The View From Apollo

Robert Bittencourt, Partner and Co-Head of Opportunistic Credit at Apollo, shares expert insights into the evolving credit markets. He discusses the significant impacts of the Trump administration's trade tariffs on market dynamics and investor confidence. Bittencourt highlights the contrasting stability of investment-grade credits versus the volatility in high-yield segments. He also explores the nuances of payment-in-kind financing, emphasizing its risks during economic uncertainty. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on navigating turbulent financial landscapes and making informed investment decisions.

Matt O’Mara, a partner at Apollo and co-head of Apollo Aligned Alternatives, shares insights on navigating the current economic landscape. He discusses the challenges posed by high public market valuations and how they impact traditional investment strategies, particularly the 60/40 portfolio. O'Mara argues for a strategic shift towards private markets for better diversification and returns. The conversation also touches on the implications of declining globalization, emphasizing how these changes could affect future investment dynamics.

Discover the intriguing world of Investment Grade Private Credit as the hosts differentiate it from public credit and unveil its expansive $40 trillion market. Explore the benefits and unique structures of asset-backed finance, alongside the shifting dynamics between banks and private credit underwriters. Uncover the advantages of private bonds that offer higher returns and engage in a fascinating discussion on the parallels between private investment and culinary creativity. The conversation also touches on the rapid advancements in AI and their impact on investing.

In this enlightening discussion, Alex Wright, a Partner and Global Wealth Strategist at Apollo Global Management, reveals insights on navigating elevated public market valuations. He emphasizes the essential role of private markets in diversifying wealth portfolios, particularly through private credit and equity. The conversation touches on investment resilience as 2025 approaches, spotlighting infrastructure as a crucial asset class and the exciting opportunities in AI-driven data centers. Beyond finance, Alex and his co-host share personal holiday highlights and a passionate love for soccer.

Torsten Sløk, Apollo's Chief Economist, shares his insights into the 2025 Economic Outlook, focusing on a projected 2.3% GDP growth and a low unemployment rate of 4.3%. The discussion highlights the resilience of the U.S. economy and the role of AI in driving productivity. Geopolitical tensions and their impact on economic stability are explored, with a cautious optimism due to recent de-escalations. Sløk also addresses the effects of rising government deficits on interest rates and the changing dynamics of consumer spending.

Jim Vanek, partner and co-head of Global Performing Credit at Apollo, dives into the shifting landscape of credit markets amid recent Fed rate cuts. He discusses the proactive refinancing strategies companies are employing as they face a maturity wall. The conversation highlights emerging opportunities in private credit and the impact of political changes on macroeconomic conditions. Personal anecdotes about literature and travel add a unique touch, intertwining exploration with market insights, making for an engaging listen.

Listen to Apollo Chief Economist Torsten Sløk and Jess Lipsey, a Partner in the Real Assets Group at Apollo, discuss their views on what might come next for real estate in general and real estate equity in particular, in the wake of an aggressive rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. 

Join JP Vicente, Global Head of Content Strategy at Apollo, and Torsten Slok, Chief Economist, as they dissect the Federal Reserve's recent 50 basis point rate cut. They delve into the implications for US economic growth and inflation, discussing the delicate balance between labor market strength and inflation targets. The duo also analyzes the impacts on financial markets, touching on the challenges of inflated asset values. Plus, enjoy a lighthearted moment with summer concert recommendations for music lovers!

Listen to Apollo Chief Economist Torsten Sløk and Matt O’Mara, partner in Apollo’s Insurance Solutions Group, discuss how the structured nature of private market transactions can help align risk levels and returns, and how that dynamic is helping risk premia hold up in private markets. 

Global Wealth Strategist Alex Wright from Apollo and Apollo Chief Economist Torsten Slok discuss strategies for finding risk premiums in a challenging financial landscape. They explore the impact of interest rate cuts on investments, the importance of seeking risk premiums for higher returns, and the growth of private credit markets. The conversation highlights the benefits of incorporating private assets into portfolios and the significance of smaller companies in the economy.