Middle market hedge fund managers are coping with a contradiction—as the world unravels due to Covid-19, the S&P 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. … READ MORE >
Anthony DeCandido
The back-to-school debate and its impact on the real economy
Since the close of the 2019-2020 school year, Americans have turned their attention to plans for school reopening. Their decisions have significant impact for the broader economy, both traditional businesses and emerging concerns that find opportunity in the ‘new normal.’ … READ MORE >
Public scrutiny over ESG holdings will cause universal reporting change
As environmental, social and governance investing continues to grow in popularity, investors need to carefully evaluate how their holdings will be viewed by the public. Asset managers must balance their desire to promote ESG consciousness with their fiduciary duty to drive financial returns. … READ MORE >
For private equity funds, bigger is not always better
The rise of billion-dollar private equity buyout funds reflects the growing demand from large investors willing to write big checks. Interest rates remain historically low and, with additional rate cuts almost certain to come, investors continue to expect high returns. The larger the fund, so the thinking goes, the larger … … 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 >