How long will lower volatility last? Our chart looks at daily price moves and current risks that could create a bumpier ride for investors.

On Wednesday, February 19, our Chief U.S. Economist Lara Rhame joined The Forum of Executive Women to moderate a fireside chat with the President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Dr. Loretta Mester. The Forum of Executive Women is a membership organization of women leaders from the region. The Forum strives to...

On Wednesday, February 19, FS Investments’ Drexel University co-ops participated in a volunteer event with Project Sunshine. As part of the FS co-op experience, Drexel University students have the opportunity to develop and pitch volunteer service projects to a panel of FS employees. Both Drexel co-ops and FS colleagues participated in a recent volunteer event...

Are investors falling out of love with the bull market? This week's chart notes a shift toward fear as pressures mount across traditional markets.

What is a BDC? Business development companies, or BDCs, enable the flow of capital from individual investors to private U.S. middle market companies. By pooling investments from individuals, BDCs help provide many middle market companies with the capital they need to operate and grow. A BDC must invest at least 70% of its assets in...

What is a closed-end fund? Closed-end funds (CEFs) are investment companies that pool the assets of shareholders to invest in a wide range of securities. There are two varieties, publicly traded and unlisted, and both are regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  Publicly traded (traditional) closed-end funds issue a fixed number of shares...

What is a mutual fund? Mutual funds are investment companies that pool the assets of shareholders to invest in securities such as stocks, bonds and short-term money market instruments. Also known as open-end investment companies, mutual funds provide certain advantages to individuals, such as providing access to a diversified, professionally managed portfolio of securities with low...

What is a REIT? A real estate investment trust, or REIT, is a company that owns, operates or finances income-producing commercial real estate or related assets. In this way, REITs allow investors to “own” or help finance real estate assets by simply owning shares. REITs invest in a broad range of property types including office...

What is an interval fund? An interval fund is a type of closed-end fund that offers liquidity to investors at stated intervals – typically quarterly, semiannually or annually. This means shareholders are able to sell a portion of their shares at regular intervals at a price based on the fund’s net asset value.  Interval funds may...

Why private debt? Investing in the debt of private companies may provide an alternative source of income and diversification at a time when both are difficult to find within traditional markets.  Institutional investors have long turned to private debt strategies for their potential to generate a high level of income and diversify their fixed income...