FINSUM
KKR Says Demographics Favor Healthcare
By 2040, adults retirement age are expected to make up 22% of the U.S. population, creating new investment opportunities in sectors catering to an aging demographic. One promising area is medical outpatient buildings (MOBs), which are increasingly in demand as healthcare systems shift toward outpatient care to provide more flexible services.
A notable example is KKR & Co.'s partnership with Healthcare Realty Trust, which has already committed nearly $500 million to acquire and develop MOB properties.
While Healthcare Realty Trust has faced challenges, including tenant bankruptcies, it has made strides in improving its financial stability and expanding its portfolio. With favorable demographic trends and a focus on outpatient facilities, the company may have a strong runway for future growth despite current market volatility.
Finsum: This is innovative thinking and could prove a useful way to invest in healthcare.
RIAs Pile Into Interval Funds
The interval fund market has seen notable growth in the first half of 2024, with net assets reaching $86.4 billion, a jump of nearly 11% since the first quarter, according to Robert A. Stanger & Co. Similarly, Morningstar reports that 100 interval funds manage approximately $80.7 billion, highlighting a rising trend fueled by RIAs.
XA Investments adds that there are currently 110 interval funds managing $101.6 billion, with expectations to see up to 255 funds and $175 billion in net assets by the end of the year. The sector has rebounded from last year’s challenges in real estate-focused funds, now propelled by increased interest in credit and private equity strategies.
Cliffwater LLC has emerged as a leader, managing nearly a quarter of the market's assets, with its private credit interval funds raising $4.9 billion so far this year. Meanwhile, infrastructure-focused interval funds are also seeing increased investor attention, contributing to a broader market expansion.
Finsum: It’s clear this is a new trend for RIAs and that they are seeing something in interval funds that their clients need.
Airbnb’s Fall Destination Guide
As the leaves begin to turn, travelers are finding that fall offers the best deals for getaways, with accommodation prices hitting their lowest compared to other seasons. This makes fall an ideal time for those seeking cost-effective travel options.
States like North Dakota, Maine, and Massachusetts have seen a notable increase in stays, attracting visitors with their vibrant foliage and seasonal appeal. The trend of passion-driven travel, where people choose destinations based on their interests—such as music festivals, food events, or outdoor adventures—continues to shape how people plan their trips.
Japan, with its blend of tradition, modernity, and stunning fall landscapes, remains the top international destination for American travelers for the second consecutive year. From budget-friendly domestic trips to unique international escapes, the fall season provides endless opportunities for exploration and memorable experiences.
Finsum: There are some dreamy destinations that really optimize the fall weather and visual experience on this list.
REITs See Inflows Due to Powell
Investors are increasingly turning their attention to the real estate sector as the Federal Reserve signals a potential shift toward lowering interest rates. Over the past month, five major U.S.-listed real estate ETFs have collectively seen net inflows of $2.2 billion, a figure that accounts for more than half of their total inflows over the last year.
This surge in capital reflects growing confidence that the real estate sector stands to benefit from anticipated lower borrowing costs and a more favorable economic environment.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell recently hinted at the Jackson Hole Symposium that rate cuts could be on the horizon, driven by signs of a cooling labor market and progress toward the 2% inflation target. As a result, ETFs like the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (IYR) and the Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) have seen substantial inflows, reinforcing the sector’s strong recovery and positioning it as a key beneficiary of potential monetary easing.
Finsum: Focus on REITs with single family rental performance, because corporate real estate is still dependent on hybrid/work from home policy.
Private Equity Turns Back on China
This year, major private equity firms like Blackstone, KKR, and Carlyle have significantly slowed their investment activity in China, reflecting growing geopolitical tensions and Beijing’s tighter control over businesses.
Once a thriving market, China's appeal has diminished rapidly, with only five small investments made by the top 10 global buyout firms this year, a stark contrast to the 30 deals made in 2021. The change marks a sharp decline in enthusiasm from international investors who once saw China as a goldmine.
Factors contributing to this downturn include geopolitical challenges, regulatory unpredictability, and a cooling economy. The slowdown in China-specific deals is more pronounced than the global trend, which has also been affected by rising interest rates, making debt-driven private equity models more costly.
Finsum: Taking stock of these geopolitical factors in important for any portfolio.