People who wish to diversify their investment portfolios must understand that several products are available for their consideration. While mutual funds, index funds, stocks, and bonds are among the most common investment vehicles available, people can look into other possible investment opportunities. In addition, wise investors don’t place their eggs in one basket because they understand that market forces can change anytime.
Looking into alternative investments with the intent to expand and diversify portfolios is an interesting thing to do. However, investors must work with professionals who are experts in financial planning so they can avoid possible problems and loopholes regarding such investment opportunities. These professionals will also explain the latent risks involved should investors pursue available alternative investments.
Here are some examples of alternative investments a savvy investor can consider.
Real estate
One of the strongest and most secure alternative investments is in real estate. Real estate investments are properties used to generate income rather than as primary residences. Investors can gain from their properties through monthly rentals and appreciation values. However, investing in real estate also carries enough risk and upkeep fees to ensure the properties are habitable and within code. Investors may also face being in debt during property acquisition periods and may have to face tons of documentation for capital gains and other similar taxes.
Commodity funds
Investors who love to speculate will have much fun with commodity funds. Simply put, commodity funds are funds that invest in raw materials or agricultural products, hedging on market forces driving the prices of the commodities up. Commodity fund managers also invest in precious metals, energy sources, agricultural goods, and companies engaged in producing these goods.
While commodity funds offer the chance for diversification, it also entails a huge risk, especially when it comes to price fluctuations. In addition, commodity funds and companies engaged in such funds are prone to various economic, political, exploration, and foreign exchange risks.
Hedge funds
Another alternative investment, especially if the investor has an aggressive investment style and deep enough pockets, are hedge funds. Simply put, hedge funds are a limited partnership of investors whose money is managed by a professional manager. These managers use a variety of strategies, including leveraging and trading non-traditional assets in the hopes of realising above-average returns for the investments. It is risky as market forces will affect performance, but the rewards can be considerable.
Private equity funds
If an investor has considerable net worth and wishes to invest for the long term, private equity funds are one alternative. Private equity funds are a pooled investment vehicle where a financial manager pools together money from the fund and make investments on behalf of the fund. Unlike hedge and mutual funds, private equity funds typically require a lock-in period of ten or more years. However, the risks are also high because investors will share in the losses if the investment doesn’t pan out as expected.
Endnotes
Investors can look into traditional and alternative investment vehicles to diversify and strengthen their portfolios. However, it’s essential to understand that all investments carry risks and the potential for loss.
