An Introduction to Alternative Investments

Abstract

The alternative investments universe generally consists of investments outside of publicly traded real estate, equity and debt. It includes investments ranging from private commercial real estate, hedge funds and managed futures, liquid alternatives to illiquid private equity funds, and real asset and natural resource partnerships. Moreover, the alternative investments industry is rapidly evolving – expanding and increasing its ability to provide durable investment strategies, and therefore is attracting interest from a growing number of individual investors. This paper provides an overview of several examples of alternative investments.

Keywords: Alternative Investments, Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Real Estate, Managed Futures, Liquid Alternatives