Tag: Volatility

Balancing Markets, Policy, and AI Spending in the 2026 Outlook Peter Repetto (Ep. 90)

Balancing Markets, Policy, and AI Spending in the 2026 Outlook Peter Repetto (Ep. 90)

Markets are entering a year shaped by crosscurrents, shifting signals, and unresolved questions. Economic strength, policy decisions, and investment concentration all point to a period that demands close attention and thoughtful positioning.

In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Peter Repetto, Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, about their 2026 economic and market outlook. They explore slowing labor trends alongside strong GDP growth, the role of AI investment, and how fiscal and monetary policy may influence markets. 

The conversation also covers inflation risks, tariffs, and why selectivity across asset classes matters heading into a midterm election year.

Key takeaways:

  • How slowing job growth contrasts with strong GDP readings and what that tension could mean for 2026
  • Why AI capital spending remains a key growth driver, but requires careful company selection
  • The impact of tariffs, fiscal policy, and court decisions on rates and equity markets
  • Why earnings growth, not valuation expansion, may define equity returns next year
  • How private markets and alternative strategies may help address concentration and volatility
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Peter Repetto:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Peter is a Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, focusing on developing and delivering research, investment ideas, and thought leadership content for external and internal audiences on behalf of iCapital’s Investment Strategy team. Prior to joining the firm, Peter spent over eight years at Franklin Templeton Investments, where he contributed to their asset allocation strategy and macroeconomic research. Peter holds a BA in Economics from Fairfield University.

Is Private Lending the Future of Investments? with Phil Hasbrouck (Ep. 35)

Is Private Lending the Future of Investments? with Phil Hasbrouck (Ep. 35)

Are you interested in exploring the future of the financial and investment landscape and the contribution the private lending arena can bring to the field? 

In this episode, Rob Curtiss is joined by Phil Hasbrouck, the co-head of Cliffwater’s asset management business. Phil sheds light on the growing private lending market and what Cliffwater brings to the space. Phil also explains the opportunities and risks associated with investing in private debt, emphasizing the importance of conservative underwriting and its ability to navigate economic downturns.

Phil explores:

  • How private lending has grown to the multimillion-dollar market it is today
  • The importance of understanding the risks associated with private lenders
  • Some risks and return characteristics of private lending
  • The fees and cost savings that come with working with firms like Cliffwater
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Phil Hasbrouck:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Phil Hasbrouck is the co-head of Cliffwater’s asset management business. In this role, Phil leads the firm’s asset management distribution efforts and is involved with product development and positioning, business development, and managing client relationships.