Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan Interview: Fed Policy, Private Credit, and Data Center Dynamics

On December 10, 2025, Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO) CEO Marc Rowan participated in a Yahoo Finance interview covering three critical themes: the Federal Reserve’s rate cut, private credit markets, and data centers [1]. The interview occurred concurrently with the Fed’s 25-basis point rate cut (the third consecutive in 2025), reducing the federal funds rate to a target range of 3.5%–3.75% and signaling a pause to assess economic conditions [2][3]. APO’s stock responded positively, rising 3.59% in after-hours trading to $149.06 [0].

Rowan addressed ongoing media scrutiny and concerns raised by JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon about private credit, framing it as a “derisking” alternative to equity and public high yield with lower default rates for BB-rated borrowers [4]. This defense is significant as private credit has been a growth area for Apollo, and his comments may help stabilize investor sentiment towards the sector.

In the data center space, Apollo’s recent acquisition of Argo Infrastructure Partners, followed by Argo increasing its stake in data center operator TierPoint, positions the firm to capitalize on booming demand driven by AI investment and cloud computing [5]. The Fed’s rate cut could further benefit data center operators by reducing borrowing costs for capital-intensive expansion projects.

1. Concurrent Events Amplify Market Reaction
   : The alignment of the Fed’s rate cut announcement and Rowan’s interview likely magnified APO’s after-hours price gain, as investors reacted to both accommodative monetary policy and clarity on Apollo’s strategic priorities.
2. Private Credit Defense Addresses Critical Uncertainty
   : Rowan’s vocal defense of private credit directly counters sector skepticism, potentially strengthening Apollo’s credibility as a leader in this fast-growing asset class.
3. Data Center Investments Align with Long-Term Trends
   : Apollo’s Argo/TierPoint investments position it to benefit from structural growth in AI and cloud computing, diversifying its portfolio beyond traditional private equity.

• Lower Borrowing Costs
  : The Fed’s rate cuts reduce financing costs for Apollo’s leveraged investments, including data center expansion.
• Private Credit Growth
  : Private credit continues to gain market share as an alternative to traditional banking, with Apollo well-positioned to capture this growth.
• Data Center Demand
  : AI and cloud computing drive sustained data center demand, offering significant growth potential for Apollo’s investments.

• Private Credit Scrutiny
  : Regulatory and media skepticism of private credit could persist, affecting investor confidence despite Rowan’s defense [4].
• Data Center Challenges
  : The sector faces risks of overbuilding, power supply constraints, and competition from established players like Equinix and Digital Realty [5].
• Fed Policy Uncertainty
  : The Fed’s pause in rate cuts may limit further reductions in borrowing costs, impacting Apollo’s leveraged investment returns [2][3].

• APO’s stock rose 3.59% in after-hours trading to $149.06 on December 10, 2025 [0].
• The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points to 3.5%–3.75% and signaled a pause in further reductions [2][3].
• Rowan defended private credit as a derisked asset class with lower default rates for BB-rated borrowers [4].
• Apollo is expanding its data center exposure via Argo Infrastructure Partners and TierPoint [5].
• Information gaps include specific details on Apollo’s private credit portfolio performance, Rowan’s direct comments on the rate cut’s impact on Apollo, and planned data center investment sizes.