BlackRock has announced a $12 billion acquisition of HPS Investment Partners, a private credit firm led by former Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan executives. The deal highlights BlackRock’s push into private credit, a rapidly expanding $1.6 trillion market that has grown as banks retreat from leveraged lending. 

CEO Larry Fink emphasized the blending of public and private markets as a core feature of modern investing. The move aligns with BlackRock’s broader strategy to deepen its presence in alternative assets, following acquisitions of Preqin and Global Infrastructure Partners earlier this year. 

While some industry leaders, including JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon, have raised concerns about risks in private credit, BlackRock sees significant opportunities for growth. 

Finsum: This acquisition could boost BlackRock’s effort to position itself as a leader in alternative asset management.

Preparing for winter’s harshest days requires more than layering up; it demands the right outerwear tailored to the season’s challenges. Here are the key jacket styles, each combining practicality and warmth. 

From the parkas used by Arctic communities to bomber jackets born out of aviation needs, each coat carries a legacy of functionality. 

Overcoats, waxed canvas jackets, and trench coats offer durability and protection, with features designed for varied conditions. 

Meanwhile, puffer and down jackets prioritize insulation, leveraging modern and traditional materials to lock in heat. Finally, the classic peacoat, steeped in maritime history, balances timeless style with winter utility.

Finsum: Wythe in New York City is making one of the most durable heavyweight topcoats that can be perfect for frigid office attire that maintains style. 

For value investors looking for opportunities, two large-cap stocks stand out this quarter due to their strong economic moats and undervaluation. PayPal (PYPL) is recognized as a leader in the electronic payments space, with a narrow economic moat that should help it remain competitive for years to come. 

Despite recent challenges, including increased competition and the reversal of pandemic-driven growth, PayPal’s focus on top-line growth and product innovation could restore its momentum over time, making its stock price attractive at $104 per share. 

Nike (NKE), the world’s largest athletic brand, also enjoys a wide economic moat but has faced difficulties like soft demand and a leadership change. Despite these setbacks, Nike’s competitive strengths and its new Triple Double strategy could revitalize growth. 

Finsum: Technology is also a place to consider large cap exposure, and the small cap run could mean it’s a great buy for larger cap stocks currently. 

Technology stocks have had an excellent 2024, driven by the growing demand for AI services and digital transformation. Generative AI has spurred substantial investments from major tech companies like Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft. 

This surge in demand is also benefiting the semiconductor industry, with global sales expected to grow by 16% in 2024, reaching $611.2 billion. As the tech sector continues to thrive, the Nasdaq Composite has gained over 26% year-to-date, with the momentum expected to continue into 2025. 

Stocks such as American Superconductor, Vertiv, Toast, and Impinj have seen impressive gains and are well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing growth in AI and technology. These companies, with strong growth prospects, have become attractive investment opportunities amid the sector's favorable outlook.

Finsum: There still seems to be positive momentum for AI technology now but its medium-term outlook to be profitable still is suspect. 

Bitcoin has had a rough stretch since Donald Trump's election victory, following a failed attempt to surpass the $100,000 mark. This four-day decline has reduced its value by roughly 8%, with Bitcoin trading at $91,615 on Tuesday morning in New York. 

Meanwhile, the broader cryptocurrency market saw a dip in its $1 trillion gain since the November 5 election. The struggle to break through the $100,000 threshold might prompt traders to lock in profits, according to crypto analyst Noelle Acheson, though she believes this setback will be short-lived.

Despite the current dip, experts like Adrian Przelozny remain optimistic about the market’s future, expecting the bullish trend to persist in 2025. Trump's recent commitment to supporting crypto regulations and building a Bitcoin reserve has further fueled optimism.

Finsum: We remain cautious regarding bitcoin in the near term because the priority of these policy changes is still up in the air. 

Donald Trump’s intention to introduce new tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico starting on his first day in office is expected to spark significant turbulence in the currency markets, with experts warning that the impact on exchange rates could be far-reaching. 

He revealed plans on Monday to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, a move that might violate an existing trade agreement, as well as an additional 10% levy on Chinese goods. These announcements quickly triggered sharp movements in the markets, with the U.S. dollar climbing against both the Mexican peso and the Canadian dollar.

Goldman Sachs advised investors to prepare for increased volatility in the foreign exchange markets, suggesting that such fluctuations could persist for an extended period due to the likelihood of tariffs remaining a key aspect of Trump’s strategy.

Finsum: Although Trump’s recent tariff announcements were lower than anticipated they could very well end up much different than the current announcement.

As investors brace for the effects of Donald Trump's second term, Scott Sperling, Co-CEO of Thomas H. Lee Partners, offers a fresh outlook on the private equity scene. Mark Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management, hints at pursuing strategic acquisitions to bolster the firm's growth, while maintaining a strong focus on its existing operations. 

Sperling foresees an uptick in economic expansion and reduced operational costs under the new administration, largely due to regulatory reforms. He reflects on the past few years, noting that stringent regulations have made deals like mergers and acquisitions more complex and costly.

 Sperling also highlights the recent pressure on major tech companies, as government scrutiny and antitrust actions could stifle innovation in key sectors. Nonetheless, he remains hopeful that private equity will thrive, despite the challenges posed by shifting political dynamics

Finsum: We anticipate both regulatory and policy changes to be friendlier to P/E in the new administration. 

The holidays can bring joy, but they often come with stress, from cleaning the house to managing busy schedules. This time of year can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to reduce the pressure and make the season more enjoyable. By following a few practical strategies, you can navigate the holiday chaos with more ease. 

First, planning ahead is essential to avoid overlapping commitments and streamline tasks like meal prep and shopping. It's also important to set boundaries and feel comfortable saying no to some events or responsibilities.

Finally, budgeting wisely, creating a peaceful environment, and taking time for self-care, such as relaxing or enjoying a good laugh, can help reduce stress and improve your overall holiday experience.

Finsum: Family board games can be a great way to decompress while still maintaining engagement with one’s relatives. 

The New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia is the latest addition to America’s national parks, showcasing 70,000 acres of rugged terrain and stunning waterfalls. This park offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting along the New River. 

Visitors can also explore historic mining towns that tell the story of the Appalachian region. Notable features include a massive steel arch bridge spanning the New River, which is the longest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. 

New River Gorge is particularly beautiful in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant colors. As one of the newest national parks, it joins a growing list of recently established parks that highlight America’s diverse natural beauty.

Finsum: Avoiding peak season when visiting new national parks can be a great way to cut through the tourist activity. 

Active exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become a major focus in the investment world this year, drawing significant attention from top fund companies. With over $800 billion in assets and an influx of approximately $250 billion in 2024, their growth is undeniable. 

Unlike mutual funds, active ETFs often capitalize on tax-efficient structures, such as in-kind transactions, which allow them to manage gains without triggering taxable events. Recent data indicates that only a small fraction of active ETFs distribute capital gains, making them attractive for tax-conscious investors compared to mutual funds, which tend to have higher payouts. 

Notably, many new active ETFs and clone strategies, launched alongside mutual fund versions, have kept capital gains distributions minimal. 

Finsum: This is a good sign of the trend in the regulatory environment and could pave the way for more efficient portfolio solutions.