Some of private equity's largest investors are disclosing their summer reading lists. CalPERS, the California pension giant managing over $400 billion, joins the IMAS Foundation and Australian fund Aware Super in sharing book and podcast picks for 2026. The recommendations offer a window into what institutional investors are prioritizing as they navigate market uncertainty and portfolio positioning.

These consumption habits reveal how limited partners stay informed on industry trends. Professional development content helps investors evaluate fund managers and assess opportunities. The selections likely reflect focus areas like ESG integration, market disruption themes, and evolving fee structures that shape allocation decisions across multi-billion dollar portfolios.

The shared recommendations span industry-specific publications and broader business literature. Private Equity International compiled the list, which includes titles on carried interest, fund accounting, and private market fundraising. Podcasts cover the evolving LP-GP relationship and disruption themes affecting portfolio companies across sectors.

This informal survey provides insight into institutional investor mindset during summer break. Rather than pure entertainment, these selections suggest strategic thinking about market developments and professional growth areas that will influence investment decisions through year-end and beyond.