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 >
Financial services
CHART OF THE DAY: The SPAC boom accelerates
With January about half over, announced listings for SPACs have already surpassed the combined total for the first five months of 2020. At this pace, January will match or possibly exceed the record-setting month of last September, when announced listings peaked. … READ MORE >
5 trends from defense technology companies’ Q3 earnings calls
Defense technology company executives remain agile, anticipating future government spending trends, monitoring key supply chain risks, and investing in rapidly advancing technologies. Support for defense funding positions the sector for a strong 2021. … READ MORE >
5 trends from government services companies’ Q3 earnings calls
Trends among government services companies show a sector that has weathered the pandemic relatively well, positioning it for a strong 2021. … READ MORE >
With added benefits, lenders stand ready to roll out more fiscal aid
The legislation provides needed relief for the small businesses most affected by the downturn and customers of financial institutions while also providing a host of measures that will provide benefit beyond the banking industry. … 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 >
CHART OF THE DAY: Diverging trend in consumer loan delinquencies and unemployment
Consumer loan delinquencies and unemployment rates have historically followed similar paths. But the pandemic has upended that coupling, as consumer loan delinquencies have trended down while unemployment has increased significantly. … 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 >
Federal Reserve eases Main Street Lending Program terms to encourage participation
The Federal Reserve on Friday announced changes to its Main Street Lending Program intended to make financing more readily available to small and medium-size businesses struggling amid a resurgence of the coronavirus. … READ MORE >