Trends Watch: January 25, 2018

EisnerAmper’s Trends Watch is a weekly entry to our Alternative Investments Intelligence blog, featuring the views and insights of executives from alternative investment firms. If you’re interested in being featured, please contact Elana Margulies-Snyderman.  

This week, Elana talks to Alex Darden, Partner, EQT Partners.

What is your outlook for private equity/infrastructure?

I expect a positive environment to continue in 2018 for private equity, and infrastructure specifically. There are opportunities available for investors who spend significant time understanding the sectors and companies in which they invest, and then focus on developing those companies to be sustainable through cycles.

What is your outlook for the economy?

There are many prospects to be optimistic about for 2018. Digitalization and sustainability are driving growth in certain sectors, and globalization remains a key consideration for all countries as capital, people and production become more mobile. Further, while interest rates will likely rise, there remains a favorable credit environment, employment is strong, and together with tax reform in the U.S., there should be structural support for continued global growth.

What keeps you up at night?

Given EQT Partners' approach to developing companies for long-term success, we look for stability in risk areas that are outside our control. We need to have confidence that the rules of the game will not change mid-game, and in certain sectors the current environment creates significant uncertainty. Geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty makes it more difficult for EQT companies to be entrepreneurial and invest in growth.