Global Market Strategist, New York Life Investments
Global Market Strategy
Sarah Hirsch
“Private markets are entering 2026 on firming footing, with deal activity rebounding alongside a more supportive rate environment. As the credit cycle extends, investors are re-engaging with renewed discipline, emphasizing selectivity and diversification, while increasingly turning to more complex or fragmented markets for differentiated and transition-oriented opportunities.”
Senior Partner – Chief Investment Strategist and Head of Research, Tristan Capital
European Real Estate
Simon Martin
“The European CRE market is now gaining momentum. Over the last 6 months we have seen an increase in transaction flows, renewed interest in capital allocations and a robust pick up in operating cashflows across a range of markets. We think that 2026 will be an excellent vintage and we believe that there are some tremendous opportunities in Europe for mid-market investors like ourselves.”
Global Market Strategist, New York Life Investments
Global Market Strategy
Sarah Hirsch
"The global economic backdrop has shifted and private markets are adapting. As policy uncertainty clears, we see a turning point ahead for private markets activity - favoring selectivity, diversification, and structural themes."
Senior Director – Head of Strategy and Research, NYL Investors
U.S. Real Estate
Steward Rubin
"FPO"
Managing Director – Private Equity, Apogem Capital
Private Equity
Kee Rabb
"FPO"
Senior Director – Head of Strategy and Research, NYL Real Estate Investors
U.S. Real Estate
Stewart Rubin
“There are major demographic trends impacting the economy and CRE, alongside amplified fiscal, regulatory, and legal differences between states. Discerning CRE investors and developers can capitalize on these major trends.”
Managing Director – Private Credit, Apogem Capital
Private CREDIT
Patrick Koehl
“The private credit industry, particularly the Lower Middle Market, offers a deep pool of investable companies and opportunities for both managers and investors. Scaled managers with established incumbency positions benefit from meaningful deal flow generated by existing portfolio companies they know well, providing a head start on annual capital deployment with attractive risk-return dynamics in the current economic environment.”
Managing Director, Private Equity, Apogem Capital
PRIVATE EQUITY
Louise Woltz Smith
“It’s really hard to time the market. Given the combination of the lower middle market’s historical outperformance combined with its resilience over cycles, we believe that investors will benefit by consistently deploying in this attractive market segment.”
