Explore research-driven analysis of evolving market themes
Cross currents in global markets
March 2018
Evidence of economic strength, including a tight labor market and rising wages in the United States, drove Treasury yields higher.
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Are international stocks truly cheap?
On the surface, U.S. stocks appear more expensive than international stocks, but a quantitative comparison reveals the impact of sector valuations.
For the markets, trade trumps inflation
The popular narrative of the February market correction focused on inflation. We have a different interpretation.
Sparking a U.S. trade war?
We are seeing a return of the threat of protectionism in the United States.
World markets enjoy rising GDP but face distinct issues
A remarkable year of performance from stocks worldwide raises many questions for investors as we begin 2018.
Solid growth makes central bank policy the key question
The acceleration in global growth witnessed in 2017 should continue well into 2018, we believe, but likely with significant changes in its components.
The yield curve puzzle
The outlook for U.S. and global growth remains solid in 2018. However, the relationship between the improving U.S. economy, the Fed funds rate, and the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield is somewhat of an enigma.
China: A view through the looking glass
With President Xi Jinping's second-term underway, growth in China is expected to slow in 2018 as government reins in spending.
The crystal ball: Implications for 2018
The acceleration in global growth witnessed in 2017 will continue well into 2018, but with significant changes in its components.
Narrowing the range of risks
October marked another month of global expansion, and financial markets remained upbeat against a backdrop of low inflation.
Looking for impact in CEO compensation
It’s important for investors to be able to understand how a company’s performance relates to CEO compensation.
Harmonious growth in a discordant world
Against a backdrop of continued political challenges around the world, the global economy continues to do well and markets seem more encouraged by the growth than they are disconcerted by the political volatility.
Goldilocks environment to persist, but valuations limit upside
The market appears to have little confidence in tax reform, and little concern about North Korea or Fed policy.
How the Japan election may influence global interest rates
The Japan election could have consequences for the future leadership of the Bank of Japan and the country's impact on global interest rate trends.
Using and enhancing ESG investment data
ESG data is having investment impact but is still evolving, and stands to benefit from feedback offered by fundamental analysts.
Europe plays catch up
In the United States, we see an increasing amount of evidence pointing toward late-cycle economic conditions.
Why Brazil's crisis creates new concerns
The revelations of May 17 may pose a threat to President Temer's administration, and therefore a threat to Brazil's short- and medium-term economic outlook.
See the dove in the Fed's dot plot
The market sees a more hawkish Fed in the December 2016 rate hike, but we see see signs of a dove in the Fed's dot plot.
Diversifying stable value with traditional GICs
Stable value portfolios that avoid traditional GICs may be missing a diversification opportunity that also offers liquidity.
Negative interest rates may have unforeseen consequences
Today's experiments with negative interest rates in Europe and Japan have potential negative consequences for government bonds and the banking sector.
Recognize the value of flexibility as central banks experiment
Unconstrained diversification may be valuable for fixed-income investors as markets monitor possible changes in central bank policies around the globe.
Proceeding toward Brexit: The risks for investors
With the United Kingdom beginning to move forward with Brexit, we see risks to the economy, the pound, and the markets.
Italy's bank troubles challenge EU
Troubled banks in Italy pose a new challenge to the EU, one that has been compounded by the U.K.'s vote in favor of Brexit.
Can government reform brighten EM growth outlook?
Our research has identified both near- and long-term investment opportunities in EM countries that may benefit from a combination of policy reform, policy independence, and insulation from falling commodity prices.
Reassess risk as interest rates creep up
Historically when the Fed raises rates, Treasury rates have tended to move higher — a dynamic that poses risk to today's benchmark-oriented portfolios.
Don’t underestimate this economy
Despite worrisome headlines about the economy, recent data show only a modest loss of momentum.
Constrained credit threatens growth
Stock market rallies often need to climb a wall of worry, and we see that wall getting higher.
How alts have performed in the long run
Comparing the long-term returns and volatility of alternative investments can provide clues on their potential for diversifying a portfolio.
The fixed-income risks that we favor
We see more attractive fixed income risks outside of interest rates, in part because U.S. economic growth may warrant more rate hikes by the Fed.
Value opportunities gain traction in turmoil
Beneath dire headlines about plunging markets, we are seeing value opportunities assert themselves.
Shedding light on alternatives
Classifying alternative investment strategies by objective can help to illuminate the benefits they offer to portfolio diversification.
Assembling the global growth mosaic
Putnam's macroeconomic research identifies factors that point to continued weakness in the long-term growth potential of several major developed countries.
New research road tests alternatives
New Putnam research offers insights to help to set performance expectations for alternative strategies under actual market conditions.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the speaker, are subject to change with market conditions, and are not meant as investment advice.