Education > Know your alternatives
Know your alternativesTM
There’s more to investing than the traditional 60/40
What are alternative investments?
Alternative investments are assets that don’t fit into the traditional categories of stocks, bonds and cash but have proven to help enhance returns or diversify portfolios over time.
They can include everything from hedge funds to real estate to private credit and private equity to art and collectibles. These investments are often less liquid than traditional assets, meaning they can’t be easily bought and sold on public markets. However, they can offer higher potential returns or lower correlation to the stock market, making them a valuable addition to any portfolio.
Alternative asset classes + strategies
Explore the diverse universe of alternatives, spanning across a broad range of asset classes and investment strategies.
Alternative investment structures + offerings
Learn how it’s now easier for individual investors to access alternatives through innovative investment structures.
Invest for outcomes
Identify alternative investments that may help deliver differentiated outcomes for investors to help reach their financial goals.
Investor considerations
Investing in alternatives is different than investing in traditional investments such as stocks and bonds. Alternatives tend to be illiquid and highly specialized. In the context of alternative investments, higher returns may be accompanied by increased risk and, like any investment, the possibility of an investment loss. Investments made in alternatives may be less liquid and harder to value than investments made in large, publicly traded corporations. When building a portfolio that includes alternative investments, financial professionals and their investors should first consider an individual’s financial objectives. Investment constraints such as risk tolerance, liquidity needs and investment time horizon should be determined.
Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against a loss.
Continuing education
Earn CE credits for CFP, CFA and/or IWI designations with our experts and through our RIA Channel partnership. Plus, participate in the CAIA Fundamentals of Alternative Investments course or the Private Equity Microcredential.