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Digital platforms make microbusinesses possible for millions of people, and companies like Etsy and GoDaddy have been an essential backbone behind them, especially during the pandemic (Etsy sellers contributed $13 billion and almost 3 million jobs to the economy last year). In this NOW episode, we discuss the evolution of microbusinesses and what they mean for the growth and resilience of our communities. Later, David Powell, co-portfolio manager of Brown Advisory's Large-Cap Sustainable Growth strategy, joined the conversation to discuss takeaways for investors.

The cryptocurrency market, and specifically Bitcoin, has grown significantly and offers investors high potential returns. It is commonly argued that Bitcoin should be considered by investors as a store of value and portfolio hedge. However, there are a number of risks that investors should evaluate before considering an allocation.

With the rising interest rates and media speculation around the level of credit spreads, corporate bond investors are reminded of the 2013 taper tantrum when credit spreads widened. For investors concerned about increased market volatility, allocating to a rules-based ladder strategy may provide both predictable income and capital preservation.

When portfolios don’t deliver outcomes as expected, the number one question is “Why?” In this Risk Report, the answers are provided through an examination of more than 200 institutional equity portfolios, representing more than $200 billion assets. What was discovered may surprise you. From a portfolio’s exposure to uncompensated risks to the performance-hindering “cancellation effect,” there were six common drivers of unexpected portfolio results.

Real estate can play an important role in diversified portfolios by acting as a hedge against rising prices. However, like other income producing asset classes, rising interest rates can put downward pressure on real estate valuations. Can real estate offer investors inflation protection if the Federal Reserve continues to raise rates to combat higher prices?

Against the global macroeconomic backdrop, there are pockets of investment opportunities—in particular, metal exporters in the frontier markets space. That's because regulation and consumer preferences are creating demand for clean transportation, which will drive strong growth in the metals of the future: copper, aluminum, nickel, cobalt, and lithium. This could bolster the outlook for commodity exporters, and could also improve the prospects for markets with burgeoning mining investments.

High-net worth individuals are not immune to concerns around economic slowdowns. While the first half of 2022 may go down as one of the worst starts for stock and bond markets in history, it has also presented unique opportunities for long-term investors. With sound investment strategy and financial planning, investors can protect and grow their portfolio.

The word volatility has encapsulated the state of the economy and markets for the pandemic years, but 2022 added geopolitical upheaval and economic stabilization measures—including interest rate increases—to the mix. Amid concerns about a recession, how are private equity fund managers preparing?

In the dealmaking environment, the general aviation sector has been resilient through the pandemic. The sector's rebound that started in the second half of 2020 portends good things for it and the fixed base operators (FBOs) that serve the airports—even in the face of broader economic headwinds. The sector's endurance tracks with what history has shown—that high-net-worth individuals will keep flying. That means strong long-term FBO deal potential and short-term opportunities in the right markets.

In the hospitality space, hotels are a unique asset that can be viewed as an operating business that makes them different and more complex than other real estate assets and holdings. While recovery in the industry has been uneven—with big box meeting hotels struggling and luxury resorts doing well—there are investment opportunities, including the distressed hotels. In this ten minute interview, Clifford Risman and Brian Lucareli discuss the investment opportunities and the market factors impacting them.