In Episode 20 of the Alternative Allocations podcast, Mark Steffen from Wells Fargo Investment Institute shares insights on the market environment and opportunities in private markets. He provides a positive macro outlook for 2025, predicting U.S. economic growth and a soft landing. Mark shares areas of opportunity, including private equity, private credit, certain hedge fund strategies, infrastructure assets, and secondary investments. He also emphasizes the importance of diversifying portfolios with alternatives, and highlights the increasing accessibility of these strategies to average investors.

Mark Steffen is a global alternative investment strategist for Wells Fargo Investment Institute (WFII), which is focused on delivering the highest- quality investment expertise and advice to help investors manage risk and succeed financially. WFII serves Wells Fargo Wealth and Investment Management, a division of Wells Fargo & Company.

As a member of the Global Investment Strategy Committee, Mark formulates and leads strategy and asset allocation guidance for alternative investments, including hedge strategies, private equity, private debt, and private real estate and infrastructure. He produces alternative investment research and market updates that deliver advice to help investors meet their long-term financial goals.

Mark has more than 25 years of experience in financial services, including over 15 years in alternative investments. He earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Cloud State University. Mark has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designations.

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Resources:

Mark Steffen, CFA, CAIA | LinkedIn See what’s next for the economy in our 2025 Outlook | Wells Fargo Franklin Templeton Institute’s 2025 Private Market Outlook Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn