Preqin data shows that the number of private equity-backed buyout IPO and private placement exits increased significantly during 2010, and the trend is set to continue over the coming 12 months. This raises the possibility of 2011 being a record year for IPO activity within the buyout firm community.

The February 2011 edition of Outlook from Smith & Williamson looks at changes in world markets and how these will affect investments. It shows the focus of concern shifting from Europe to emerging markets and that UK’s monetary policy is 'not for turning'.

The value of both new deals and exits attained the levels seen before the onset of the economic crisis, according to this research report from Preqin. Q4 2010 set a new record for aggregate exit value seen globally in one quarter.

Private equity investors’ total exposure to funds-of-funds will fall over the next three years, according to Coller Capital’s latest Global Private Equity Barometer. High costs are cited by half of investors planning a reduced funds-of-funds exposure, and disappointing returns are cited by one third (36%).

Smith & Williamson outlines three key concerns for 2011 from a Macro risk profiling perspective. This edition of Outlook looks at changes in world markets and how these will affect investments, offering a global perspective as well as focusing on the US, the UK, Europe, China and Japan.