Equity investing has been tough the past year or so but with rates predicted to drop, will things start to return to normal? We asked the actual investors themselves for their predictions for equity investing overall, as well as their strategies going forward. Here is what they had to say.

Ray Cleeman, Head of Capital Markets & Lending, Pensam

Very robust this year given the need to replace higher leveraged loans that were issued in 2021 to 2022 and which are coming due now.

Giovanni Cordoves, Regional President, Western U.S., KBS

2026 will be a more active year than 2025, which to some extent stunted due to the “noise” around tariffs that began in April and continues to this day, as well as delayed (but seemingly imminent) cuts to the federal fund rate.

Caroline Janson, Director, CrossHarbor Capital Panters

CrossHarbor is currently prioritizing equity investments with elements of stress/distress or dislocation where we can invest at a compelling basis and create value for our investors.

Jeffrey Juster, President/CEO, Newport Capital Advisors, LLC

We expect the market to experience many difficulties due to higher interest rates and increased insurance costs. We have maintained a high level of liquidity and we are prepared to offer creative solutions.

Jeffrey Karsh, Founder/Managing Partner, Tryperion Holdings

Looking better as debt continues to get cheaper.

Robin Potts, Partner/Chief Investment Officer, Canyon Partners Real Estate

We are experiencing more robust equity investing opportunities with an uptick in transaction volume across performing and stressed situations as a result of an increased willingness by sellers to accept market pricing, as well as the recent improvements in the cost of debt capital for buyers.

Jeff Reder, Managing Director, CenterSquare Investment

Activity is expected to pick up over the balance of 2025 and into 2026, driven by improving macroeconomic visibility and a closing of the valuation gap between buyers and sellers.

Story first published in The Crittenden Report