Blue Owl’s Big Day and Why Private Equity is On Our Radar - August 8, 2025

Today’s biggest gainer? Blue Owl. Not a shock, given the headlines. And, truth be told, it’s a company that’s already been on our minds for another reason: we’ve recently been taking meetings with The Carlyle Group about potential opportunities in Private Equity.

If you watch CNBC or Fox Business News, you’ve probably seen David Rubenstein (Carlyle’s founder) or Anastasia Amoroso (iCapital) sharing their insights. They’re sharp, they’re persuasive, and they’re making the case for why PE should be part of more portfolios.

Why Private Equity Matters Right Now

At its core, Private Equity is about stepping in where traditional banks have pulled back. It’s high stakes, high opportunity — and yes, it comes with risk. The White House is even pushing for PE to be included in 401(k) accounts, which tells you how mainstream the conversation has become.

Some people still picture the “Wall Street” version of PE — boardrooms filled with cigar smoke and ruthless dealmakers. The reality today is broader. Sure, some deals are aggressive and speculative, but others are about financing the growth of strong, established companies — like building AI-supporting data centers for one of the five largest companies in the world. That’s a very different risk profile from, say, funding a wildcat oil driller.

This Isn’t Just a U.S. Story

Private Equity’s reach is global. Over the last decade, China’s “shadow banking” world has grown dramatically, and similar trends have taken root in Europe. Governments have tightened regulations to make banks safer — which is good — but it also means certain loans are no longer on their books. Firms like Blackstone, KKR, and Carlyle have stepped in to fill that gap.

Where We Fit In

We haven’t avoided PE ourselves. Blue Owl, Morgan Stanley’s Direct Lending, and now these conversations with Carlyle all point in the same direction: this is an asset class worth watching closely. Used wisely, it can bring income, diversification, and in some cases, tax advantages to a balanced portfolio.

I’ll be honest — I’m both cautious and curious. The opportunity is there, and I believe we’ll see more of it reflected in our investments in the months ahead. One way or another, Private Equity is going to play a bigger role in how we think about growth and income for our clients.

Key Takeaways

  • Blue Owl led today’s gains, reflecting growing momentum in Private Equity.

  • We’ve been in discussions with The Carlyle Group about potential PE partnerships.

  • The White House is advocating for PE’s inclusion in 401(k) accounts, signaling broader acceptance.

  • Not all PE investments carry the same risk — quality matters.

  • We expect Private Equity to play a bigger role in our portfolios going forward

    Written by: Alex Skabry

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