Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

FLEE

Market cap $116M

Higher interest rates in some emerging Asian banking sectors will likely lead to slower credit growth by the end of 2027. Serbia's interest rate cap order will expire in September, and expectations of this are likely to boost credit growth before expiration.

As Europe confronts a new energy crisis, we explore key measures to strengthen energy security beyond simply lowering energy bills, and the potential implications for business leaders. Europe now relies on a wider range of suppliers, but paradoxically, the new geopolitical situation still leaves Europe vulnerable.

AI-related equity jitters are unlikely to be resolved overnight and eurozone government bonds could actually come out as a winner. Relative to euro rates, US equity volatility is reaching highs similar to previous crisis periods. A global rebalancing of portfolios could see significant demand for euro rates, mitigating the upward rate pressure.

Europe's macro outlook is shifting. After years of fiscal restraint and fragmented policy, the region is entering a new chapter - one centered on pro-growth fiscal policy, energy security, and capital-market reform.

For investors looking for income through a multi-asset class approach, it might seem sensible to max out the dividend yield within the equity allocation. Yield-focused equity strategies may introduce regional and sector concentrations that can influence returns. Given the relatively attractive yields available in other asset classes, we think it makes more sense to design 'core-like' equity exposure within multi-asset income solutions.

French bond yields have risen significantly against German bunds and are likely to stay elevated or potentially move higher. The European Central Bank still appears to be a reliable backstop against excessive bond turmoil.

The Franklin FTSE Europe ETF has delivered double-digit returns in early 2025, outperforming global markets which are down by mid-single-digits. We compare FLEE to the largest Europe-focused ETF - VGK. Europe's growth outlook feels underwhelming, but fiscal and monetary support could tilt conditions here.

Plans to increase defense and infrastructure spending offer compelling economic benefits for Germany's lagging manufacturing sector. The US seems to be dramatically reducing spending through its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) effort.

Absolute Return Partners is a London-based investment advisory business. Founded by Niels Jensen in 2002, it focuses on providing bespoke alternative investment solutions to institutional investors.

The ECB cut rates by 25bp as widely anticipated, but a slightly hawkish tilt bear flattened the EUR curve, which in our view remains priced aggressively. In the US, as the markets head towards the Fed's first rate cut, the probability of a larger cut rose slightly on Thursday.