The average performance of the hedge fund sector since the Great Recession has lagged the returns of passive investments including broad-based equity index funds tied to the S&P 500 as well as exchange-traded funds. The underperformance of hedge funds, a risky but historically high-flying sector whose managers are compensated on their ability to outperform the markets, has resulted in net capital outflows and lower fees … READ MORE >
Financial services
Venture capital tech investments show strength in first half of 2019
For cash-intensive technology companies, access to capital is often required to sustain operations and quickly achieve scale. Venture capital firms invested over $30 billion in tech startups in the second quarter of 2019, according to data from Pitchbook, putting total investment on pace to eclipse $100 billion for the second straight year. … READ MORE >
BDCs’ popularity unlikely to be slowed by recent Fed rate cut, but headwinds remain
Business development corporations are unlikely to lose their momentum in the near term, despite last week’s interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve and the ongoing trade conflict with China. … READ MORE >
Crowdfunding proves to widen the reach of companies seeking early-stage capital
In the past, companies looking for alternative funding would have tried their luck with venture capital and private equity firms. But the advent of crowdfunding—which offers Main Street investors the ability to make equity investments in growing businesses—has given some companies a boost they might not have gotten from using the typical sources. … READ MORE >
Latest C-corporation conversion announcement follows trend with largest alternative asset managers
Carlyle Group LP, among the world’s largest private equity firms, is expected to announce it conversion to a C-corporation from a publicly trade partnership during its second-quarter earnings call on July 31. It is the latest alternative asset manager to make a conversion that may not add up for the middle market. … READ MORE >
SEC’s move to redefine high-net-worth investors may broaden investor base down the road
A new government proposal to loosen restrictions on who qualifies as the high-net-worth individuals known as accredited investors could be a boon to asset managers seeking new sources of capital. … READ MORE >
Managers fear heavy costs following SEC’s proposed fund-of-funds rule change
A proposed federal rule would expand the ability of investment funds to boost their portfolios in other funds. But critics say it would require significant fund restructuring by the funds and burden investors. … READ MORE >
Want a fuller picture of biotech’s promise? Look beyond the public markets
The biotech ecosystem and the capital markets in which it operates are complex; viewing this sector through the lens of the public markets doesn’t provide a complete picture of its promise to investors. … READ MORE >
Data breaches are down but more effective
While the number of data breaches per year has doubled in the last decade, there were significantly fewer breaches in 2018 compared to 2017 (see chart below). Unfortunately, cybercriminals have had greater success in accessing sensitive personal and corporate data. … READ MORE >
Health care deal outlook for 2019 good, despite slow start to year–panel
Health care deals are down to start 2019, but the outlook is good, largely due to of the amount of dry powder on the sidelines, a recent panel of private equity professionals noted earlier this month. … READ MORE >