Top considerations for alternative investments in 2023 

November 1, 2022

The year 2022 will certainly be remembered as momentous, and it may take some time to fully understand the ramifications of the events that occurred this year. Thankfully, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic finally began to attenuate, although the virus has not completely disappeared. For the first time in decades, Europe had an active military conflict, and, at the time of writing, it is still unclear how that situation will be resolved. Energy prices, due to both the conflict and ensuing policy decisions, increased significantly. On the macroeconomic front, inflation returned with a vengeance and reached levels not seen in 40 years. As a result, for the first time in many investment professionals’ careers, we are seeing a significant increase in interest rates.

Any of these events individually would likely have had a profound impact on markets, both public and private. However, in combination, these events, along with other relevant factors, have certainly pulled the rug out from under markets. In our private markets outlook for 2023, we discuss how these significant events are affecting various private market segments and what we expect their ramifications to be in 2023.

Top considerations for alternative investments in 2023

We explore how recent significant events are affecting various private market segments and what we expect their ramifications to be in 2023.
Download this report

    Listen and subscribe

    Top considerations for investing in private markets

    1. Private debt
      The benefits of private debt during a period of substantial uncertainty, including the flexibility the asset class offers.
    2. Private equity
      Whether general partners will accelerate capital calls and commit new capital during a period of declining valuations, which could have implications for performance.
    3. Real estate
      The case for which property types are likely to perform better in the current macroeconomic climate as well as how ESG will impact the sector.
    4. Venture capital
      Argues that, historically, periods of economic distress have led to the development of next-generation technology products and services.
    5. Asian private equity
      The current investment conditions in China and the potential opportunities these circumstances present.
    6. European private equity
      Despite economic uncertainty in the region, the current situation may present an opportunity to gain access to general partners who would otherwise be inaccessible.
    7. Infrastructure
      Breaks down the issue of how some, but not all, infrastructure assets can provide a degree of inflation protection.
    8. Impact investing
      Examines the growth and development of several impact-investing sectors and argues that the current market backdrop may offer a good opportunity to consider an impact-investing programme.

    Related investment reports

    Investment solutions to suit your needs

    • Implementation and Investment Solutions

      We can help you define, develop and implement your investment strategy by addressing areas such as governance, risk, sustainability and diversification. We flex our services to suit your needs and help you achieve your investment goals.

    • Sustainable investments 

      We help you build a sustainable investment strategy that integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) factors and seeks an optimal mix between positive change and favourable returns.

    • Alternative investments

      Leveraging our existing relationships with hundreds of asset managers around the world, we can help you identify and source new investment strategies, opportunities, ideas and innovations across private markets and hedge funds. 

    • Strategic research 

      Become a member of the MercerInsight® Community today to get access to strategic research from hundreds of thought leaders around the world, including Mercer and third-party publishers. It’s complimentary and easy to join.

    • Asset manager research 

      By subscribing to MercerInsight®, an alliance with eVestment, you can gain access to data, analytics and our forward-looking research on asset managers and thousands of investment strategies across both public and private markets. 

    • Managing investment risk

      Our Mercer Sentinel team can help you conduct due diligence and mitigate operational risks across your portfolios and strategies. We assess asset managers, custodians and other service providers to help you deliver on your governance objectives.

    MercerInsight® Community

    MercerInsight Community curates the latest strategic research from Mercer and hundreds of third-party publishers and asset managers. While some articles are featured here, most are reserved for members. Membership is complimentary and it’s quick and easy to join.
    Join the community

    Contact us