Education - 5 min
Retirement planning has entered a new era. For decades, a balanced mix of stocks and bonds formed the foundation of long-term investment strategies, trusted to grow and preserve wealth across market cycles. But the landscape has changed. Volatility is more persistent, interest rates are harder to predict, and traditional portfolios increasingly fall short of delivering the stability and income needed in retirement.Building a resilient retirement plan today requires more than conventional allocations. It calls for broader diversification, dependable income, and assets that respond differently to market forces. This is where private markets come in. Once accessible only to institutions, asset classes like private credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure are now playing a larger role in long-term portfolios, offering new ways to manage risk and capture growth potential.
Jul 31, 2025
Market Insights - 4 min
At its last meeting in June, the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) opted once again to hold rates at their current level of 4.25% to 4.5%. It is widely expected that there will be no change at the upcoming meeting on July 29th and 30th.[1]Beyond this, there is little clarity, not only in the markets but also within the Fed itself, amid the seismic shifts and crosscurrents of world affairs. In this article, we examine the data and attempt to parse out the facts from the speculation.
Jul 21, 2025
Education - 3 min
The drive to identify the “next big thing” has captivated investors for centuries. From the railroad boom of the 1800s to oil’s dominance in the mid-20th century and the digital revolution of recent decades, every era brings with it compelling narratives. But while these stories capture attention, they rarely guarantee sustained investment success. Rather than attempting to predict which sector will outperform next, long-term investors often benefit more by diversifying across industries, which is a strategy that history has consistently rewarded.
Jul 20, 2025
Education - 2 min
No single investment metric captures the entire story or context of historical performance. It is therefore no surprise that investors and wealth managers have long debated the most suitable metrics to monitor investment performance. Depending on the investment strategy and asset class, the invested capital may be paid upfront or staggered over time, while the return is usually a combination of the periodic income from the investment and the capital gain upon its sale. The performance metrics to measure the return on invested capital are countless and provide different results.
Jun 25, 2025
Education - 4 min
The MENA region is home to one of the world’s largest youth populations, with over half of its residents under the age of 25.[1] As these young professionals step into the workforce, they face an economic environment that is more dynamic and more uncertain than ever before. For many, retirement may feel like a distant concern, but starting early is the single most powerful move toward lasting financial security.In an era of inflation, volatile markets, and rising life expectancies, traditional savings and 60/40 stock-bond strategies may no longer be sufficient. Private markets offer a compelling alternative for building long-term retirement wealth, especially when accessed early.
Jun 19, 2025
Market Insights - 4 min
The Federal Open Markets Committee ("FOMC") voted to hold the target rate at 4.25%-4.5% in its last meeting in early May. This is the level it has been at since January, and as of the time of writing, the markets are almost certain that the Federal Reserve (the "Fed") will continue to hold at this level at the upcoming meeting in June.However, this does not imply a stable, widely-agreed outlook for US interest rates or the economy. Rather, it reflects a state of inaction brought about by the high levels of uncertainty that have prevailed since the beginning of the year, with trade policy as the chief (but not the only) cause.
Jun 12, 2025
Education - 4 min
Many Ivy League universities, like Yale and Harvard, invest their endowments using a strategy that generates consistent long-term income and protects their principal against inflation and market risk through diversification and asset allocation. Dubbed as the “Endowment Model,” this investment strategy has proven effective in creating consistent long-term returns while mitigating risk during geopolitical tensions, market crises, economic downturns, COVID-19, etc.
Jun 3, 2025
Education - 3 min
Private market investments, spanning private equity, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure, have expanded steadily since the Global Financial Crisis.[1] As investors seek new ways to achieve growth and reduce portfolio volatility, the appeal of these markets has continued to rise.While regulation has tightened in public markets, with increased reporting and oversight, private markets have expanded and matured, offering a broader and more diverse range of opportunities. For investors, the key attractions remain consistent: greater diversification, reduced short-term volatility, and the potential for stronger returns.But with growing interest and rising capital inflows, what is driving the stronger performance of private markets and can it be sustained in today’s market environment?
May 29, 2025
Education - 2 min
The importance of retirement planning is gaining unprecedented attention in the GCC and globally. A recent survey by Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI) revealed that 88% of expatriates in the GCC are actively prioritizing retirement savings over other expenses, and 82% consider having sufficient funds for retirement as 'very important'.[1]At the same time, persistent inflation, higher interest rates, and ongoing market volatility are reshaping the retirement planning landscape. Traditional investment models like the 60/40 portfolio are increasingly seen as insufficient to navigate today's uncertainty. In this context, private markets are emerging as an essential instrument for building resilient retirement portfolios and helping ensure long-term wealth preservation.
May 8, 2025