Best of 2025

From the DeepSeek-driven reassessment of the US’ AI leadership to the Liberation Day tariffs which plunged global trades into uncertainties, 2025 has tested asset owners’ theses around geopolitical stability, the dominance of the tech sector, and geographical diversification. Here are the top read stories of this year.

Europe rearms, defence returns surge, asset owners rethink exposure

A soldier using a drone for scouting during a military operation.

Years of hard-line exclusions of the defence industry kept many asset owners out of one of the strongest-performing sectors. Now, as Europe rearms, investors are reworking defence policies – cautiously and under intense scrutiny.

Alaska’s APFC: Why any nudge lower in private equity will be slow progress

As Alaska’s APFC mulls trimming its 18 per cent private equity allocation, the reality of getting legacy managers off the books is proving more challenging, according to deputy CIO, private markets Allen Waldrop. In an interview with Top1000funds.com, he also shares his view on secondaries and manager selection. 

CalPERS’ Stephen Gilmore on the total portfolio approach

Listen to the detailed interview between Top1000funds.com editor Amanda White and CalPERS’ CIO Stephen Gilmore to gain insights into how a TPA mindset has the potential, through a shared focus on the total portfolio, to add value, simplify accountability and open new opportunities for investments.