(Trade) War – what is it good for? The International Equity Team evaluates.

Michelle Schepis provides the team’s view on recent performance of the hedge fund industry and the team’s outlook for hedge fund strategies going forward.

October lived up to its infamous reputation for market volatility. What can we expect for the months ahead? The Global Fixed Income Team shares their views.

Samanage, the service success company, today announced a $30 million investment from Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, the growth-focused private investment platform within Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Samanage seeks to accelerate their exceptional year-over-year growth and expand their global market share in the IT Service Management (ITSM) industry.

Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, the growth-focused private investment platform within Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM), announced that it has closed on approximately $400 million of capital commitments for North Haven Expansion Equity LP and its related funds, exceeding its original fundraising target capital commitments by nearly $100 million.

Many are consumed with calling the next recession, but is stronger growth here to stay? Jim Caron discusses.

Neo4j, the leader in graph databases, announced today that it has closed an $80 million Series E funding round led by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital and One Peak Partners.

Ruchir Sharma appeared on CNBC to discuss the state of the U.S. economy and whether U.S. economic strength could enter a downturn.

Andrew Slimmon discusses the connection between euphoria, investor psychology and secular bull market cycles.

Crisis risk offset is a term used to describe a group of strategies that seek to perform well in the event of an equity market collapse. In this paper, the MSIM Managed Futures Team explains why an allocation to such non-correlated strategies has the potential to dampen the impact of equity market volatility and enhance the expected risk-adjusted returns of an investor’s portfolio.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor’s team, discusses his market views in the October 2018 Monthly Commentary.

The International Equity Team explains why an ESG focus is essential for long-term compounding.

Jim Caron provides his review of the third quarter of 2018 and his outlook on market opportunities.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia, the Asia-focused private equity investment platform within Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM), today announced that it has secured over US$440 million in capital commitments for North Haven Thai Private Equity LP and its related funds, versus an initial target of US$300 million. The Fund was launched in partnership with Bangkok Bank, a market-leading Thai financial institution.

The inaugural edition of Engage, the International Equity Team’s new semi-annual update on their ESG engagement activity.

Jim Caron discusses the recent market volatility and how there is a mathematical explanation.

The managed futures industry has long been primarily associated with quantitative trend-following strategies. More recently, a new breed of managers has emerged who employ systematic, rules-based trading strategies that focus on quantitative analysis of fundamental, non-price data. These systematic macro strategies are not trend-following and are often called “quantamental.” In this paper, we’ll make the case that quantamental and trend-following strategies are complementary to one another and that a well-balanced, long-term allocation to managed futures should include both.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses if too much recent U.S. growth is still good for the global economy.

In much the same way that long-only investors have considered “passive” investing as a way to adjust their exposures efficiently and to reduce cost, alternatives investors have begun to explore systematic and index-based solutions—such as “alternative risk premia”—as a way to achieve those same objectives. In this paper, we seek to introduce the concept of alternative risk premia, explain how investors can access them, and present the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with them.

Ruchir Sharma appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box to discuss the state of emerging markets.

Since late spring, there has been a sharp divergence in performance between the U.S. and the rest of the world, with investors flocking into the U.S. market. We expect this spike to fully correct eventually and the recent volatility has provided signs of this, though there may be further to go.

This video provides a short summary of the latest Andrew Harmstone Monthly Commentary article.

As with any scarce resource, human capital needs to be protected and nurtured. We discuss global trends and how engaging employees, offering flexible work arrangements, providing training and promoting diversity, can attract talent and increase companies’ competitiveness.

Andrew Slimmon appeared on CNBC to discuss the potential impact interest rates can have on equities.

Jim Caron appeared on CNBC to discuss the 10 year yield and his perspective on where rates are headed and what the Fed will do next.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment perspective in the latest viewpoint: “EM FX Crisis Playbook”

Richard Lindquist, Head of Global High Yield, discusses how in a world of rising interest rates, he believes middle market high-yield may be the best place to be in the bond market.

Jim Caron analyses economic cycle indicators and concludes we are closer to the mid-point of the cycle rather than the late point.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses if the stresses which affected the markets in August were predominantly idiosyncratic or if there are more sinister systemic issues at work.

In response to the latest emerging markets wobble, the International Equity Team argues that a focus on the fundamentals is the best way to avoid the destruction of capital.

Jim Caron appeared on CNBC to discuss the recent European Central Bank meeting and his outlook for the Fed.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisors team, discusses his market views in the September 2018 Monthly Commentary.

We’re undergoing a seismic shift in fixed income and portfolio manager Jim Caron, discusses why you should consider if you're prepared for the changing landscape.

Given the recent growth of investor interest in alternative risk premia, we thought it timely to share our insights on what constitutes effective due diligence in the space.

In this paper, we provide insights on alternative lending, a nascent asset class.

Global Macro is an investment style that is highly opportunistic and has the potential to generate strong risk-adjusted returns in challenging markets. Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and potentially increased volatility, we felt it would be timely to share our insights on the space and explain why we believe now could be an opportune time to make an allocation to Global Macro.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment perspective in the latest viewpoint: “The Eventual Turn of U.S. Outperformance?”

Andrew Slimmon appeared on CNBC Power Lunch to discuss whether the U.S. or emerging markets are a better bet for investors.

Jonas Kolk, CIO and Head of Portfolio Management for the Global Liquidity team, discusses changes happening in the markets and how his liquidity strategies, including the MSIFT Ultra-Short Income Portfolio, are able to adapt to changing market conditions.

Eric Baurmeister, Head of the Emerging Markets Debt Team, discusses the changing state of the emerging markets, opportunities he sees going forward and how his team is built to adapt to these changes.

Jim Caron appeared on Bloomberg Daybreak: Americas to examine revised U.S. second-quarter economic growth.

Jim Caron appeared on Bloomberg TV to discuss the potential market impact of a new Nafta trade agreement.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Energy Partners (MSEP), part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, and Midland, Texas-based Catalyst Energy Services LLC announced a strategic partnership whereby MSEP has made a majority equity investment in Catalyst to support the growth of the Company’s pressure pumping and other complementary services in premier U.S. oil and gas basins.

Andrew Slimmon discusses the current state of the markets on CNBC Closing Bell Exchange.

The one sure fact about the next downturn is that it will be different from the last one. The International Equity Team ask which sectors really are defensive.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses that there comes a time when valuations get stretched too far and how volatility may be poised to pick up.

As global growth continues, some think we may be in the later stages of the economic cycle. What should fixed income investors be watching in this environment?

Ruchir Sharma appeared on CNBC to discuss the economic situation in Turkey.

Trade and tariff rhetoric has weakened business fixed investment and thrown sand into the gears of the global economy. While it is still moving forward, we see clear signs it may be slipping a bit.

Trade and tariff rhetoric has weakened business fixed investment and thrown sand into the gears of the global economy. While it is still moving forward, we see clear signs it may be slipping a bit.

Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners, an investment team within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, has closed the unit’s latest investment fund, the Riverview Strategic Opportunities Fund III with over $500 million in commitments. The fundraise saw robust interest from both institutional and high net worth investors with the raise being completed within a few weeks. The Fund is an opportunistic hedge fund solution focused on hedge fund secondaries and co-investments.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisors team, discusses his market views in the August 2018 Mid-Month Commentary.

What does Morgan Stanley’s International Equity Team mean by high-quality global equities with strong intangible assets?

Jim Caron provides his review of the second quarter of 2018 and his outlook on market opportunities.

Market environments always change, sometimes violently. The International Equity Team asks: is this the end of the world as we know it?

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how U.S. assets and the USD have driven performance year-to-date, but how some key macro trends are expected to drive performance for the rest of the year.

Jim Caron appeared on CNBC Santelli Exchange to discuss rising consumer prices and yield curve flattening.

The IM Sustainable Investing Council drives IM’s global effort by promoting an overall framework for integrating ESG and ESG standards into IM’s investment processes, product development, measurement, education, client engagement and reporting.

The Global Fixed Income Team discusses why the yield curve is flattening and why they are not overly worried about it.

Jim Caron discusses the new era of rising interest rates and how it is causing fixed income managers across the world to rethink how they invest.

The Indian Equity team discuss the implications of macro data on portfolio construction and their stock picking approach.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor’s team, discusses his market views in the June 2018 Monthly Commentary.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment perspective in the latest viewpoint: “Renminbi: End of the Impossible Trinity?”

Head of Growth Investing, Dennis Lynch, shares his best advice for one day conquering Wall Street.

Business Insider selected MSIM’s Head of Growth Investing, Dennis Lynch, to engage in a series of exclusive interviews. Dennis Lynch reveals the epiphany that shaped his investment career.

MSCI’s inclusion of China A-shares into global indices will likely boost investor focus. The Global Emerging Markets Team discusses opportunities in this vast and largely uncharted portion of China’s complex markets.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP), the Private Equity team within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, announced today that they have completed an investment in Comar Holding Company, LLC. MSCP partnered with the current management team, led by Michael Ruggieri, who will remain CEO and continue to drive organic and acquisition growth.

Vbrick, the leading provider of enterprise video software, today announced it has received $20 million in funding led by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, with participation from existing investors Acme Nova and Adams Capital. The funding will build upon the rapid adoption of Vbrick’s video platform into the enterprise market by accelerating the pace of innovation, growing sales and marketing, and fueling the company’s partner ecosystem.

Don’t lose money – the International Equity Team explains how investing in high quality mitigates this fundamental risk.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how May was a schizophrenic month for financial markets, with both bouts of "risk on" and "risk off", and how they expect the high volatility to continue.

Cohesity, the leader of hyperconverged secondary storage, today announced it raised $250 million in an oversubscribed Series D funding round led by the SoftBank Vision Fund with strong participation from strategic investors Cisco Investments, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), and Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital. The investment is a testament to Cohesity’s leadership in transforming data center and cloud operations with web-scale simplicity for secondary data.

Head of Growth Investing, Dennis Lynch, delves into two companies that recently captured his attention.

In a survey of institutional investors, 70% said they are integrating sustainable investing into their investment process, signaling just how quickly the ESG imperative is catching on.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Energy Partners (MSEP), part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, and Fort Worth, Texas-based Presidio Investment Holdings LLC announced today a strategic partnership whereby MSEP has made a majority equity investment in Presidio Petroleum.

The global shift towards energy efficiency has the potential to disrupt virtually every sector, increasing productivity, improving corporate earnings and spurring capital investment.

The global shift towards energy efficiency has the potential to disrupt virtually every sector, increasing productivity, improving corporate earnings and spurring capital investment.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: "Been Down So Long / It Seem Like Up To Me"

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor’s team, discusses his market views in the May 2018 Monthly Commentary.

For over 14 years, Dennis Lynch has used disruptive change research to challenge conventional thinking and overcome biases.  Business Insider explores how disruption serves as the connective tissue between all of Lynch’s investment ideas.

As climate change impacts intensify around the world, so too do the economic impacts. MSIM's Real Assets Research & Investing team and the Institute for Sustainable Investing discuss how to integrate climate resilience when considering investing in real assets and the financial and reputational opportunities this may bring.

The Emerging Markets Debt Team addresses some of economist Carmen Reinhart's recent statements as well as other popular misconceptions about emerging markets.

Applied Equity Advisors combines factor investing with stock-specific research. Tapping both sources of excess returns helps us achieve greater consistency of returns and avoid behavioral pitfalls.

Do consumer staples still have pricing power? The International Equity Team believes yes, those compounders that are well invested still do.

The Growth Team examines Blockchain, the technology behind cryptocurrencies and its potential disruptive power.

Business Insider selected MSIM’s Head of Growth Investing, Dennis Lynch, to engage in a series of exclusive interviews.  The first of which describes how his team’s edge begins with one word: Temperament.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how we may have seen markets settle in a range in April, but that new economic data (better or worse) could force the market to change its expectations.

Fusion (NASDAQ:FSNN), a leading provider of cloud services, announced today that on May 4, 2018, it closed a private placement (the “Private Placement”) of 1,523,811 shares of its common stock. The shares were priced at $5.25 per share for gross proceeds of $8.0 million. Proceeds from the Private Placement will be used by Fusion for general corporate purposes.

Fusion (NASDAQ:FSNN), a leading provider of cloud services, announced today that on May 4, 2018, it closed its previously-announced acquisition of the Cloud and Business Services business of Birch Communications Holdings, Inc. (“Birch”). The acquisition was completed through a merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fusion with and into Birch. The total enterprise value of this transaction was approximately $600 million, consisting of approximately 50 million shares of Fusion common stock and the refinancing of $444 million of Birch indebtedness.

Concentra Analytics, the creator of Software as a Service (“SaaS”) data solutions used to visualize, model and track business operations, today announced the completion of a £41 million growth equity investment led by One Peak Partners, with participation from co-investors Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, Joseph Schull, Connected Capital, as well as existing shareholder, City Securities.

The Global Emerging Markets Team examines the reason for recent market jitters, and debates whether Trump’s latest threats really have an impact.

We see the tariff tantrum between the US and China as a negotiating tactic rather than the start of a trade war, presenting opportunities for investors who can trade around the volatility.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: “Navigating Higher Inflation: An Empirically-Based Multi-Asset Approach.”

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor's team, discusses his market views in the March 2018 Monthly Commentary.

Jim Caron provides his review of the first quarter of 2018 and his outlook on market opportunities.

VizExplorer today announced that it has closed a strategic investment round by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital. The investment will enable VizExplorer to scale business operations, enhance its analytics platform and deliver new solutions for additional verticals including manufacturing, entertainment venues and healthcare.

The International Equity Team welcomes the return of market volatility and suggests the relative certainty of high-quality companies doesn’t look expensive.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how January felt like Golidlock’s conditions for markets, but March brought the three bears of risk—trade war, rising short-term rates and FANG stocks.

Instapage, the landing page and post-click optimization solution for digital advertisers, has today announced a $15 million growth investment from Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, the growth-focused private investment platform within Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Investment funds will allow Instapage to accelerate the enterprise adoption of the Instapage post-click optimization solution, expedite platform development and expand sales and client service operations.

The Global Fixed Income Team discusses how current global market conditions present a compelling opportunity, in our opinion, to invest in the securitized markets.

Brazos Midstream Holdings, LLC ("Brazos" or the "Company") and its financial sponsor, Old Ironsides Energy, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Delaware Basin subsidiary companies to North Haven Infrastructure Partners II ("NHIP II") and related funds for approximately $1.75 billion in cash. Closing is expected in the second quarter of 2018 and is subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.

As the global economy continues to improve, emerging markets (EM) are converging with developed markets. In aggregate, we expect their reasonable valuations, healthy risk premiums and stable inflation to drive EM outperformance.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: “Regime Shift: The End of Free Money.”

Jana Small Finance Bank (formerly Janalakshmi Financial Services, India’s leading micro-finance company), today, announced commencement of its banking operations. To cover its extensive customer base, Jana Small Finance Bank will initially open 19 branches across 18 states and expand to 200 banking outlets including the 25% unbanked rural branches by June 2018.

An inescapable fact of being a relative return fund manager is that performance is measured relative to a benchmark index. Our Indian Equity team reveal the tell-tale symptoms of underperformance and how to contend with it.

India's economy is showing green shoots of recovery following the ambitious reforms of 2016-2017. We discuss why we believe this could be an opportune time to position in India.

The International Equity Team outlines their strategy for investing in developed foreign markets; combining High Quality Compounders with Value Opportunities.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Energy Partners (MSEP) announced today that they have completed an investment in Specialized Desanders, Inc (SDI). MSEP is partnering with CEO Chris Hemstock and the current SDI management team to support the growth of the company's innovative oilfield equipment and services business across North America and internationally.

A liquidity crisis may cause pain but might also offer potential investment opportunities, says the International Equity Team’s Dirk Hoffmann-Becking.

The International Equity Team’s Laura Bottega poses some topical questions about the team's Global Franchise and Global Quality Strategies to portfolio manager Bruno Paulson.

Orthofix International N.V. (NASDAQ:OFIX), a global medical device company focused on musculoskeletal healing products and value-added services, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Spinal Kinetics Inc., a privately held developer and manufacturer of artificial cervical and lumbar discs.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how the current market is complicated and the ride is likely to be bumpier than last year, but they believe positive growth fundamentals will prevail.

Jim Caron appeared on Bloomberg to discuss what he sees as the markets overreaction to Gary Cohn's exit.

While long-term correlations between stocks and managed futures are close to zero, shorter-term correlations between the two can reach much higher values. It can be difficult to stay focused on long-term relationships amid statistical noise. However, if an investor maintains a long-term perspective, managed futures can be a valuable component of a well-diversified portfolio.

The Global Emerging Markets Team describes how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are integrated into their investment process.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: "The Case for a U.S. Dollar Rally."

Jim Caron appeared on Bloomberg to discuss volatility, markets and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s testimony to Congress.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor’s team, discusses his market views in the February 2018 Monthly Commentary.

The dramatic market correction in February confirmed the surprises we predicted in inflation and volatility. We assess what this might mean for the rest of 2018, as investors can expect continued global economic growth and the likely end of secular stagnation.

Fisher Container Holdings, LLC, a leading provider of custom flexible packaging for food and healthcare industries, today announced the rebranding of its subsidiaries Fisher Container, LLC and Packaging Products Corporation, LLC into the new entity PPC Flexible Packaging.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how the low-rate, low-volatility environment may be coming to an end and how the new range and speed of adjustment for yields may be key to market performance.

Following February’s market turbulence, the International Equity Team considers the ongoing tug-of-war between bulls citing global growth and bears arguing monetary policy and politics.

CoAdvantage Corporation, a leading national provider of strategic human resource solutions for small to mid-sized companies, today announced that Clinton Burgess has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the combined CoAdvantage organization. Mr. Burgess assumes this role following his prior successful leadership as CEO of Progressive Employer Management Company (PEMCO), a Florida-based Professional Employer Organization (PEO), which merged with CoAdvantage in October 2017.

Fisher Container, a portfolio company majority owned by investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, today announced the addition of Dan Donofrio to its executive team as Chief Operations Officer.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: “A New Hope: From Stagnation to Growth in South Africa”

William Lock discusses how a strategy that his team manages has incorporated the Buffett philosophy into a long standing, successful global investment strategy.

Sahajanand Medical Technologies, the leading manufacturer of cardiac stents in India, is pleased to announce that it has successfully raised equity to the tune of Rs. 230 crore in a funding round led by Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia. Existing Investor Samara Capital also participated in the round.

Swanand believes India is one of the few places in the world that is a fertile ground for bottom-up work and has the potential to reward the patient stock picker.

Jim Caron provides his outlook for 2018 and offers his insights into how the active management style of the Global Fixed Income Opportunities fund can take advantage of market trends.

A fund managed by Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia has invested Rs 152 crore in Southern Health Foods, makers of the Manna Foods brand of natural health food products.

The Global Fixed Income team provides their outlook for global fixed income in 2018 and how a focus on alpha is likely to be a large driving force of performance.

The Global Emerging Markets Team discusses emerging markets (EM) and the approach they use to incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their process for picking sustainable countries and companies to invest in.

Jim Caron discusses the difference between tightening and increasing interest rates with CNBC’s Rick Santelli.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor’s team, discusses his market views in the 2018 Equity Market Outlook commentary.

The field of behavioral finance has shown that emotions and past experience play a role in our investment decisions. Even professional money managers are subject to emotional decision making and subconscious biases. Being aware of this and constructing mitigating safeguards is critical for both professional money management and individual investing. In this paper, Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s Managed Futures Team offers suggestions to help investors reduce emotionalism when investing.

Morgan Stanley’s European Equity Team discusses whether it is time to become more bearish in 2018.

The International Equity Team reflects on 2017 and discusses why they will keep a close eye on risk in 2018, and why high-quality companies remain the best relative bet.

MSIM's Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: "After Goldilocks in 2017, the Great Reversal in 2018?"

Three possible surprises for investors are on our radar for 2018: a monetary policy surprise; an inflation surprise; and a volatility surprise. With the global economy running at full steam, the market may not be fully prepared for them.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (collectively, “MSPEA”), part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Profex Inc. (“Profex”), a specialty distributor of dermo-cosmetic products in the People’s Republic of China and Giorgos Korres shareholder of KORRES S.A. NATURAL PRODUCTS (KORRES) announced an investment agreement.

The Emerging Markets Debt Team discusses their outlook for the 2018 and why there is a case for medium-term optimism.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how even though markets have run a long way, and future returns are likely to be more modest, the current environment is likely to continue in 2018.

Morgan Stanley’s European Equity Team discusses its outlook for the European equity asset class in 2018.

Jim Caron reviews how politics, regulation and policy have become more dominant factors in driving asset prices, and how we may need a new way to value assets.

Jim Caron discusses the key takeaways from the U.S. Federal Reserve and European Central Bank recent meetings.

Morgan Stanley’s European Equity Team discusses fiscal policy and inflation trends within the European market landscape.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: “China Cyclical Downturn in 2018."

Behind the scenes, Japan’s corporate governance reform has been hitting the mark, leading to higher Return on Equity. Europe’s governance scores have also improved, while the U.S. shows some notable exceptions.

The International Equity Team explains why capable company management is key, and why they believe good governance is even more important in high-quality companies.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Energy Partners (collectively, “MSEP”), part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, and Houston, Texas-based Durango Investment Holdings LLC (“Durango Midstream” or the “Company”) announced today a strategic partnership whereby MSEP has made a majority equity investment in Durango Midstream to support the growth of the Company’s midstream businesses in the Midcontinent region of the United States.

Tiff’s Treats, the Austin-based company that created the warm cookie delivery concept, today announced a $25 million investment round led by investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, the growth-focused private investment platform within Morgan Stanley Investment Management. The Series D investment will be used primarily to support further national expansion and continued investment in the company’s technology leading ordering and delivery platform.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how it may be time to be more selective in the fixed income markets and how security selection will be important.

With recovery in Japan underway, the International Equity Team asks whether the Japanese government’s efforts to bring about change offers investors high-quality opportunities today.

A number of storm fronts are forming off the coast of what is otherwise a sunny economic environment, from rising rates to debt and politics. Investors need to have a plan for taking shelter.

Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, the growth-focused private investment platform within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, announces that it has closed on over $275 million of capital commitments for North Haven Expansion Credit LP and its related funds (collectively, “Expansion Credit” or the “Fund”), exceeding its fundraising target.

MSIM appreciates that ESG factors can impact long-term performance. With strong support from our Corporate Governance team, our managers incorporate a deep understanding of ESG into their analysis.

By extending an academic study to global and international growth equities, the Global Opportunity Team shows that high active share portfolios have outperformed.

Opera TV, the global market leader in enabling OTT, today introduced its new brand identity, including a logo and website, meant to better illustrate the company’s mission to enable entertainment everywhere through extraordinary OTT products and services. Vewd will officially launch at IBC from September 15-19, where it will also showcase enhancements to its core technology and preview its latest breakthrough products.

The Growth Team researches autonomous vehicles, which use a suite of sensors, actuators and a central computer to "perceive" the environment and automate the driving process. This technology could change our conception of personal transportation.

Fusion (NASDAQ: FSNN), a leading cloud services provider, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Cloud and Business Services customers, operations and infrastructure of privately-held Birch Communications, which represents the majority of Birch's current revenues. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2017.

Our location in Hong Kong gives us a unique perspective on the risks and opportunities of investing in China, a market we believe is ripe with opportunity for bottom-up stock picking, particularly in the consumer, internet, healthcare and education industries.

Fisher Container, a portfolio company majority owned by investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, completes the acquisition of Packaging Products Corporation.

Janalakshmi Financial Services (JFS), India’s largest microfinance organization, today announced the receipt of final licence from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to set up Small Finance Bank. The Small Finance Bank will commence operations in the second quarter of the current financial year. JFS plans to set up 300 bank branches during the year covering the major locations in India.

Bruno Paulson explains why consumer staples performance is more about earnings than interest rates.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces an investment in Fisher Container via a partnership with experienced plastics and packaging executive, Kevin Keneally, and the current Fisher management team to acquire the company.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces that it has raised over $1.5 billion for North Haven Capital Partners VI and its related funds and committed co-investments.

ESG factors are integral to assessing the quality of a company. A holistic approach to sustainability may help minimize risk events and identify opportunities characterized by competitive advantages.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity announces an investment in 24 Seven, Inc., one of North America’s largest creative and digital human capital management firms.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity announces an investment in Cadence Education, Inc., one of the United States’ leading providers of early childhood education.

Morgan Stanley Energy Partners ("MSEP") and Midland, TX-based XRI Holdings, LLC (“XRI Blue”), announce a strategic partnership whereby MSEP has made a majority equity investment in XRI Blue.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces an investment in Pathway Partners Vet Holding LLC, a leading veterinary hospital owner and operator founded by Dr. Jasen Trautwein in Austin, TX and led by CEO Shawn McVey.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces that it has raised $3.6 billion for North Haven Infrastructure Partners II (NHIP II).

Kristian Heugh defines the key differentiators and core values of his team’s investment process, focusing on competitive advantage and quality companies able to create value through growth.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces the completion of a majority investment in CoAdvantage, Inc., one of North America’s largest professional employer organizations (PEOs).

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces that it has agreed to sell Southern Star Central Corp. (Southern Star) to a consortium consisting of affiliates of GE Energy Financial Services and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces the sale of Madrileña Red de Gas ("MRG") to a consortium formed by EDF Invest, Gingko Tree Investment Ltd, and Dutch pension fund manager PGGM.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces an agreement to sell Montreal Gateway Terminals to a consortium led by Fiera Axium Infrastructure.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces the completion of the sale of its majority interest in EmployBridge, a leading provider of specialty staffing services, to The Select Family of Staffing Companies, a national provider of workforce management services.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces an agreement to acquire in stages co-control ownership of Eureka Hunter Holdings, LLC, a natural gas gathering system situated in the Marcellus and Utica shale basins in the Appalachian region of the United States.

Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity today announced it has completed the sale of its majority interest in Learning Care Group (U.S.) Inc.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces the completion of the sale of its majority interest in Accelerate Acquisitions Limited, the parent company of Zenith, to HgCapital, a UK-based private equity fund.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces an increased ownership stake to 100 percent of the Common Equity of Southern Star Central Corp., parent company of Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline (Southern Star).

Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia announces the closing of a strategic partnership with Tianhe Chemicals Group, a leading specialty chemicals company in China.

Morgan Stanley Credit Partners has provided a $46 million mezzanine loan to help finance the acquisition of BarrierSafe Solutions International (BarrierSafe) by Odyssey Investment Partners.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces the sale of its 50 percent interest in SAESA Group, a Chilean electricity distribution, transmission and generation company, to Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) of Canada.

Morgan Stanley Credit Partners has provided a $43 million mezzanine loan to help finance the acquisition of H.D. Vest Financial Services by Parthenon Capital Partners and Lovell Minnick Partners.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity and Denver-based Sterling Energy Company announce a strategic partnership whereby Morgan Stanley Private Equity has made a majority equity investment in Sterling Energy.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity and the group of Trinity companies (“Trinity”) announce a strategic partnership whereby Morgan Stanley Private Equity has made a majority equity investment in Trinity.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces that is has agreed to acquire a 60 per cent stake in Zenith Vehicle Contracts Group Limited, a provider of vehicle outsourcing and management services to the UK corporate sector, from funds advised by Barclays Private Equity and Zenith management.

Galp Energia, SGPS, S.A. and Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces a definitive agreement to acquire jointly certain of the gas distribution and supply businesses in the region of Madrid from Gas Natural SDG, S.A.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity and Charleston, WV-based Triana Energy announce a strategic partnership whereby Morgan Stanley Private Equity has made a majority equity investment in Triana Energy.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces the completion of an agreement to acquire a 60 percent stake in Learning Care Group, the U.S. subsidiary of A.B.C. Learning Centres Limited (“ABC”).

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners and BAST Investment Group agree to acquire an equity stake in Breitenfeld AG from the majority shareholders of the Austrian specialty steel producer, Fides Privatstiftung and Fortis Privatstiftung.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces that it will acquire Tops Markets, LLC (Tops) from Koninklijke Ahold, N.V. (Ahold). Tops operates under the banners of Tops Markets and Martin’s Super Food Stores.