Sector Investment 3 Days

Last updated: April 17, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Real Estate Fundraising Slows Amid Major Player Absence

Fundraising for closed-end real estate vehicles slowed markedly in Q1 2026, pulling in only $26.4 billion, marking the second-lowest volume across the past six years. This downturn is heavily influenced by the absence of major players like Blackstone and Brookfield, whose withdrawal has allowed smaller, emerging managers to secure capital more swiftly, evidenced by shorter final close timelines. Despite the overall 50% year-on-year decline in volume reported by Real Estate Investor, a higher proportion of funds successfully met or surpassed their initial fundraising targets. In strategic moves, CBRE Investment Management is re-establishing its European value-add focus, appointing former Hines executive Paul White to lead the Europe Value Partners series, a product line dormant since 2018.

Infrastructure and Geopolitical Risk

The infrastructure sector, while seeing lower overall capital formation, is prompting caution among established investors regarding current market enthusiasm. Sadek Wahba, founder of I Squared Capital, expressed concern that investors are underestimating geopolitical threats, specifically those stemming from the ongoing conflict involving Iran, even amid the excitement surrounding the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom. Meanwhile, the broader private equity infrastructure coverage is set for deeper analysis following the acquisition of Scientific Infra & Private Assets by PEI and Infrastructure Investor, aiming to enhance quantitative insights into the asset class.