Unlocking a wider world of equity opportunities

On this month’s Talking Markets podcast, 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.

In the 2026 State of the Union Address, US President Trump focused on legislative achievements and foreign policy, in a speech unlikely to have much impact on financial markets longer term.

While global investors have been focusing on other emerging markets, Brazil has been working through political and fiscal changes. Now, the country's economic indicators are improving, and capital has begun to flow back into Latin America’s largest economy.