Weekly Market Newsletter

Welcome to the first Weekly Market Newsletter — curated by me, Finance Major. I’m a Wharton grad with experience in both private equity and investment banking, and I’ve spent my career on the front lines of capital markets. But truthfully, I’m just obsessed with one thing: beating the market. This newsletter is born from that obsession. Each week, I’ll break down how public and private investors are generating outsized returns — from IPO rotations and insider flow to alternative assets and secondaries. My goal? To help you think like an institution, act faster than the crowd, and capitalize on the strategies that are often hidden from view. Let’s dive in.

Overall Market Recap 3/24 - 3/28

 Markets sold off hard this week — the Dow shed 700+ points Friday, S&P broke below its 200-day. Three main drivers:

1. Tariff Shock: Trump dropped a 25% tariff on all auto imports. GM, Ford, and foreign automakers got slammed. Global auto stocks tanked.

2. Hot Inflation Print: Core PCE came in at +0.4% MoM, +2.8% YoY — higher than expected. Fed rate cuts? Likely delayed.

3. Consumer Sentiment Cracked: Michigan sentiment fell to 57 — lowest since 2022. 2/3 of consumers expect higher unemployment soon.

Tech got hit (Nvidia under pressure from China chip rules), and retail got smacked (Lululemon revised guidance lower). Volatility is back. Watch your positioning heading into next week.

IPO’s To Watch

As we approach the upcoming week, several notable initial public offerings (IPOs) are set to debut, presenting potential opportunities for investors. Here's an in-depth look at these companies:​

1. Newsmax (NMAX):

• Industry: Media and Broadcasting​

  Business Focus: Newsmax is a conservative media company offering news content across various platforms, including television, digital media, and print. Founded in 1998 as a digital media brand, Newsmax expanded into cable news in 2014 and has since become the fourth highest-rated cable news channel in the U.S., according to Nielsen ratings. ​

  IPO Details: Newsmax completed its initial public offering (IPO) on March 28, 2025, raising $75 million by selling 7.5 million shares at $10 per share. The stock will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "NMAX" on March 31, 2025.

  Financial Performance: In the first half of 2024, Newsmax reported revenues of approximately $80 million, marking a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2023. However, the company also recorded a net loss of $55.5 million during this timeframe. ​

  Funding and Valuation: Prior to its IPO, Newsmax has raised $225 million through a private preferred offering in February 2025.

2. Nectar Clean Tech (NCT):

• Industry: Renewable Energy and Solar Infrastructure​

• Business Focus: Nectar Clean Tech is dedicated to developing and deploying solar infrastructure solutions, with a particular emphasis on microgrid technology. Their systems are designed to provide sustainable and decentralized energy solutions, especially in remote or underserved regions.​

• IPO Details: Trading under the ticker NCT, Nectar Clean Tech is set to enter the public market next week. The company's focus on environmental sustainability and clean energy has attracted considerable interest from investors aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.​

• Market Position: With the global push towards renewable energy sources, Nectar Clean Tech positions itself as a key player in the transition to sustainable power solutions, potentially offering significant long-term value.​

3. CrowdView Media (CRWV):

• Industry: Social Media Analytics and Market Research​

• Business Focus: CrowdView Media provides advanced analytics tools that assess social sentiment across various platforms. By leveraging big data and machine learning, the company offers insights into consumer behavior, brand perception, and market trends, aiding businesses in strategic decision-making.​

• IPO Details: Debuted TODAY under the ticker CRWV, CrowdView Media has become a topic of discussion among retail investors, particularly on forums like Reddit. This heightened attention suggests a strong initial interest, though it also warrants caution regarding potential volatility.​

• Investor Considerations: The company's ability to monetize its analytics services and expand its client base will be critical factors influencing its post-IPO performance.​

Investor Tip: It's advisable to monitor the option chain activity for these stocks within the first 72 hours post-IPO. Such activity can provide insights into institutional sentiment and potential future price movements.​

Private Market Updates

The private markets have witnessed significant developments recently, reflecting a trend towards increased accessibility for individual investors and strategic shifts within major firms.​

1. Blackstone's New Private Equity Fund:

Blackstone has introduced a private equity fund tailored for high-net-worth individuals, amassing $6 billion since its launch in January. This fund distinguishes itself by continuously accepting investments and offering quarterly redemption options, a departure from traditional private equity structures. Its investment strategy encompasses a diverse range of opportunities, including traditional private-equity deals, minority stakes in companies owned by other private-equity firms, and secondary market purchases. This approach aims to ensure consistent returns and meet redemption requests, though it carries inherent risks related to investment selection and market conditions. ​

2. Pacific Equity Partners' Gateway Fund Expansion:

Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) is set to broaden access to its $500 million Gateway fund, which has historically delivered returns of up to 20% to affluent investors. The firm plans to make this fund available to retail investors through an open-ended feeder fund managed by Equity Trustees, accessible via financial advisers. The Gateway fund, with a minimum investment requirement of $50,000, permits monthly subscriptions and redemptions. This initiative aligns with PEP's strategy to democratize access to high-quality global private equity investments while ensuring that retail investors receive appropriate guidance. ​

3. Private Equity's Shift Towards Retail Investors:

The private equity sector is increasingly targeting retail investors, offering products that promise higher returns and improved capital allocation. While this move could address gaps in retirement savings and stimulate economic growth, it introduces challenges related to liquidity demands, regulatory scrutiny, and transparency. Private equity investments typically require long-term commitments, and integrating retail investors necessitates careful consideration of their investment horizons and risk tolerance. ​

4. Growth in the Private Equity Secondaries Market:

The private equity secondaries market has experienced notable growth, driven by an increased need for liquidity among private equity firms and a rising interest in private markets. Senior leaders in the sector remain optimistic about its trajectory, with firms like Ardian and Blackstone expanding their secondaries businesses. This trend underscores the evolving dynamics of private equity and the strategic importance of secondary transactions. ​

These developments highlight a broader movement within private markets towards greater inclusivity and adaptability, offering individual investors unprecedented opportunities to engage with private equity and alternative investments.​

Startup Market Updates

The startup ecosystem has been vibrant recently, with significant funding rounds and notable trends in secondary markets. Here's an in-depth look at these developments:​

Notable Funding Rounds:

• SyntheX's Collaboration with Bristol Myers-Squibb:

  SyntheX, a biotech company specializing in molecular glue therapeutics, announced a $550 million research collaboration with Bristol Myers-Squibb to develop advanced cancer treatments. ​

• Zeta Labs' Pre-Seed Funding:

  Zeta Labs, an AI research and product company, secured $2.9 million in pre-seed funding. The investment aims to expand their engineering team and enhance infrastructure for their AI agent, JACE, which is capable of complex task completion. ​

• GaiaNet's Seed Funding:

  GaiaNet Inc., focusing on decentralized AI infrastructure, raised $10 million in seed funding. The funds will support the development of edge nodes for deploying AI agents and generative AI tools. ​

Secondary Market Activity:

• Hiive's Private Stock Marketplace:

  Hiive has emerged as a prominent marketplace for private stock, providing liquidity solutions for venture-backed companies and their shareholders. The platform's Hiive50 Index, representing the 50 most liquid securities on Hiive, has shown a 34.67% increase, indicating robust activity in the private stock market. ​

• Increased Accessibility through EquityZen and Forge Global:

  Platforms like EquityZen and Forge Global are democratizing access to pre-IPO shares, lowering minimum investment requirements to $5,000. This move enables individual investors to participate in private companies such as SpaceX, though it comes with considerations regarding liquidity and risk. ​

• Challenges in Secondary Transactions:

  Some high-tech startups are reportedly restricting secondary deals to maintain valuations and control over their shareholder base. This trend highlights the complexities and evolving dynamics within the secondary market for private company shares. ​

These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the startup and secondary markets, offering both opportunities and challenges for investors navigating this evolving landscape.​

How Can I Take Action? 

Investing in private and secondary markets has traditionally been the domain of institutional and high-net-worth investors.However, recent developments have opened avenues for individual investors to participate in these markets.Understanding the potential returns and access points is crucial for those considering diversification into private equity.​

Comparing Returns: Private vs. Public Markets

Historically, private equity investments have often outperformed public markets over extended periods. For instance, over 10- and 25-year horizons, buyout strategies within private equity have demonstrated superior returns compared to public equities. However, it's important to note that in certain periods, such as the first three quarters of 2024, public indices like the S&P 500 achieved returns exceeding 17%, outperforming many private equity sub-asset classes. ​

The secondary market within private equity, which involves the buying and selling of existing private equity fund interests, has shown resilience and potential for attractive returns, especially during market downturns. Since 1999, secondary funds have consistently outperformed primary private equity and public equity during significant public market declines. ​

Accessing Private and Secondary Markets as an Individual Investor

The landscape for individual investors seeking exposure to private and secondary markets has evolved, offering several pathways:​

1. Online Investment Platforms:

   • EquityZen and Forge Global: These platforms enable accredited investors to purchase shares in private companies with minimum investments as low as $5,000. They provide access to pre-IPO companies, though investors should be mindful of limited liquidity and longer trade finalization times. ​

2. Private Equity Funds and Mutual Funds:

   • BlackRock's Private Market Funds: BlackRock has introduced funds aimed at wealthy clients in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, granting access to private market products with a minimum investment of $10,000. These funds focus on alternative assets such as private equity, private debt, infrastructure, and real estate. ​

3. Regulatory Frameworks and Fund Structures:

   • Long-Term Investment Funds (LIFs): Regulatory bodies, such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore, are proposing frameworks to facilitate retail investment in private markets. These frameworks aim to balance investor protection with increased access to private equity opportunities. ​

Taking Action: Steps for Individual Investors

1. Assess Accreditation Status: Determine if you meet the criteria for an accredited investor, as many private market opportunities require this status.​

2. Research Platforms and Funds: Explore platforms like EquityZen, Forge Global, and offerings from firms like BlackRock to identify opportunities that align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.​

3. Understand the Risks: Private and secondary market investments often involve higher risks, longer investment horizons, and reduced liquidity compared to public markets. Conduct thorough due diligence before committing capital.​

By carefully evaluating these factors and leveraging emerging platforms and fund structures, individual investors can access private and secondary markets, potentially enhancing portfolio diversification and returns.​

Here’s how popular public-access private market platforms stacked up in 2024:

Closing

To wrap up this week’s deep dive: whether it’s tracking IPO flow, tapping into private equity, or watching how capital moves through the startup and secondary markets — the goal behind sharing all of this data is simple: to beat the market. I’m not here to recycle headlines. I’m here to surface opportunities, trends, and tools that give us an edge. Institutional players have been compounding returns in these spaces for decades — now, with the right information and access points, retail investors can play the same game smarter. This newsletter exists to decode that world for you. Let’s keep learning, keep tracking, and keep positioning ourselves one step ahead.

Going forward: I will be posting a weekly newsletter every single FRIDAY after the bell! The main idea behind each article will change in order to create the maximum amount of value for my readers. I want to thank you personally for signing up to receive this newsletter and for reading! I am super excited about doing this every week and look forward to watching it grow. Don’t hesitate to reach out on X, I am always looking for new ideas for the next issue. See you next Friday!