Over the past decade, interest rates were near zero, capital flowed freely, and business executives lined up to fund dream projects. Financial markets could not seem to get enough of this action: rewarding the “dreamiest” leaders, ventures, and concepts to an almost unfathomable degree.
Allocating Capital When Interest Rates Are High
It’s time for a more rational, disciplined, value-oriented framework.
January 05, 2023
Summary.
During a decade of low interest rates and abundant capital, companies greenlit many projects that make less sense now that the economic environment has changed. To prevent experiencing these regrets in the future, companies should add more value-oriented thinkers to the groups who decide which project to pursue. Although value-oriented thinkers are sometimes disparaged as worrywarts who lack imagination, in fact their cautious, rational approach to analysis can be an important counterbalance to the reckless optimism that’s become prevalent in recent years.
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New!
HBR Learning
Finance Essentials Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Finance Essentials. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Strengthen your fluency in financial statements.