What is an alternative investment?
An alternative investment is any investment that falls outside the traditional areas of cash, bonds and stocks.
Alternative investments generally have a low level of correlation with traditional investments (stocks, bonds, and cash). Diversifying into alternatives may reduce your exposure to wider market conditions. Some alternative investments, such as EIS, also include significant tax incentives.
Investing in alternative assets often necessitates a particularly high level of analysis as it can be difficult to determine their current market value. Think, for example, the level of expertise needed to know which work of art is most likely to appreciate in value over the years.
It's up to you which, if any, alternatives you decide to include in your portfolio. Though we highly recommend speaking to your financial advisor before you consider them. The good news is that the range of options available to investors has increased substantially over the years.
Click the icons below to view more on each alternative investment type
Tax-Efficient
Investments incentivised by reductions in tax liability.
Collectibles
Unique items that can increase in value over time: art, antiques, jewellery.
Derivatives
Contracts based on speculation on the changing value of an asset: options, futures, swaps.
Crowdfunding
A project or venture funded by small donations from many people.
Real Estate
Investments in property and land, including REITs.
Private Equity
Investments that aren't publicly traded.
Hedge Funds
More complex investments for high net worth and sophisticated investors.
Commodities & Currency
Materials & natural resources, metals, foodstuffs and others; Forex and cryptocurrency.
If you'd prefer to find out more about our own EIS fund, just click the button below.
Alternative investments, a risky business?
There are, of course, people who don’t believe alternatives belong in a portfolio. One of these naysayers is George Papadopoulos, a wealth manager at Novi. George cites a lack of liquidity and transparency in his reasoning – a point that does hold true for certain alternatives. Other sources, including Baird & Co's research as cited by the Wall Street Journal, indicates that including them in your portfolio can increase the likelihood of generating returns.
As with any investment, you need to be fastidious in your due diligence prior to committing your cash to an alternative. Take a deep look at the investment requirements and ensure that your portfolio can accommodate the potential risk and longer-term holding positions that may be required. Remember that historical performance is not an indication of future returns, and seek the guidance of your financial adviser where necessary.
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