2023 was a difficult year across the private markets space with many companies finding funding difficult to secure, despite apparent business success. This has led to more rational valuations and a willingness for founders to offer deals to give their businesses addition time to realise their potential. While we don’t expect 2024 to be a boom year, we are seeing some excellent investment opportunities and think the current environment is ripe for investors willing to do their due diligence.

The resurgent dominance of China in the global ‘critical minerals’ supply chain is a growing concern for western countries. Until alternate supply chains can be developed – likely a 10+ year challenge – China holds significant and increasing leverage over the US and Europe. The scale of the impact on global markets is both underappreciated and rapidly unfolding, yet it is crucial for investors to understand the full landscape to make informed decisions.

Debt is now driving US economic growth and without government deficits, would be in a deep recession. Metaphorically speaking, like a patient overcompensating with pain medication, the US has found themselves addicted to debt.

Is the current ‘fear’ for Chinese equities warranted or does it present an attractive buying opportunity? Stepping back from the political rhetoric and negative news flow, we focus on the financial data underpinning China’s 5 leading technology companies compared to their US peers.

Tim Davies of Carrara Capital shares his views on China’s current economic situation and its flourishing equity market. Despite slower than anticipated growth, Davies suggests that the Chinese government’s measured fiscal reaction is deliberate

The following is intended to provide a current overview of the Australian credit landscape and the opportunities which Carrara is currently seeing and expects to continue into the first quarter of next year.

Hold, hold, hold…David Sokulsky says the real opportunities still lie ahead in credit and equities. He sees recession on the horizon for many economies, though also expects the timing of China’s reopening and the onset of European summer could save the US from the worst of it.

The former CIO of Crestone Wealth Management has won seed capital from a number of family offices and individuals for a new global multi-strategy hedge fund.

Markets are waiting with baited breath for the highly anticipated Jackson Hole Symposium later this week, which will reveal whether there’s a divergence between market expectations and those of the Federal Reserve

Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the bounce in global equity markets from the recent lows. According to Carrara Capital’s David Sokulsky, the move does not reflect some of the looming risks out there.