In this episode, Future Standard’s Investment Research team members Alan Flannigan and Andrew Korz unpack the key themes from their Q2 2026 U.S. Economic Outlook, Sturdy, Under Strain. They examine the state of the U.S. economy entering the conflict in the Middle East, discuss the long-term implications of a shifting global landscape, and provide views on the most pressing macro themes in Q2.

The episode also features a discussion with Jason Cole, Head of Public Policy at Future Standard, who provides on-the-ground perspective on the Iran conflict, evolving tariff authorities, and Federal Reserve leadership changes.

Q2 2026 Economic outlook: https://www.futurestandard.com/insights/report/q2-2026-us-economic-outlook-sturdy-under-strain

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For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights

In this episode, Future Standard’s Investment Research team members, Alan Flannigan and Andrew Korz, are joined by Rob Hoffman, Head of Credit Solutions, for a data‑driven look at what’s really happening in private credit right now. They unpack the biggest headline concerns—PIK usage, redemption activity and gates, bank financing, defaults, software exposure and valuations—and explain how structure, lender protections and income durability shape outcomes across cycles. The discussion cuts through noise to highlight where selectivity, entry discipline and manager skill can matter most for investors navigating today’s market.

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For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights

Private markets are entering 2026 at a pivotal moment. After years defined by inflation, rate volatility and compressed liquidity, investors now confront a landscape where opportunity is expanding — but not evenly. In this episode of the Future Standard Podcast, we explore why the year ahead represents an inflection point, how capital concentration is reshaping private markets and why the middle market remains a durable source value creation.

Our 2026 Outlook, Forged, Not Found, argues that the next cycle won’t reward passive allocation to private market beta. Returns will be built through specialization, operational intensity and by addressing the market’s most pressing risks through real diversification, not diversification in name only.

Download the full outlook: https://www.futurestandard.com/insights/private-markets-outlook/forged-not-found-selectivity-shapes-outcomes-as-momentum-builds

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For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights

In a new episode of Head to Head, Greg Toskos (Managing Director, Head National Sales, UBS Global Wealth Management) joins Co-Heads of Distribution Kirsten Pickens and Ryan Robertson.

For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights

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For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights

In the finale of our Private Markets Outlook series, we sit down with Co-President and Chief Investment Officer Mike Kelly for an in-depth look into the new investing imperative in private markets.

Mike joins Research team members Alan Flannigan and Andrew Korz to explore the shift from disinflation and low rates to today’s environment of volatility, inflation and uncertainty. He gives insights into how private markets offer new opportunities for growth, diversification and operational value creation—especially in the U.S. middle market.

The Private Markets Outlook podcast series from Future Standard features special guests and portfolio managers from across our firm, each bringing unique perspectives on private equity, private credit and real estate. Get more private markets insights at futurestandard.com/insights

Follow the value, not the herd: The new private markets imperative
Q4 U.S. economic outlook: Artificial intelligence, real economic impact
U.S. exceptionalism at a crossroads

Have a question for our experts? Text us for a chance to have your questions answered on the next episode.

For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights

In this episode of the Private Markets Outlook series, we sit down with Scott Giardina, Managing Director and Head of Trading for Future Standard’s Global Credit Team, for an in-depth look at the current state of private credit.

Scott joins Research team members Alan Flannigan and Andrew Korz to discuss the benefit of specialization in private credit, why lender protections matter more than ever and what it means for investors.

The Private Markets Outlook podcast series from Future Standard features portfolio managers from across our firm, each bringing unique perspectives on private equity, private credit and real estate. Subscribe and stay tuned for more.

Follow the value, not the herd: The new private markets imperative
Q4 U.S. economic outlook: Artificial intelligence, real economic impact
U.S. exceptionalism at a crossroads

Have a question for our experts? Text us for a chance to have your questions answered on the next episode.

For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights

What’s next for private equity? We continue our Private Markets Outlook series with a discussion featuring Jorge Rossello, Managing Director, LP Secondaries. He joins Research team members Andrew Korz and Alan Flannigan to explore how private equity investors are navigating a shifting landscape.

The Private Markets Outlook podcast series from Future Standard features special guests and portfolio managers from across our firm, each bringing unique perspectives on private equity, private credit and real estate. Subscribe and stay tuned for more.

Related:

Follow the value, not the herd: The new private markets imperative
U.S. exceptionalism: At a crossroads

Have a question for our experts? Text us for a chance to have your questions answered on the next episode.

For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights

What lies ahead for CRE? We continue our Private Markets Outlook series with a discussion featuring two of our portfolio managers, Jason Landon (equity) and Rob Lawrence (credit). They join Research team members Andrew Korz and Alan Flannigan to share how major shifts in CRE are playing out on the ground.

The Private Markets Outlook podcast series from Future Standard features special guests and portfolio managers from across our firm, each bringing unique perspectives on private equity, private credit and real estate. Subscribe and stay tuned for more.

Have a question for our experts? Text us for a chance to have your questions answered on the next episode.

For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights