Franklin Templeton·2026-06-22·via All Articles on Seeking Alpha
Summary
The first quarter of 2026 was characterized by elevated geopolitical risk and accelerating AI-driven disruption across the software sector and its incumbent business models.
TIPS positioning along with positive issue selection within agency MBS and structured products contributed to performance.
Geopolitical tensions remain a defining feature of the outlook, with the Middle East conflict introducing ongoing uncertainty and contributing to oil price volatility as supply routes face occasional disruption.
Worawith Ounpeng/iStock via Getty Images
Key Takeaways
Markets: The first quarter of 2026 was characterized by elevated geopolitical risk and accelerating AI-driven disruption across the software sector and its incumbent business models. The period was shaped by a series of