While today’s current low-interest rates may mean that consumers are keeping more money in their pockets when it comes to their expenses, it’s not so great for individuals engaged in traditional investments. Traditional investments may not always be sufficient to maximize portfolio value. In this post, we will explore alternative investment strategies that can diversify portfolios and potentially enhance returns.
Private equity. Private equity is a type of investment that involves individuals or companies taking direct stakes in companies as opposed to through the stock market (which are sometimes referred to as “public equity markets”). This might involve investing in startup companies or venture capital, which involves investing money in promising established and expanding companies for a stake in the profits. Private equity firms are responsible for making individual deals between investors and the companies in which they are investing. While the potential for excellent returns is high, the barrier to entry is also high, meaning that minimum investments are outside most people’s financial resources. In some cases, however, private equity firms will accept minimum investments of $250,000.
Real estate. For investors looking for long-term opportunities, real estate is a good bet, as today’s interest rates are still at historically low levels, but they are expected to rise in the future. With home prices and new constructions on the rise and interest rates low, real estate is a good investment bet, as long as it is managed wisely.
Hedge funds. A hedge fund is an investment company that engages in a number of complex strategies for investing, including short-selling, derivatives, leverage, and alternative asset classes. In this way, this type of investing can generate significant returns on investments. Returns can be high because hedge funds are not as heavily regulated as other types of investing, but their complexity means that investing in hedge funds is generally open only to the highest net worth individuals: minimum investments can exceed $1 million. In addition, the complexity and lack of transparency in the process create barriers to entry.
Venture capital. Venture capital generally involves investing in startup companies to provide funding while the company is building its business. Ultimately, the goal is to help build the company until it can be sold for higher value, which yields significant returns. Unlike with hedge funds, investors don’t need to be accredited to invest in venture capital. They do, however, require a high minimum investment amount – often between $250,000 and $500,000. Another drawback is that venture capital funds are closed-end, meaning that once the subscription period ends, you cannot increase or decrease your investment.
In all cases, investors seeking alternative investment strategies with vehicles such as hedge funds, private equity, real estate, or venture capital should consult with a professional financial services company for advice before committing funds.
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