Lucky number 17? Seventeen is proving a prosperous number for the California Public Employees’ Retirement System. The US’s largest public pension posted a preliminary 17 percent net private equity return for the 12 months ending 30 June, up from the earlier 13.5 mark. That lift highlights a strong private‑equity environment for the public sector.

In other news, Ardian closed a capital‑raising round on a 2.5‑year‑old asset, underscoring the firm’s continued appetite for mature opportunities. Meanwhile, Asante tapped Evercore to lead its secondaries build‑out, signaling confidence in the secondary market’s growth prospects.

These moves illustrate a broader trend of large institutional investors seeking higher‑yield assets amid a tightening liquidity environment. With private‑equity returns rising, public pension funds like CalPERS are recalibrating portfolios to capture gains, while asset managers such as Ardian and advisory groups like Evercore are positioning themselves to meet evolving demand.

The synergy between these entities points to a market where seasoned players are capitalizing on both primary and secondary opportunities, and where the number 17 may indeed be a lucky omen for those looking to boost returns.