The Real Economy Blog

Anthony DeCandido, Partner, Financial Services Senior Analyst

@adecandido1

Anthony is a Partner at RSM US LLP with over thirteen years of experience at the firm. He serves as the Connecticut Financial Services Leader and his client responsibilities includes private equity funds, including those with multiple co-investment vehicle arrangements, hedge funds, fund-of-funds, real estate investment companies and asset lending businesses.

In January 2018, Anthony was selected as a senior analyst in RSM’s cutting edge Industry Eminence Program, which positions its senior analysts to understand, forecast and communicate economic, business and technology trends shaping the industries RSM serves. These senior analysts advise clients on conditions impacting middle market leaders. Anthony’s focus is on the financial services industry.

A Labor Department rule puts spotlight on ESG in retirement plans

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As investors increasingly focus on environmental, social and governance issues in the corporate sector, an important question remains: What is the true purpose of ESG? Is it to drive returns, or to simultaneously do right by society? Along with that question has come concern over fiduciary responsibility. Do investors hold up their legal and ethical ... READ MORE >

CHART OF THE DAY: Rising optimism among small businesses

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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. The index includes data on plans for hiring and capital outlays, and expectations for the economy to improve. In a reflection of this increased optimism, the NFIB found that a ... READ MORE >

CHART OF THE DAY: Plunging private equity deal flow in Canada

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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, according to PitchBook. The value of the deals plunged as well, falling to $26.8 billion. This represents a $53.2 ... READ MORE >

Hedge funds will be tested as U.S. fundamentals remain frail

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Middle market hedge fund managers are coping with a contradiction—as the world unravels due to Covid-19, the S&P 500 is nearing an all-time high. While the markets respond favorably to progress on a vaccine, money managers are looking to a future with a high degree of uncertainty around a possible U.S. recovery amid weak fundamentals. On March 11, the ... READ MORE >

COVID-19 stifles middle market private equity dealmaking

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U.S. middle market private equity deal and fundraising activity slowed through the second quarter as the global health pandemic continues to ravage American business. According to PitchBook, the number of closed middle market funds – defined as individual funds with assets under management of $1 billion or less – was only 35 during the second quarter, ... READ MORE >

The back-to-school debate and its impact on the real economy

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“Enjoy your summer!” teachers say when the school bells ring a final time and children race home to their families to begin summer. But summer has been far from enjoyable for U.S. families who carry the weight of making back-to-school plans amid an uncertain COVID-19 landscape. Yes, the warm weather has sent folks outside – many have enjoyed beach and ... READ MORE >