10 Investment Must Reads for This Week (Sept. 9, 2025)

Group 1: Federal Reserve and Market Impact - The impact of the Federal Reserve on markets is considered overrated, with the effects of interest rates being less predictable than commonly believed [1] Group 2: Private Equity and Fundraising - Private equity firms are actively hiring talent from Wall Street as fundraising competition intensifies, following a period of stagnation due to rising interest rates and market volatility [3] Group 3: Private Credit Benchmarks - Kroll and StepStone Group have launched private-credit benchmarks aimed at enhancing transparency and risk management for investors in the direct-lending market [4] Group 4: Investment Strategies and Derivative Income ETFs - Investors are advised to consider the implications of setting strike prices close to current prices when investing in derivative income ETFs, as this affects potential premiums and upside [5] Group 5: Private Investments in Defined Contribution Plans - Industry groups are urging the Department of Labor to provide guidance on including private and alternative investments in defined contribution plans [7] Group 6: Leadership Changes in Asset Management - Lazard Asset Management has appointed Chris Hogbin from AllianceBernstein as the new CEO, succeeding Evan Russo, who will transition to an advisory role [8] Group 7: Non-Traded REIT Guidelines - The NASAA has amended guidelines for non-traded real estate investment trusts to enhance protections for retail investors, with changes effective from January 1, 2026 [9] Group 8: ETF Inflows - U.S.-listed ETFs attracted $119.3 billion in August, marking the highest monthly total of 2025, with year-to-date inflows reaching $792.6 billion, on track to exceed $1 trillion for the second consecutive year [10]