Stimulus Hopes Boosted Risky Bets

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The impact of hope upon markets was spread unequally, but active bets of hedge funds proved mostly positive.

Private Equity Metrics Fell, but the Dollars Kept Flowing

Fundraising and private M&A exits plunged by count—but dollar volumes held relatively steady as larger transactions were able to proceed

Pandemic Puts a Pause on Private Equity

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Most private equity activity slowed down during the first quarter as the full impact of the pandemic unfolded. Fundraising is expected to continue to slow in future quarters.

1Q20 Hedge Fund Update: Breaking Bad, Creating Good Opportunities

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Although some hedge funds enjoyed net gains from their short positions and macro hedges, most suffered notable losses, primarily due to unrealized mark-to-market valuations

Alphas of the Pack–Follow the Leader?

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Click Here for Jim’s White Paper For institutional investors, widely cited hedge fund indices such as the HFRI Fund Weighted Composite reflect a universe dominated by funds that are too small, too beta-driven, or otherwise not worth considering for scalable diversifying solutions. Furthermore, many larger, more alpha-focused funds choose not to report to a subscription […]

Hyperactive Private Equity Markets Merit Steady Pacing

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View PDF With volatility returning to the public markets in the first quarter, private equity activity slowed somewhat but remained brisk in absolute terms. Fundraising declined from prior periods. Company investments and exits trended slightly lower, although venture capital funding rose. Callan recommends vigilance in commitment pacing during this frothy market, in which the absolute […]

Boy – That Escalated Quickly!

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The market narrative of strong corporate earnings, falling unemployment, and tax reform had pumped up expectations for risk assets heading into 2018. However, hints that an overheated U.S. economy may be unable to absorb significant fiscal stimulus ahead spooked markets in the first quarter, leading to a spasm of risk-off behaviors. Despite the quarter’s rocky […]

A Tool to Stay on Top of Private Equity Fundraising

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Because general partners only raise funds every three to four years, it is essential for institutional investors to stay ahead of private equity fundraising activity. Especially with the accelerated pace of fundraising in today’s market environment, it is easy to overlook a potential investment opportunity. To manage this process more effectively, Callan has developed what […]

Kickin’ It with Risk

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View PDF As MAD magazine’s Alfred E. Neuman proclaims, “What, Me Worry?” In the third quarter, global markets fully embraced that fearless mantra. And why not? Discarding past worries of stubbornly slow economic growth and other trifling distractions, markets focused on positive catalysts suggesting rising prices ahead. Corporate earnings worldwide enjoyed a notable uptick. Shrinking ranks of […]

Uncertainty Beyond the Next Eclipse

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Unlike the laws of physics driving our solar system, our finan­cial markets can surprise investors with moments of darkness.