In contrast to the public markets, and despite a weak fourth quarter, the Cambridge Associates US private equity and venture capital indexes both produced double-digit positive returns for calendar year 2018.
Yes. While equity and bond markets don’t often rise in tandem like they have lately, history suggests that both recent moves could be warranted if central bank stimulus successfully extends the cycle. But that is a big “if”; several moving parts cloud the macro outlook, and markets are assuming that central banks can reverse the recent economic slowdown.
As part of our ongoing commitment to alternative credit, Cambridge Associates (CA) began compiling a database of credit stress and losses in one of the largest strategies within private credit, senior debt (i.e., direct lending). Our initial outreach in the United States and Europe yielded data from 11 senior debt funds tracking material document modifications (which we use as a proxy for credit stress, greater detail below) and loss rates in bilateral and clubbed middle-market lending.
No. While we do not expect the trade war to end after President Trump and President Xi meet this week at the G20 in Japan, we have not changed our view that investors should consider dedicated allocations to China broadly and A-shares in particular.
The Foundation Annual Flash Statistics Report provides a first look at the results of our 2018 Foundation Annual Investment Pool Returns survey. Included in the analysis are a summary of investment pool returns, asset allocation, and returns after spending for 109 foundations. Additionally, the report provides detailed data by institution on asset allocation. Look for our full annual analysis in the upcoming Foundation Annual Investment Pool Returns report.
Yes. The seemingly ever-expanding US-China trade war has undercut economic activity in the euro area, challenging earnings expectations and the bloc’s currency.
Mega funds are indeed in a category by themselves, namely that of a new public markets proxy.
No, we believe investors should maintain a modest tilt away from US equities and toward global ex US stocks.
Public and private Chinese equities both present attractive investment opportunities today.
Although an inverted yield curve is not a sign we welcome, it also is not a clear indicator of an imminent equity market downturn. Instead of underweighting risky assets, we suggest investors take this opportunity to refresh plans to manage through the next bear market.