Blackstone Plans $500 Billion Investment Across Europe Over Next Decade

Blackstone is making a significant push into European markets, planning to invest up to $500 billion over the next decade, focusing on credit, infrastructure, and real estate opportunities. The firm's Chief Investment Officer for Credit and Insurance, Michael Zawadzki, highlighted Europe's improving fiscal conditions, wider spreads, and lower leverage as key factors creating attractive risk-reward scenarios for long-term investors. CEO Steve Schwarzman emphasized Europe's growing investment potential amid shifting international trade policies and defense spending increases, particularly in Germany, positioning the region for higher growth. Blackstone has already invested around $350 billion in Europe over 25 years, with current momentum marking 2024 as the firm's busiest year in European private credit. Schwarzman views Europe's relative lack of innovation and market friction as opportunities for creative investment strategies, reinforcing Blackstone's aggressive growth plans. Despite discussions around private credit market regulation and liquidity, Blackstone remains confident in its long-dated, closed-end fund structure as a stable, long-term capital source.