While nontraded real estate investment trusts (REITs) have faced another challenging year, financial advisors are seeing a rise in sales of alternative investments overall. By August, financial advisors sold $76.6 billion of illiquid alternatives, including nontraded REITs, business development companies (BDCs), interval funds, and private placements. 

This amount matches 2023's total, with projections indicating the industry will surpass $115 billion by the end of 2024. Sales of nontraded REITs have notably decreased to $4.2 billion in the first eight months, compared to their peak of over $33 billion in 2022. 

However, BDCs have overtaken REITs as the most popular alternative investment sold, with $23.7 billion in sales through August. Blackstone Inc. leads in nontraded REIT and BDC sales this year.

Finsum: There is still an elevated risk premium built into most non-treasury rates right currently but REITs could see a bounce back with that falling soon. 

Blackstone Inc. predicts the private credit market could expand to $30 trillion, driven by infrastructure financing and pensions. Currently, private debt stands at $1.7 trillion, primarily funding private equity, but Rob Horn, global head of infrastructure and asset-based credit at Blackstone, views this as just a fraction of the opportunity. 

Private lenders are expected to take market share from banks, which now dominate the asset-based credit sector, with Blackstone focusing on areas like energy transition, digital infrastructure, and real estate. 

Pension and sovereign wealth funds are also taking notice, potentially increasing their private debt allocations. Blackstone expects significant future growth in sectors like data centers, where investments could top $1 trillion over five years. 

Finsum: While private equity has struggled to secure its footing in the same way private debt has, this expansion looks very stable. 

On September 18, the Federal Reserve kicked off a new easing cycle by cutting interest rates by 50 basis points, its largest reduction in 16 years. However, instead of a smooth decline in bond yields, the 10-year Treasury yield actually rose afterward, highlighting the unpredictability of markets. 

The Fed has made it clear that its strategy will be a gradual one, adjusting based on economic data, with a neutral policy stance likely to be reached by 2026. Other major central banks, such as the ECB and BOE, are also approaching rate cuts cautiously to curb inflationary pressures.

 China, facing economic slowdowns, has continued cutting rates to spur growth in other sectors, despite ongoing issues in the property market.

Finsum:  As global central banks navigate rate cuts, market volatility is expected, especially with geopolitical risks and upcoming elections contributing to uncertainty.

Private equity giants are increasingly turning to hands-on management of the companies they own as financial strategies alone are no longer sufficient. With rising interest rates and a slowdown in the deals market, firms like Goldman Sachs and Blackstone are bringing in seasoned industry veterans to boost operational performance. 

This shift focuses on enhancing profitability through measures like improving margins and increasing cash flow, rather than relying on the traditional method of multiple expansion. 

Private equity firms are also extending the holding periods of their investments, driven by the need to deliver returns to investors amidst a tougher economic climate. Companies are placing a stronger emphasis on building long-term strategic growth plans. 

Finsum: As interest rates and inflation rise, private equity is evolving to emphasize deeper involvement in company operations rather than relying solely on financial solutions.

Podcasts have exploded in popularity in the last decade and with it comes a wide variety of options to increase your awareness. Whether you're just beginning your investment journey or preparing for retirement, these podcasts offer guidance for all stages of life. 

1. Planet Money from NPR simplifies complex financial topics through relatable stories. 
2. Jessica Moorehouse’s More Money Podcast focuses on personal finance tips and interviews, helping listeners take control of their money. 
3. The Bid by BlackRock provides insights from strategists on market events, geopolitics, and sustainable investing. 

Each podcast brings unique perspectives on how to start investing, understand the economy, and reach financial goals. 

Finsum: Podcast recommendations can also be used to grow connections with clientele by helping them understand their investment opportunities.