Global private credit is staging a recovery from a decade-low slump, driven by stronger-than-expected global GDP growth and a gradual shift toward looser monetary policy.
Although deal activity remains below historical norms, transaction volumes grew 7% last year, with deal values rising 15% to $3.5 trillion, bringing the market closer to pre-pandemic levels. Despite lingering valuation gaps and geopolitical uncertainty, optimism is building for a stronger M&A rebound in 2025, which could further boost private credit’s rapid ascent as an alternative financing source.
The asset class has cemented itself as a critical pillar of corporate lending, filling the gap left by traditional banks and offering borrowers more tailored, flexible funding solutions. Investors are increasingly drawn to private credit’s ability to deliver stable returns and diversify portfolios, fueling further expansion in the sector.
Finsum: As dealmaking momentum builds, firms are poised to capitalize, leveraging their global network and deep industry expertise to connect capital with opportunity.
Spring doesn’t have to involve expensive travel—there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy time together at home. One idea is to “travel the world from home” by learning about different countries, cooking their traditional dishes, and watching related movies.
A family pilgrimage to a nearby holy site can also be a meaningful experience, especially during this Jubilee Year, with many designated pilgrimage locations across the U.S. For a fun night in, kids can enjoy a "sleep-under," wearing pajamas, playing games, and watching a movie before heading home to sleep.
Cozy reading time can be made extra special with a library trip followed by building a blanket fort to read new books inside. A family bake-off adds a competitive twist to baking, letting each child pick a recipe to make and everyone vote on the tastiest creation.
Finsum: Whether through cultural exploration, faith-filled experiences, or simple at-home activities, spring break can be both memorable and affordable.
As the wealth landscape evolves, the number of high-net-worth individuals is on the rise. And that means financial advisors who can cater to their complex needs will be in high demand. Are you prepared to meet the challenge?
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With inflation concerns lingering, advisors are closely monitoring the Federal Reserve’s next moves. The Fed held interest rates steady but raised its inflation forecast for the year, while also trimming its growth projection to 1.7%.
Despite expectations for two rate cuts in 2024, economic uncertainty and potential trade disputes make forecasting difficult. Fixed income investors must remain adaptable, balancing inflation risks with the Fed’s evolving stance.
Actively managed bond ETFs, such as the Eaton Vance Total Return Bond ETF (EVTR), offer flexibility in navigating rate shifts. By blending investment-grade debt with selective high-yield exposure, EVTR seeks to optimize returns while mitigating risk in an unpredictable market.
Finsum: Active fixed income tends to dominate in macro markets, and that is the current environment that is current environment exactly.
Economic data from the first quarter indicates slowing growth alongside rising inflation, raising concerns about stagflation. February’s PCE price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, showed its highest reading in a year, while inflation-adjusted consumer spending barely increased.
GDP is now projected to shrink by 0.5% annually, as rising imports ahead of new tariffs weigh on growth. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey reflects increasing pessimism, with inflation expectations rising and job market concerns deepening.
Meanwhile, Fed officials acknowledge that upcoming tariffs will likely push inflation higher, constraining their ability to cut interest rates.
Finsum: With economic uncertainty mounting, Americans are bracing for a difficult year ahead, but they need financial products that can be robust to these risks.
With more retirees seeking financial security, index annuities have gained popularity in 2025 for their mix of protection and growth potential. Index Annuities shield savings from market downturns while allowing interest accumulation when markets rise, making them a safer alternative to traditional investments.
They also offer guaranteed lifetime income, ensuring retirees don’t outlive their savings, a critical feature as life expectancy increases. Rising interest rates have further enhanced index annuities appeal, as new contracts now offer better returns compared to bonds.
Additionally, their tax advantages, including tax-deferred growth and flexible withdrawals, help retirees manage their financial burden efficiently.
Given these benefits, index annuities are becoming a key component of retirement planning in an uncertain economic climate.
Climate technologies are advancing from early innovation to the critical scaling phase, where private equity firms are stepping in to bridge funding gaps. Private equity investors play a vital role by providing capital and operational expertise to transform climate innovations into scalable, market-leading businesses.
Firms like General Atlantic and Ardian are integrating sustainability into their investment strategies, using data-driven insights to enhance both commercial success and decarbonization efforts.
Institutional investors increasingly demand quantifiable impact, prompting firms to assess companies not just on financial returns but also on emissions reduction potential. Key investment opportunities lie in grid infrastructure, e-mobility software, and carbon transparency solutions, as demand for sustainable energy and efficiency grows.
FINSUM: This hands-on, impact-driven approach is reshaping climate finance, positioning private equity as a crucial driver of the energy transition.
The valuation gap between public and private real estate has persisted, creating potential buying opportunities for investors. REITs have generally maintained higher or comparable occupancy rates relative to private real estate across major property sectors.
They also remain more attractively priced, with cap rates exceeding those of private real estate, suggesting better value. In the fourth quarter of 2024, public-private cap rate spreads ranged from 80 to 169 basis points, highlighting REITs' pricing advantage.
Strong operational management and asset selection contribute to REITs' higher occupancy rates, particularly in retail and office spaces.
Finsum: REITs continue to offer investors access to high-quality properties at compelling valuations and could provide more inflation resistance.
Private equity thrived during the low-interest-rate era, leveraging debt to enhance returns, but changing financial conditions are testing its resilience. While assets under management continue to grow, firms are struggling to deploy capital and exit investments, with a rising backlog of unsold assets.
Higher interest rates have complicated deal economics, and a shifting IPO landscape has limited traditional exit strategies. Regulatory scrutiny, particularly on antitrust grounds, has also slowed transactions, making liquidity harder to generate.
Despite these challenges, liquidity remains accessible through dividend recapitalizations and secondary sales, suggesting the industry’s issues are cyclical rather than existential.
Finsum: If we are entering a more volatile financial era, private equity’s debt-driven model may need to adapt to a world less favorable to leverage.
The rise of private credit has reshaped the landscape of speculative-grade debt, absorbing many of the riskiest borrowers that once relied on public high-yield bonds. With banks retreating from direct lending due to regulatory constraints, private credit firms have stepped in, fueling a market now worth $2.5 trillion globally.
This shift has left the high-yield bond market with a stronger credit profile, narrowing yield spreads and reducing volatility. However, private credit’s lack of transparency means that credit risk hasn’t disappeared—it has simply moved to a space where prices and risks are less visible.
While public high-yield bonds have become scarcer and more expensive, some riskier borrowers are returning to public markets through structured investment vehicles. Ultimately, as economic conditions shift, both public and private debt markets may face renewed pressures, exposing hidden risks within private credit’s rapid expansion.
FINSUM: Though private credit obscures some risks, economic stress could still expose vulnerabilities across both public and private debt markets.