Can nothing deter this market in 2021? It seems not, at least thus far, for the MSCI ACWI global equities benchmark returned more than 16% through just the first eight months, surpassing all but the most optimistic expectations. While the year has experienced an exceptional variety of political and social crises by any measure, the financial markets have hardly stumbled.
For many, the private markets asset class represents a road less traveled. Typically, investors focus on more traditional asset classes, like stocks and bonds, where information is often readily available and digestible, as it can often seem like the path of least resistance. Sometimes, however, sophisticated qualified investors increase their capital allocations to private markets for reasons they believe are compelling enough to make it worth taking the risk.
The calendar has officially hit the halfway mark, providing investors with an opportunity to take stock of their portfolios, evaluate what has worked as expected, and craft a plan for the second half of the year. Can risk assets continue their ascent? And within equities, does cyclical leadership have further to run? Our assessment of the economic environment leads us to respond “yes” to both questions.
