As Ben Graham wisely noted, “In the short term, the market is a voting machine. But in the long run it is a weighing machine.” Imagine focusing on the long run, allowing your portfolio to deliver consistent results over time without being disrupted by cable TV headlines or rapidly changing daily account updates.
This kind of long-term focus is especially relevant after two years of calm markets and strong returns—especially for US large-cap stocks—as the past few months remind us that markets can be turbulent, and trends don’t last forever. Some investors take these gyrations in stride, knowing that markets have historically risen over time. But many, especially those who count on their portfolio for lifestyle or spending needs, have felt a creeping sense of unease. Fortunately for those investors, private markets have been a reliable option as public markets endure dramatic swings.
The Hidden Strength of Private Markets
In the past, private markets were seen as “alternative” investments, often taking a backseat to public ones. But as the recent spike in market volatility reminds us, they’ve moved from being alternatives to essential components of investment portfolios. Unlike public assets, private markets are not priced daily, so they may be less prone to the whipsawing effects of market sentiment. This structural advantage has enabled private assets to provide some steadiness while enhancing risk-adjusted returns, which we think makes them integral for both institutional and individual investors.
Unlike publicly traded stocks, which can fluctuate wildly, private investments are generally shielded from the rollercoaster of daily (or even intraday) swings. That’s because valuations are typically reported on a quarterly basis. While the underlying volatility remains—cash flows are still subject to the laws of economic gravity—the absence of daily price swings spares investors the psychological pressure to react impulsively during market turbulence. Even when valuations dip, the lack of constant market updates allows for a more measured, long-term approach.
In other words, private market net asset values exist on paper, whereas their true values are realized only when investors sell their positions. Not only does this alleviate the daily stress investors may experience watching traditional investments see-saw, but the extended lockup periods deter herds of skittish investors from indiscriminately dumping their positions at the first sign of worry. After all, public companies face constant pressure to target short-term metrics at the potential expense of long-term performance, while private assets face no such demands. As a result, private markets foster the ability to focus on strategic growth rather than reacting to short-term market moves.
Patient Capital May Be a Strategic Advantage
One of the key benefits of private markets, in our view, is the concept of patient capital. Unlike public markets, where investors can buy or sell at any point, private markets often have multiyear lock-up periods for invested capital. So, when markets get rocky or overly expensive, private funds can cease making investments and wait for more favorable conditions. What’s more, lockups reduce the risk of being adversely affected by other investors’ panic-driven decisions. In public markets, the selling pressure from spiraling anxiety can upend even the most steadfast long-term strategy. But in private markets, investors share an inherently long-term mindset, which in our view reduces the risk of co-investors dragging down your investment when they exit.
Patient capital also gives managers more latitude. Since private assets usually boast multiyear terms in which to deploy the capital committed by investors, private funds managers can pump the proverbial brakes when faced with a universe of less attractive opportunities. This phenomenon has coined the phrase “dry powder,” signifying raised capital that’s not yet kicked into action. While it’s hard to buy the dips in private markets—because deals take longer to strike than punching “buy” on a keyboard—a prolonged downturn allows private investors to seize attractive entry points when other investors are fearful or overextended, building returns from a better starting position.
And some types of private investments can be more agile. Hedge funds, in particular, stand out as private market strategies that seek to thrive amid volatility. Unlike most equity portfolios that struggle during market swings, hedge funds welcome these conditions. They rely on volatility and dispersion between markets or security valuations to drive outperformance. Strategies such as relative value and global macro may benefit from wholesale selloffs, acting as arbitrageurs that force asset prices to converge back to fair value. As we see it, this ability to capitalize on market swings makes hedge funds a valuable component of a diversified portfolio.
Sophisticated Asset Allocation: Finding the Optimal Balance
To strike the right balance between public and private market exposure, sophisticated asset allocation is essential. It helps investors size an appropriate allocation, while ensuring portfolios align with changing conditions and individual needs. By taking a fresh look at their asset allocation, investors may be better equipped to achieve diversification across asset classes, including private equity, private credit, real estate equity and debt, and hedge funds. This diversification serves as a potential buffer against the volatility experienced by public investors, allowing for a clearer head during turbulent times.
Market sell-offs can be nerve-racking, and it’s understandable to feel a creeping sense of panic. Yet in a world where market volatility can send public investments on a rollercoaster ride, private market movements may be more muted. Yes, these investments are less liquid than public market investments, requiring greater due diligence while imposing longer time horizons before showing a return on investment. But while private investments demand patience, we think the rewards can be worth the wait. As we enter a new era of investing, we believe that embracing the long game through private markets can help investors thrive amid market turmoil and ensure portfolios are resilient and well-positioned.
The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations, and do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams, and are subject to change over time.
A message from Advisor Perspectives and VettaFi: To learn more about this and other topics, check out some of our webcasts.
© AllianceBernstein
More Liquidity Topics >
