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With an investment landscape marked by elevated inflation levels, economic growth risks and tight monetary policy, the U.S. economy is a fertile breeding ground for stagflation … with one key distinction: a strong labor market. Still, dangers persist when looking at other trends foreshadowing a challenging economic environment.

Given the high-profile nature of some startups raising money through misrepresentation and in certain cases fraud—resulting in significant losses for their investors—there has been a call for increased scrutiny and new regulations. What are the implications of such proposals and how may they affect investment firms’ obligations to their investors, as well as the overall startup investment landscape?

As traditional oil and gas companies face a range of challenges, including the emergence of alternative and renewable technologies, investors must find new ways to navigate the energy transition. For large-scale investors like endowments and foundations, investing in energy is both a challenge and an opportunity that demands a whole new approach.

Deal-making has been up and down in the M&A market from 2020 to today, creating a state of uncertainty against the backdrop of rising interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical strife that continues to roil the economy and markets. But with plenty of dry powder available, deals are expected to return to more normal pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Looking ahead at the private equity trends and predictions, there are both challenges and opportunities.

As China eases its zero-COVID policy, it should see more foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. Still, Asia ex-China stands to benefit from supply-chain diversification efforts, particularly in select labor-intensive manufacturing sectors. With the current state and other FDI factors, there are four reasons emerging markets debt investors may want to look at Asia.

While investor attention is on the Fed, changes at the Bank of Japan might bring shifts to the economic environment, impacting the global markets.

As a general counsel in the Family Office space, Nate Christensen speaks on the growth of direct investing by family offices, the competitive advantages and challenges for them, and advice for family office offices and those working with them. Nate also shares thoughts on how family offices are leveraging their own edge in direct investing. Hear more from Nate in this interview with Brian Lucareli, Director of Foley Private Client Services.Download the video transcript for a summary of the conversation.

The rapid downfall of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) set off a wave of uncertainty and fear in the markets. Actions have been taken to provide relief for SVB depositors and the global markets, including the FDIC taking control of the bank. Although SVB was unique, the potential ripple effects both to the economy and the banking sector are meaningful.

Given the distress in the financial system and high-profile bank failures, many emerging companies may be asking themselves: “Why am I holding so much cash?” The Investment Company Act of 1940 may be to blame.

Three years since the inception of the COVID pandemic, market adaptation remains a work in process. Inflation and monetary policy drive daily volatility, but additional risks could arise. Despite volatility, major indices have experienced gains that are consistent with longer-term trends.