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Public Markets

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Inflation Concerns and Fed Policy Drive Markets

Treasury yields edged higher as investors reacted to U.S. indicators and grappled with uncertainty over Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's plans for inflation. The dollar fell against a basket of currencies after Warsh's press conference, which left some ambiguity about the policy outlook. Bond traders, extending a slide as they braced for U.S. inflation data that could solidify concerns the Federal Reserve is lagging on price growth. U.S. stocks declined sharply after the Federal Reserve held rates steady, while investors worried about potential rate hikes later this year as the war in Iran escalated. Warsh's stripped-back Fed communication, traders warned, with a lack of guidance on interest rates eroding the U.S. central bank's influence on the Treasury market. Investors are questioning Warsh’s resolve on inflation, putting more pressure on the Fed chairman to support his words with interest-rate actions. The Fed held rates steady but, highlighting internal divisions over the path forward for policy under Warsh's second meeting as chairman.

Corporate Earnings and Sector Performance

Private Equity

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Mega-Deals and Fund Closes Signal Robust Dealmaking

A wave of significant transactions and fundraisings underscored a dynamic private equity landscape over the past 24 hours. Platinum Equity agreed to acquire 50% of Nestlé's waters and premium beverages business for $3.4bn, establishing a new entity named Peranel with an enterprise value of €4.9bn ($5.6bn). In a separate large-scale transaction, KKR and Energy Capital Partners are set to take over DCC in a £5.75bn ($7.78bn) cash takeover, a deal the board has recommended despite shareholder opposition. Meanwhile, Providence Equity Partners is taking full control of the agency formerly known as Wasserman, buying out founder Casey Wasserman.

Fundraising efforts also saw substantial activity. Brookfield has secured approximately $2bn at the first close of its Middle East buyout fund, Brookfield Middle East Partners, with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund serving as an anchor investor. Separately, announced closure of an oversubscribed direct secondaries fund, which has already supported 12 investments. TJC is targeting a November final close for its seventh flagship fund, Resolute Fund VII, with a hard-cap that is $2bn larger than its initial target.

Sector-Specific Acquisitions and Strategic Investments

Several firms announced strategic acquisitions across various sectors. Blackstone's energy ultrasonic inspections company Dark Vision from Koch, while Macquarie is reportedly preparing to sell its waste-to-energy company, Win Waste. Bain Capital has agreed to acquire UK vitamins market leader Vitabiotics for approximately £900m ($1.2bn) as part of an international growth strategy. In the healthcare space Firefly Health.

Other notable deals include Blackstone and Colony IM agreeing to purchase Accor's roughly 30.7% stake in hotel owner Essendi for up to €975m ($1.12bn). AIP has completed the take-private buyout of medical tech firm Avanos Medical, with Avanos stockholders to receive $25 per share in cash. In the software sector Quantios from Hg, a Saa S provider for trust and corporate services. MRC is backing Nexus Power to fuel its geographic expansion, targeted acquisitions, and team growth. Dominus has invested in traffic products manufacturer Pelco Solutions, with Pelco's management team remaining in leadership roles.

Venture Capital Trends and AI's Growing Influence

Venture capital activity is showing an increasing focus on AI and international expansion, alongside a strategic shift towards operational roles. Inforcer, a London-based firm, has raised $50 million in a Series C round led by Insight Partners to help smaller businesses navigate AI and security risks. In the realm of AI startups a 24/7 cafe in London.

VCs are increasingly taking on operator roles, a trend highlighted by to evaluating startups based on founder potential and AI leverage. This focus on AI is also impacting other sectors, with the chip rout, potentially seeing opportunities in the recalibration of the semiconductor market. Startups are also prioritizing international expansion early, with even at the seed stage. Adyen's move is also prompting startups to adapt to new payment technologies.

Secondaries Market Activity and LP Perspectives

The secondaries market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Evercore is expanding its APAC private capital advisory unit, more than doubling its headcount since February to capitalize on the region's secondaries market growth. In a notable single-asset transaction a continuation vehicle for wealth management asset firm Savant Capital Holdings.

Limited partner perspectives are also evolving, with that purchase multiples are now a key metric, linking disciplined entry pricing directly to value creation. Siby Diabira, Head of Private Equity & Venture Capital at the International Finance Corporation, offers insights into LP strategies within the World Bank Group framework as detailed in PE Insights.

Sector Investment

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Infrastructure and Tech Funds Attract Billions

Keppel is reportedly close for its Data Centre Fund III, a move that saw its infrastructure division record a S$538 million net profit in the first half of 2026, a 55% increase year-on-year. EQT's new AI Infrastructure Fund, focused on data centers via its Edge Conne X platform in just three months, demonstrating the appeal of established managers in the artificial intelligence sector.

Healthcare Sector Sees Private Equity Activity

In the healthcare space, an affiliate of Peak Rock Capital announced its acquisition of Asembia. The deal marks continued private equity investment into the healthcare and life sciences industry, though specific financial terms were not disclosed in the release.