The Carlyle Group reported a sharp increase in second-quarter profit, crediting fee growth and a surge in demand for private credit and secondaries. Assets under management also rose during the period, underscoring the firm’s ability to attract new capital even as broader deal activity remains uneven. Carlyle completed a series of profitable exits from earlier buyout investments, a feat that has proved more difficult for several rival private-equity managers this year. The realizations helped lift earnings and demonstrated, according to the firm, that liquidity is returning to parts of the market. Chief Executive Officer Harvey Schwartz said the results reflect the momentum Carlyle has built as it carries out its strategic plan, adding that the firm is well positioned to capitalize on new opportunities across its investment platforms.