Looking Back

“Despite declines in sales this year, limited partnerships continue to be a leading source of equity capital for American business. Through the third quarter, sales of public limited partnerships total $5.4 billion, down 29% from last year. But, to put the decline in perspective, sales of closed-end mutual funds ($5.5 billion) fell 63% during the same period, despite a rising stock market. And public partnerships have raised 42% more equity this year than initial public stock offerings. Real estate partnerships have suffered the brunt of sales losses. Two types of partnerships continue to prosper. Equipment leasing funds are by far the hottest selling product. Sales total $987 million through the third quarter–up 19% from 1988′s record setting pace. Equipment leasing funds are now the second most popular form of investment, capturing 18% of all partnership sales.&rdquo