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 credit? Private credit is an asset class that consists of investing in the debt of privately held companies. The terms “private credit” and “private debt” are often used interchangeably. Investing in the debt of private companies may provide an alternative source of income and diversification at a time when both are difficult to...

What are liquid alternatives? Liquid alternatives refer to daily liquid open-end funds, such as mutual funds and ETFs, which invest across a broad range of alternative investment strategies. Collectively, these types of funds are often referred to as “liquid alts.” Liquid alternative funds manage approximately $255 billion1 in assets across a diverse range of strategies. U.S....

Significant opportunity The U.S. commercial real estate market represents a large investment opportunity with $5.8 trillion outstanding across property types and geographies.¹ $5.8T U.S. commercial real estate debt market¹ An income-driven asset class Income has been the primary driver of returns for commercial real estate debt with modest credit losses—even during the depths of the...

A deeper look at SOFR, which will likely be LIBOR’s replacement in the United States.

The global financial market is transitioning away from LIBOR – a momentous prospect that has raised questions, challenges and concerns. We look at the basics of the current LIBOR rate and usage, the steps underway to introduce a replacement, and what comes next.

Is relief in sight on the income challenge? Not if you’re counting on traditional sources. This week’s chart shows why alternative sources may be needed.