Sector Investment 3 Days

Last updated: April 18, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Real Estate Capital Raising

Fundraising activity in the real estate sector contracted sharply by 50% year-on-year during the first quarter of 2026, though underlying metrics suggested improving manager efficiency, as a greater proportion of funds successfully met or surpassed their stated targets and achieved final close faster than in prior periods 1. This structural shift results partly from the market recalibration following the temporary absence of major players like Blackstone and Brookfield, which has created openings for smaller managers and new entrants to secure capital more rapidly 2. Reflecting this tactical pivot, CBRE Investment Management created a new leadership role focusing on European value-add strategies, signaling a push to revive fundraising for its Europe Value Partners series after an unsuccessful attempt in 2018 3.

Infrastructure & Private Equity

Within infrastructure investing, key industry figures expressed concern that markets are underestimating geopolitical threats, specifically citing risks associated with the Iran conflict, even while acknowledging the powerful tailwinds supporting AI infrastructure buildout 4. This cautious stance contrasts with the sector's general resilience, as noted by I Squared founder Sadek Wahba during a recent podcast appearance 4. Meanwhile, the sector's analytical depth is set to increase following the recent acquisition of Scientific Infra & Private Assets, which will bolster quantitative research capabilities for publications like Infrastructure Investor, promising deeper market insights 5.