Lazard Assets Under Management Slide 6.7% in March

Lazard (LAZ) announced on Monday that its total assets under management (AUM) experienced a 6.7% contraction during the month of March. As of March 31, 2026, the firm's AUM stood at $259.2 billion, a notable decrease from the $277.4 billion recorded on February 26, 2026. The asset management firm attributed the majority of this decline to market depreciation. This suggests that the drop in AUM was primarily a result of falling asset prices across the portfolios it manages, rather than significant client withdrawals or systemic outflows. The volatility seen in March has impacted several major asset managers, as market corrections erode the nominal value of managed funds. Lazard's experience reflects a broader trend of market-driven AUM fluctuations during periods of heightened volatility. For investors in Lazard, the focus remains on the firm's ability to maintain its client base and manage performance amidst these market swings. While the nominal AUM has dipped, the underlying cause—market depreciation—is a systemic factor affecting the broader asset management industry.