What Franklin Templeton Thinks...

…About TRADE & TARRIFS

Alphabet soup helps settle stomachs as NAFTA to become USMCA.

• There is a risk these things can spiral, but positive steps—for example, in recent trade negotiations between Mexico, the United States, and Canada—show there is a way through trade disputes by updating treaties instead of just tearing them up.
• The irony is that most of the terms that are in the United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA), the replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), were basically from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
• The escalating trade rhetoric between the US and China is arguably the biggest “known unknown” that concerns central banks, economists and investors alike.
• If these tariffs take hold, consumer spending could take a hit and more companies may put planned investments on hold.
• Bottom line: The issue will probably increase market volatility but we don’t think it will impact fundamentals all that much.

…About US EQUITIES

The US economy continues chugging along but beware of equity volatility speed bumps.

• Despite elevated geopolitical headlines and trade tensions, US growth fundamentals continue to be positive.
• Tax reform is providing a tailwind for earnings, and valuations appear to be at reasonable risk/reward levels against a backdrop of low unemployment and moderate inflation.
• While the market is offering attractive opportunities, they are less abundant than in recent years.
• Investors need to be more selective in their risk exposures, as broad market beta is more expensive than it has been.

…About EUROPE, JAPAN and UK EQUITIES

The US is driving the global growth train, but less robust international growth and political concerns are offset by better valuations.

• In Europe, we believe growth has peaked, though equity valuations have appeared reasonable relative to potential reward.
• Recent British pound weakness has helped boost short-term performance in UK equities. But Brexit looms as an event that could destabilize the EU and UK. We expect UK economic headwinds.
• Japan’s growth outlook is mediocre. Leading indicators are weakening, although we don’t expect a major downturn given strong labor markets and the global growth outlook. Valuations on a price-to-book value basis are still attractive vs. other markets.

…About EMERGING MARKETS EQUITIES

Not all emerging markets are turkeys.

• First, EM comprises diverse countries with different economic growth drivers and political risk that do not move in lockstep.
• With some exceptions—e.g. Turkey—the asset class as a whole remains in good health.
• Asia appears to be relatively stable, while Latin America is more of a turnaround story where policies are now getting, or trying to get, better. There are likely more alpha opportunities in Latin America.

…About INTEREST RATES & INFLATION

All things in good measure.

• Central banks around the world generally appear to be taking things in a cool, measured stride.
• We don’t expect to see any ECB rate hikes until 2020.
• In contrast, the Bank of England (BoE) raised rates in August, and signaled more rate hikes to come if inflation looks to accelerate.
• The US Federal Reserve (Fed) has signaled that inflation appears to be manageable. With the US economy running hotter, the Fed appears poised for one more rate hike this year and three next year.

…About FIXED INCOME

The “Investment Grade” (IG) seal of approval might be tarnished.

Credit Quality Deterioration of Investment Grade Credit¹

• Not all BBB (Baa) debt is the same. It now makes up almost half the Bloomberg Barclays US Corp Index, double that in the ‘90s.¹
• High-yield bonds are enjoying positive tailwinds, given shrinking supply.
• The bank loan market now rivals high-yield in terms of size. With investor demand outstripping bank loan supply, we are seeing more investors relinquishing control over credit terms. Greater vigilance to distinguish loans without adequate lender protections is required.
• Rising rates leave duration assets vulnerable.
• Selective positioning is important in emerging markets, as some countries are more exposed to the rising cost of capital.