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8 January 2026
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By Erik Knutzen
Private market investing has evolved dramatically during the past three decades, from small alternative allocations made by the most sophisticated investors into significant components of many programs’ strategic asset allocations. During this period, the number of publicly traded companies in developed markets has declined precipitously, accompanied by a substantial increase in the amount of economic activity taking place in private markets - financed by both equity and debt - and across corporate and real asset structures. This article surveys this evolution and describes its key drivers, including evolving investor behavior, disruptive innovations, financial disintermediation, and regulatory changes. It also looks to the future of private market investing, seeking to lay out the key trends likely to drive further growth: the pursuit of higher returns, continued innovation in the growing private markets ecosystem, and a blurring of the current public/private distinction as investors increasingly evaluate investments across a spectrum of liquidity.
This paper first appeared in The Journal of Investing's 30th anniversary edition, June 2022.
The superannuation system has succeeded brilliantly at what it was designed to do: accumulate wealth during working lives. The next challenge is meeting members’ diverse needs in retirement.
Two years ago, I wrote an article suggesting that the odds favoured ASX shares easily outperforming residential property over the next decade. Here’s an update on where things stand today.
I am a professional real estate investor who hears a lot of opinions rather than facts from so-called experts on the topic of property. Here are the largest myths when it comes to Australia’s biggest asset class.
At this time last year, I forecast that 2025 would likely be a positive year given strong economic prospects and disinflation. The outlook for this year is less clear cut and here is what investors should do.
In an interview with Firstlinks, CEO Mark Freeman discusses how speculative ASX stocks have crushed blue chips this year, companies he likes now, and why he’s confident AFIC’s NTA discount will close.
I’ve been comparing property and shares for decades and while both have their place, the differences are stark. When tax, costs, and liquidity are weighed, property looks less compelling than its reputation suggests.
Treasury has released draft legislation for a new version of the controversial $3 million super tax. It's a significant improvement on the original proposal but there are some stings in the tail.
The predictions include dividends will outstrip growth as a source of Australian equity returns, US market performance will be underwhelming, while US government bonds will beat gold.
We're about to add another million people to cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. How many hospitals and other essential infrastructure are needed to cater to a million more people? This breaks down the numbers.
The US dollar’s long-standing role as a ‘shock absorber’ during times of market stress is showing cracks. The ‘Liberation Day’ sell-off was a timely reminder of this, and here's what investors should do about it.
My mother developed dementia before eventually dying in June last year. She was in three aged care homes before finding the right one. Here is what I learned along the way.
China has flooded the world with electric cars and solar panels to offset the economic drag from a weak domestic property market. How long can this go on, and what are the implications for commodities and Australia?
Tesla copped criticism after its shareholders approved a package allowing Musk to earn up to $1 trillion in stock options. If only Australian businesses were more like Tesla.