U.S. Private Equity Holds Steady in Q2

U.S. fundraising levels fell by 16% from the first quarter to $49 billion, but still registered the second highest level for any Q2 over the past decade, according to the report. It should be noted that the average quarterly raise in 2015 was $49 billion.

The number of funds raising capital decreased to 47 from 67 in the first quarter.

Global callable capital reserves committed to buyout funds rose by 4% to $518 billion from the end of March to the end of June. This surpassed year-end totals for each of the previous 13 years, AIC reported.

The year-end highs during that stretch for dry powder levels committed to buyout funds were $481 billion, recorded in December 2008 and again in December 2009.

“With investment on par with previous Q2 levels and continued healthy fundraising, private equity funds are well positioned despite the relatively rocky market conditions during the first half of 2016 and potentially through early 2017,” Bronwyn Bailey, the AIC’s vice president of research and investor relations, said in a statement.

“It’s during times of uncertainty that private equity has historically made some of the most profitable investments, which lead to strong returns for its investors.”