Sector Investment 3 Days

Last updated: April 18, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Real Estate Capital Markets

Real estate fundraising volumes contracted sharply by 50% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, signaling a contraction in capital deployment across major global markets. However, the environment for successful managers appears healthier, as a greater proportion of funds actually hit or surpassed their stated targets and achieved final close in shorter timeframes. This shift is particularly evident due to the temporary market absence of behemoths like Blackstone and Brookfield, which has allowed smaller, emerging managers to secure capital more efficiently. In product specialization, CBRE Investment Management is re-engaging with European value-add strategies by appointing former Hines executive Paul White to lead the Europe Value Partners series, a mandate the firm had not actively raised capital for since 2018.

Infrastructure & Geopolitical Risk

The infrastructure investment sector is grappling with concerns that investors are underestimating geopolitical instability, specifically risks stemming from the conflict in Iran, according to Sadek Wahba, founder of I Squared Capital. Wahba expressed caution regarding the current AI infrastructure boom, suggesting markets are not fully pricing in potential disruptions related to regional conflict. Meanwhile, the publishing arm of the sector is deepening its analytical capabilities through the acquisition of Scientific Infra & Private Assets (SIPA), a move intended to enhance quantitative research and coverage across private infrastructure assets.