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By most measures, the start of the first quarter of 2025 painted a picture of positive economic momentum and optimism in the U.S. Growth remained solid. Unemployment hovered near 60-year lows. Real wages were rising. Corporate earnings were on track for double-digit growth. And then it turned from optimism to uncertainty to sheer panic with the Trump administration surprising markets with a sweeping set of tariffs. By quarter’s end, the tariffs have ignited fears of global trade war, surging inflation, and a material growth slowdown.

Given the impact of the back-and-forth tariffs and the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the risks of creating a bout of inflation or a bout of economic slowdown (or both) are very real. The uncertainty, market gyrations, and indications of a double-digit market correction at some point during 2025 are also creating tremendous angst. Instead of trying to dodge any market volatility and drawdowns, investors should stay the course. There are mitigating factors to the headwinds of the tariffs and DOGE. There will eventually be clarity.

Amid an increasingly volatile macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape, the private equity (PE) sector faces mounting challenges across the deal lifecycle—from fundraising to deal execution and exits. In turn, PE sponsors are seeking strategies to extract increased value from portfolio companies beyond the traditional cost cutting exercises. One underutilized and effective strategy is to optimize a portfolio company’s cash flows to enhance overall business performance, create operational value, and unlock substantial returns.

Investing is challenging, even for the most seasoned investors, given the underlying emotions and mental biases inherent in human decision making. To help minimize the challenges around investing, successful investors have explicit investment processes and practices that are clearly outlined and consistently implemented. To ensure you are set up for success with your investment process, we provide guidance on how to avoid the five key investment pitfalls—including failing to exercise strong governance—that can steer you off course.

Fundamental equity long/short (ELS) strategies have faced challenges since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, but the tide may be turning. The recent increase in cash yields and higher equity dispersion create a more favorable environment for the short book and will offer opportunities for managers to distinguish themselves. Moreover, with equity markets having experienced a massive rally over the last decade and trading at elevated valuations, it is prudent for investors to consider adding more defensive strategies like ELS to their portfolios.

2025 stands at a crossroads. In the prior year, nearly half of the world’s population across more than 70 countries participated in national elections, artificial intelligence gained considerable traction in the marketplace, and several banks initiated a synchronized interest rate-cutting cycle. Each of these developments alone creates a complex landscape to navigate. Yet, the situation is further complicated by heightened geopolitical risks and an investment environment brimming with uncertainties.

Conventional investing is all about diversification and maximizing returns. While both of these are still fundamental, some investors also want to use their economic influence to drive meaningful change. As these investors make financial decisions informed by both heart and mind, traditional barriers between making money and making a difference are dissolving. That’s good news for young companies that are seeking "angel investors" for capital.

Invoking emergency powers due to the stated “threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs,” President Trump implemented a 10% tariff on imports from China, a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico, and—perhaps most surprisingly—a 25% tariff on imports from Canada (except for Canadian energy imports that receive a 10% tariff). These tariffs are sending shockwaves through financial markets both in North America and around the globe as investors reevaluate their portfolio positioning and investment strategies. In the short-term, risks are heightened.

The private equity market is navigating through a period of volatility, driven by inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainties. While some regions, such as North America and Asia-Pacific, remain confident in the face of these challenges, others, particularly in Europe, are more cautious.

With the return of the Trump administration, observers expect meaningful changes in political direction and economic and tax policy, but specifics and timing are unknown. Given the degree of uncertainty, investors should remain diversified and focus on both risk and liquidity management. Within private equity, deals that emphasize operational improvement may be better positioned than those focuses on leverage and financial engineering. As the Trump agenda takes shape, a thoughtful balance of caution and opportunism will be key.