Digest May 12th

Private Credit and Tech Funds Open to Individual Investors

The investment landscape is shifting as private market opportunities become more accessible to retail clients. Coatue Management, backed by Jeff Bezos and Michael Dell, is launching a tech-focused fund with a $50,000 minimum, allocating up to 50% to private companies. Similarly, firms like Apollo, Vanguard, and KKR are rolling out interval funds and ETFs blending public and private credit. These products aim to meet growing demand but raise questions about liquidity and suitability for everyday investors. WSJ

AI-Driven Wealth Management Gains Momentum

JPMorgan reports that its AI tools, such as Coach AI, have significantly boosted client engagement and sales amid recent market volatility. These tools provide personalized insights and rapid responses, contributing to a 20% increase in asset and wealth management sales. The bank anticipates that advisors could expand their client bases by 50% over five years through AI integration. This trend underscores the growing importance of AI in delivering efficient and tailored financial services. Reuters

Gen Z Embraces ‘Soft Saving’ Over Traditional Retirement Planning

A new financial mindset among Gen Z, termed “soft saving,” prioritizes present-day happiness and well-being over aggressive retirement planning. A 2025 Harvard survey reveals that over 40% of young adults are barely getting by, with only 16% feeling financially secure. Despite valuing financial stability, many Gen Zers doubt they can achieve it, leading 73% to favor quality of life over extra savings. This shift challenges advisors to adapt their strategies to align with the values and expectations of younger clients. Investopedia