Private Equity Bros Weekly

📊 Weekly Summary

Here’s a summary of this week’s top news in finance and economics:

US PPI inflation dropped to 2.4% YoY, its sharpest decline in five years. Fed Chair Powell hinted at a possible overhaul of the central bank's policy framework, while US regulators look to ease post-2008 capital rules. Japan’s economy contracted more than expected in Q1, and Russia’s oil revenues hit an 11-month low.

India surpassed Japan as the most favored Asian stock market. Quant funds are increasingly active in Saudi Arabia amid market reforms, and Europe is preparing for a wave of IPOs. Meanwhile, Qatar pledged over $243B in US investments, and concerns are rising over structural risks in the booming private credit space.

Let’s break it down.

📈 Recent Finance News

US PPI inflation slowed to 2.4% YoY in biggest drop in five years: Largest monthly drop since the pandemic, as tariffs put a squeeze on profit margins (CNN)

Japan economy shrank in Q1 for first time in a year: The GDP figure was a larger drop than the 0.1% contraction expected by economists (CNBC)

Powell signaled changes to Fed policy framework set in 2020: Could mark a major shift in how it approaches inflation and employment targets (FRB)

US to cut capital requirements for banks imposed after 2008: Watchdogs may ease rules as Trump’s deregulation opens door to post-crisis rollback (Guardian)

India overtook Japan to become most favored Asian stock market: Driven by momentum from global supply chain shifts and rising domestic demand (OI)

Quant traders are rushing into Saudi Arabia: Saudi Tadawul is working with top Wall Street HFT firms to incorporate feedback in derivatives market revamp (YF)

Russia oil-export revenue fell to its lowest since June 2023: Russia's oil export revenues plummeted to $13.2B in April, as global oil prices fell (Oil Price)

Europe anticipates a wave of IPOs in coming weeks: Easing market volatility presents a golden opportunity for issuers to reach potential investors (Inv.)

Private credit's latest golden moment is hiding the cracks: Private credit is surging, but growing risks and hidden weaknesses threaten its momentum (BNN)

Qatar pledged to invest over $243B in US: A massive capital commitment with potential implications for sectors like infrastructure, energy, and technology (YF)

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🔍 Newly Released Reports

• Seizing Opportunity Amidst Uncertainty (Partners Group)

• Global Economic and Insurance Market Outlook (SRe)

• Boards Support in an Unpredictable Deal Market (EY)

• Unprecedented Volatility, but No Real Clarity (MS)

• What Makes a Great Life Science VC Fund? (LF)

• The Economic Impact of PE & VC in Italy (PwC)

• Transforming Infrastructure Investment (PwC)

• Global Family Business Report 2025 (KPMG)

• Impact of AI on the Deals Market (KPMG)

• Startups and VC Ecosystem in CEE (11 VC)

• Outlook for Direct Lending (MS)

🤝 M&A Activity

UK regulators to review Aviva’s acquisition of Direct Line (RT)
Deal Value: $4.9B

Dick's Sporting Goods to acquire Foot Locker (YF)
Deal Value: $2.4B

Strathcona Resources sells shale oil assets in trio of deals (WO)
Deal Value: $2B

GSK buys experimental liver drug maker BP Asset IX, Inc. in strategic deal (GSK)
Potential Deal Value: $2B

Vistra to acquire seven natural gas plants to meet AI power demand (EC)
Deal Value: $1.9B

Greencore buys rival Bakkavor Group in UK food deal (YF)
Deal Value: $1.6B

Databricks to purchase AI database startup Neon in AI-agent push (IW)
Deal Value: $1B

Brookfield nears acquisition of Generator Group’s European arm (CoStar)
Deal Value: $881M

Ares in talks to acquire 20% stake in Italian Eni’s renewables unit (PEW)
Deal Value: Undisclosed

Trio of Bay Area families agree to buy 6% stake in San Francisco 49ers (SP)
Deal Value: Undisclosed