Putnam Perspectives - Putnam Investments

Explore research-driven analysis of evolving market themes

Markets see living with Covid-19 as the new normal

Global financial markets might be pricing in a “living with the virus” environment and are adjusting to a lower growth path.

Bond markets in flux on rates and inflation outlook

Global financial markets were mixed during the second quarter.

U.S. labor market — 55 is the new 65

Following broad-based recovery in the labor market when the economy initially reopened in 2020, the labor force participation rate has stagnated and started to diverge.

Fed's hawkish pivot shouldn't stoke inflation fears

We take a closer look at inflation, unfilled jobs, and semiconductor shortages.

Pandemic takes toll on emerging market finances

New mobility restrictions will be a drag on emerging economies, but we expect the impact will be less severe than during the first wave of the pandemic.

U.K. rebounds as consumers splurge, factories rev up

The U.K. economy is recovering as retail sales, manufacturing, and services show strong growth, driven by the easing of lockdown rules.

Toys, cars, and the U.S. recovery

We believe growth in the United States remains strong, but expectations need to be revised lower.

Oil makes a comeback as demand rises

Oil demand is likely to rise amid a stronger outlook for the United States, China, and Europe.

Don't overlook non-U.S. small caps

When focused on diversification one asset class that is often overlooked is non-U.S. small-caps.

Time-as-a-Service, anyone?

The evolution of time-as-a-service illustrates the changing nature of economic moats, competitive advantages that protect a company’s market share.

Fiscal impetus and the U.S. labor market

We examine the interplay between President Biden's multi-trillion-dollar stimulus plans, the labor market, and corporate profits.

China focuses on growth today and on tech for the future

China's ambitious five-year plan calls for self-sufficiency in technology and quality domestic growth.

Economic recovery, European-style

We believe Europe's economic activity can remain in expansion and perhaps even surprise on the upside in the second quarter.

From V-shaped recovery to bond vigilantes

The Federal Reserve remains dovish on monetary policy as bond market vigilantes push yields higher.

Clean energy: Myths, reality, and opportunities

We believe many companies are poised to benefit significantly from the big shift toward renewable energy.

Green shoots in Japan's economy

Japan's economy, the world's third largest, will likely accelerate in mid-2021 as vaccine rollouts gather steam.

Mental health is a business issue: How companies are supporting their employees

Companies are beginning to focus more on mental health at work, and some are offering a wider range of supportive and preventive care.

U.S. consumers flush with cash could drive temporary inflation

An easing pandemic and rising consumption will buoy U.S. growth, and potentially inflation.

Rising yields and mixed recoveries in emerging markets

The broad outlook for emerging markets has improved as vaccinations gather pace, but higher global interest rates will create headwinds.

Oil prices rally as supply dwindles

OPEC+ will be the key determinant for near-term oil prices as the outlook for global demand improves.

Global economic recovery hinges on vaccine success

Vaccine supply and efficacy rates will be important factors for a return to pre-pandemic global activity.

New medicines and digital tools target mental health

In recent years, there have been several developments for treating mental health. These innovations — which come after decades of slower-paced advances — include novel drugs and digital offerings.

Is inflation poised to return?

We believe that pandemic-related bottlenecks have temporarily lifted U.S. inflation. Still, the underlying inflation trend is weak.

China's economy pulls ahead

China’s economy is rebounding and the virus spread remains mostly under control.

U.K. starts new chapter after EU split

It is strategic for the U.K. to have a trade deal with the EU given the short- and long-term negative effects of Brexit.

China leads, other emerging markets lag

China is leading the economic recovery among emerging-market countries, buoyed by stimulus and stringent COVID-19 measures.

Pandemic persists in policy patchwork

Fiscal and monetary policies will be central to the economic recovery between now and the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine.

U.S. economy remains a centerpiece in 2020 vote

Fiscal policy will be a key focus for investors after the November election.

VIX futures hint at post-election uncertainty

When there is election uncertainty the VIX can experience a “kink” to price indicating idiosyncratic risk.

The global economy and the race for a vaccine

The development of a vaccine will play a role in shaping the global economic comeback in 2021.

Keeping Japan's economy afloat after Abe

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation raises questions about the future of Abenomics and reform in Japan.

The Fed’s flexible new policy

The Fed announced a shift in its approach to monetary policy and the new strategy can be viewed as a flexible form of average inflation targeting.

The future is happening faster now

We rarely see as much disruption as we have seen in 2020, and we believe this offers investment opportunities.

Deglobalization creates new winners in China

The trade war, pandemic, and the Made in China 2025 initiative are resulting in a deglobalization trend and opportunities in China.

Staying at home increases spending on homes

As the economy continues to be challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing two notable trends in the U.S. housing industry.

V-shaped recovery proving elusive

The U.S. and global economic recoveries are unlikely to be “V-shaped” as businesses and consumers remain wary of returning to pre-pandemic behavior.

Vaccine is a wild card for the economy

A vaccine for the coronavirus will be supportive of risky assets even if the economic benefits take longer to materialize.

Risk sentiment swings with Fed tapering

Without a proactive Fed, the rally in risk assets would be in trouble.

Europe displays rare unity over relief fund

In a step toward closer ties, European Union leaders plan to discuss a recovery fund for countries hardest hit by the pandemic.

Company diversity and social justice

Company diversity is a step toward equity and equity is a step toward inclusion, which is important to company success.

Sustainability research: A week in the life of our team

Our research includes discussions with company managements, other researchers and investors, industry and subject experts, and non-profit organizations.

Behavioral shifts bring potential investment opportunities

Many businesses that have been resilient and strong during the COVID-19 crisis are likely to become even stronger in the aftermath.

Coronavirus tests limits of U.S. stimulus plans

The pandemic is testing the policy responses from the Federal Reserve and Congress to boost the U.S. economy and calm financial markets.

Sustainable value: Gender diversity on corporate boards

Diversity in companies — including gender diversity — can have a positive impact on company performance and strategic ability.

Stumbling toward a fiscal equilibrium in the eurozone

The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic in Europe will be severe amid efforts by policymakers, including the ECB, to cushion the blow.

Bracing for a slow U.S. recovery

U.S. economic recovery will likely be slow and halting as coronavirus health risks cast a shadow on demand.

What’s next for the hard-hit financials sector?

The financials sector has been among the hardest hit from the COVID-19-induced equity market selloff, but there are reasons for optimism.

ESG issues alive in healthcare

Our team analyzes medical costs and access as ESG issues affecting human well-being and sustainable economic development.

Perspectives on COVID-19

Putnam’s health-care analysts and portfolio managers offer their outlooks and perspectives on key aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oil’s wild ride and what lies ahead

Demand for oil has collapsed as the coronavirus pandemic devastates the global economy and curbs much of the need for fuel from companies and consumers.

Navigating bond yields

The trajectory of bonds yields will depend on the Federal Reserve's policies and fiscal stimulus amid a sharp global economic downturn.

Investing for growth in volatile markets

Putnam portfolio managers discuss managing risk and finding investment opportunities in challenging markets.

Social distancing generates recession

A recession is looming in the U.S. as COVID-19 and social distancing take a toll on economic activity.

Equity opportunities in challenging markets

Putnam’s equity investment professionals recently discussed market conditions, Putnam strategies, and their outlooks.

Manager insights: Bulls, bears, and bond markets

With the extreme swings in the market over the past few weeks, several of Putnam’s senior fixed-income managers shared their insights on the bond markets

Slowing the spread of Covid-19 entails economic disruption

The global economic outlook has deteriorated because of the coronavirus pandemic and rising supply and demand disruptions.

The Fed reacts to coronavirus economic risks

The Fed made a proactive move to reduce the federal funds rate by 50 basis points.

The impact of coronavirus on markets

The spread of coronavirus infections is having an impact on China’s GDP and on financial market sentiment worldwide.

Is another round of Fed rate cuts looming?

The Federal Reserve may lower its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points in 2020 if sustained financial market stress affects economic activity.

Solutions to antibiotic resistance

As the focus on natural ingredients intensifies, so has concern about antibiotic use in food production.

Waiting for the next wave of growth

We believe the global economy will continue to bounce around the current growth pace. Trade, manufacturing, and oil, along with geopolitical risks, will play a role in determining the trajectory.