An in-depth look at the latest economic and market developments Issue | Second Quarter 2026 April began under the shadow of an acute energy shock. The escalation in the Middle East and the disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had pushed Brent crude above $100 a barrel, reviving...

For many of the past several years, investor enthusiasm has been concentrated in a narrow group of AI-related and technology stocks. As liquidity conditions tighten and speculation begins to recede, broader market fundamentals are gaining importance.

Ethereum (ETH) is a smart contract blockchain that supports decentralized applications and digital assets through programmable code. 

Today’s higher yields continue to make a compelling case for fixed income, but broad bond exposure may not be enough. In this quarter’s Fixed Income Outlook, BlackRock’s active fixed income investors explain why income, selectivity and portfolio construction matter as changing economic and policy dynamics reshape markets in 2026.

Innovation Strategist Patrik Björklund examines why tokenisation may be nearing an inflection point in institutional finance. As blockchain infrastructure matures, benefits such as faster settlement, greater collateral mobility and lower operational friction could see tokenised fund structures increasingly coexist with, and eventually challenge, traditional vehicles.

A strategic framework for international and emerging markets allocation within the broader context of global investment.

Understand the key trends shaping returns across equities, fixed income, currencies and alternatives.

The arrival of sweltering summer temperatures caps off a red-hot first half for asset returns in 2026. Despite June being a relatively lackluster month, the second quarter produced banner returns for risk assets. 

Midway through 2026, Franklin Templeton Institute’s Global Investment Outlook framework remains a valuable lens—but the landscape has shifted.

Important Notice This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Readers should consult their own qualified legal, tax, or financial advisers before making any decisions based on...

AI-related disruption, asset valuations and borrower stress have put private credit under a microscope lately. Is this a market facing its first major test after a decade of rapid growth? If it is, we expect it to pass comfortably.

The decarbonisation investment universe is well-stocked with ‘heavy-asset, low-obsolescence’ companies that are well-placed to benefit from an investment supercycle.