As the Federal Reserve continues to keep interest rates at historically low levels, private equity firms in the middle market have an opportunity to take advantage of those low rates and make capital investments that will pay off in the future. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: ESG comes to financial services
As environmental, social and governance practices have gained broader acceptance, financial services companies have started to fall under scrutiny when it comes to ESG. … READ MORE >
Private equity and venture capital stay resilient in the EU and UK
After a year of upheaval, private equity and venture capital dealmaking ended last year on a strong note in the European Union and the U.K., and that momentum is poised to continue. … READ MORE >
Political turmoil highlights the need for companies to evaluate governance risks
Companies’ taking a stand on the recent political unrest not only carries obvious risks for the businesses and groups, but it also presents opportunities for organizations to uphold their societal commitments, especially those articulated in ESG. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Institutional investors warm to digital assets
There is increasing evidence that institutional investors are looking to invest in digital assets. Grayscale reported that its average institutional allocation in the fourth quarter of last year was $6.8 million, more than double the average in the previous quarter. Total contributions for the period totaled $3.3 billion. … READ MORE >
Private equity firms pledge their support for Diversity in Action initiative
Under the Diversity in Action initiative, investors commit to advancing diversity and inclusion, both within their organizations and within the industry more broadly. … READ MORE >
Private equity dealmaking surges, with gains in the middle market
After a quiet period set off by the coronavirus pandemic, private equity deal activity in the United States surged through mid-November as investment managers prepare for a possible tax policy change under President-elect Joe Biden. … READ MORE >
A Labor Department rule puts spotlight on ESG in retirement plans
The Labor Department recently affirmed that managers of retirement plans hold a fiduciary duty to evaluate investments over ESG criteria or other nonfinancial outcomes … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Rising optimism among small businesses
The small business optimism index rose 3.8 points to 104 in September, the highest reading since February, according to a report by the National Federation of Independent Business. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Plunging private equity deal flow in Canada
The economic distress from the coronavirus pandemic is hitting the Canadian private equity market hard. The number of deals reached in Canada this year through Oct. 6 fell to 194, which at that pace would represent a 60% decline from 2019. … READ MORE >