Talking Markets with Franklin Templeton

The Opportunity in Municipal Bonds in 2026

We sit down with guests Rick Polsinello from the Franklin Templeton Institute and Ben Barber of Franklin Templeton Fixed Income to discuss the US economy and the municipal bond market in 2026. They cover why they view the economy as resilient, some key investment themes for the year, and the growing opportunity within municipal bonds.

Anatomy of a Recession Update: The Rotation Continues

Jeff Schulze of ClearBridge Investments reviews the latest Recession Risk Dashboard, including an update to Manufacturing PMI, New Orders. He also shares his thoughts on rotation in the US equity space, consumer strength, and why markets may see some volatility in 2026.

Global Investment Management Survey: Outlook on equities and more

We sit down with Chris Galipeau of Franklin Templeton Institute and Putnam's Kate Lakin to explore key insights from our Global Investment Management Survey and what they signal for the 2026 market landscape. Together, Chris and Kate break down expectations around economic growth, market broadening, and the strong business fundamentals shaping potential opportunities for investors.

Anatomy of a Recession Update: Is the AI era a repeat of the dot.com era?

Jeff Schulze of ClearBridge Investments shares insights from the ClearBridge Recession Risk Dashboard, explores the outlook for US equities in 2026, and discusses how AI-driven capital expenditures compare to past innovation cycles. Get his perspective on economic trends and where opportunities may lie in the year ahead.

Anatomy of a Recession Update: AI and the labor market

In this episode, our host John Przygocki and ClearBridge Investments' Jeff Schulze examine the state of the US economy following the end of the government shutdown and amid ongoing debates about the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. They cover key themes such as labor market stability, the potential for further Fed rate cuts, and the surge in capital spending by major technology firms. Jeff also shares his outlook for equity markets, highlighting why he thinks diversification and active management may hold an edge in 2026.