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US PE/VC Benchmark Commentary: First Half 2021

In the first half of 2021, US private equity and venture capital returns continued the torrid pace that started in second quarter 2020. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Cambridge Associates LLC US Private Equity Index® returned 25.5% (11.4% and 12.5% in first and second quarters, respectively) and the Cambridge Associates LLC […]

January 2022

Interest in Private Investments Continues to Expand

Investors with mature private investment programs tend to have private exposure to major developed markets, such as the United States and Europe. While many of these investors have added Chinese exposure to their private programs over the last decade, interest has recently increased in less-trafficked Asian markets and more specialized European strategies. We expect this interest will continue to expand next year.

December 2021

Many Real Estate Assets Will Be Boosted by Secular Tailwinds

We believe a healthy macro backdrop and strong demand for inflation-sensitive assets will support most real estate assets in 2022. However, given stretched valuations for many core assets and COVID-19–related uncertainty around some sectors, we think return prospects are highest for assets that benefit from secular trends, such as the growing demand for healthcare and broadband.

December 2021

Allocations to 21st-Century Infrastructure Increase

The infrastructure market has evolved since the financial crisis. Almost a majority of current investing is now in “21st-century infrastructure,” which includes digital and renewable assets. Given the expected importance of both sectors to future growth, we anticipate that investors will commit greater amounts of capital to each in 2022.

December 2021

Look to Specialty Finance and Credit Opportunities Strategies for Diversification

Diversifying private credit strategies provide a good complement to portfolio mainstays. While we believe the economic outlook remains strong, it is not without risks. In direct lending, growing amounts of dry powder are pressuring deal structures and pricing. As a result, we anticipate that commitments to less-correlated private credit funds, such as those focused on life sciences, asset-based lending, and flexible credit strategies, will increase next year.

December 2021

Capital Flows to Cryptoassets Increase, Despite Volatility

Digital assets saw considerable inflows in recent years as investors searched for alternative sources of return amid excessive equity and bond valuations. We expect this momentum will continue next year as regulators increasingly approve easy-to-access cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Still, global regulatory challenges persist, and cryptoassets will remain highly volatile until there is more clarity on future regulation.

December 2021

Venture Capital Will Continue to Crush It

Globally, the venture capital (VC) industry will continue to evolve as capital floods in seeking compelling returns that can be had for those willing to wait.

December 2021

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