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The Genius Act

Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, recently met with Christopher Jensen, Director of Research for Digital Asset Management at Franklin Templeton, to unpack the investment implications of the new “Genius Act.”

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Update on tariffs

Access this webinar replay to hear our investment teams discuss the latest on President Trump's tariff decisions and what may be possible, given the August 1st deadline extension. 

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The Big Beautiful Bill

Now that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” is law, access this webinar summary to gain from our investment team’s insights into its potential impact on strategies and individual planning.

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Navigating geopolitical volatility in the Middle East

Given the ongoing geopolitical developments in the region, this webinar replay explores the broad economic implications across various asset classes. Our investment team discusses oil prices, the effects on equities and fixed income, and shares their insights on how to navigate this evolving landscape.

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European perspectives on global trade, economic recession and technological shifts

In this webinar replay, our investment professionals explore the far-reaching implications of enhanced tariffs on Europe, China, Asia and beyond.

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Tariff tantrums and credit spreads: Navigating volatility and opportunity in a shifting bond market

In this webinar replay, listen as Sonal Desai, CIO Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, Josh Lohmeier, Director of Corporate Credit, Navin Belani, Head of Credit Research, and Glenn Voyles, Director of High Yield Credit, discuss the rapidly evolving fixed income marketplace.

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The global fallout: How the US-China trade conflict shakes the world economy

Access this insightful webinar replay on the current state of China–US relations and how it is affecting both nations, hosted by Stephen Dover, Franklin Templeton’s Chief Market Strategist and Head of the Franklin Templeton Institute. This event will delve into the complexities of the diplomatic, economic and political dynamics between these two powerful countries.

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Washington to Wall Street: Market and policy updates

In this webinar replay, listen as Market Strategist Taylor Topousis, CFA and Wealth Planning Consultant Chris Hennessey, CPA and J.D. of the Franklin Templeton Institute explore the markets and key issues, including the expiring tax code, increasing federal spending and debt and the potential impact of tariffs on portfolios.

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Private markets update: Exploring the implication of the new trade policy

Access the replay of our webinar, where our specialist investment managers analyze the effects of the recently announced trade and tariff policies on the private markets. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities these policies present in both the near and long term.

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Navigating US political and economic landscapes: Insights from Jon Lieber

Access the replay of our webinar with Jon Lieber, Managing Director and Head of Research for the United States at Eurasia Group. Gain valuable insights into the impact of recent political developments on the US economy, learn strategic perspectives for investors and business leaders, and explore future trends in US policy and their global implications.

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Strategic fixed income investments: Navigating opportunities amid tariff turbulence

Access our insightful webinar where our investment leaders explore navigating today’s evolving market with fixed income investments. Our expert panel delves into corporate credit, short-term opportunities and tax-free municipal bonds.

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Tariffs: How to invest now

Access our webinar on President Trump’s new tariffs. Our investment leaders discussed the impact on global markets, reciprocal tariffs and potential economic consequences like recession and inflation risks. They also talked about how these changes could affect your investments and the broader economy.

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1/23

Trending on extreme volatility

7 golden investing rules to build long-term wealth

In today’s dynamic landscape, the ability to manage through periods of capital market volatility is crucial to help safeguard assets and grow portfolios over time. This new resource highlights seven critical concepts that can provide guidance  during times of extreme volatility.
 

Navigate volatility
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29 APRIL 2026

Emerging markets update: Resilience through volatility

Although sentiment remains sensitive to headlines around the Strait of Hormuz and energy markets, Franklin Templeton’s Emerging Markets Debt team sees an asset class that has shown it can absorb shocks, even as renewed geopolitical flare-ups or a broader risk-off episode could still test markets.

23 APRIL 2026

On My Mind: Geopolitical shock meets structural trends

The Iran conflict is the headline—but deglobalization and innovation are the story. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai shares her perspective on the two structural shifts that she believes matter most right now: retrenchment in globalization and accelerating innovation. Both point to higher yields—plus more volatility ahead.

17 APRIL 2026

Quick Thoughts: Strait open—investment implications

The Strait of Hormuz is completely open. What does this mean from an investment perspective? Stephen Dover and Larry Hatheway from Franklin Templeton Institute share their thoughts on the long-term implications and what to watch out for.

16 APRIL 2026

Resist reacting to oil price jitters

History shows staying invested can pay off.

15 APRIL 2026

Quick Thoughts: A helpful ceasefire, but a fragile pause

The US-Iran ceasefire has lifted markets; however, Franklin Templeton Institute’s Stephen Dover explains why this looks more like a relief rally rather than a definitive resolution. He also discusses where he sees possible opportunities ahead.

14 APRIL 2026

AOR Update (Podcast): Conflict, volatility and opportunity

On this month’s Talking Markets podcast, Jeff Schulze of ClearBridge Investments joins host John Przygocki to assess recession risks, energy price shocks, market volatility, and investor concerns from AI and labor trends to private credit and market concentration. Schulze also explains why the current “wall of worry” can actually create long-term equity opportunities.