Alternative investment
An alternative investment, also known as an alternative asset or alternative investment fund (AIF),[1] is an investment in any asset class excluding capital stocks, bonds, and cash.[2] The term is a relatively loose one and includes tangible assets such as precious metals,[3] collectibles (art,[4] wine, antiques, vintage cars, coins, watches, musical instruments, or stamps[5]) and some financial assets such as real estate, commodities, private equity, distressed securities, hedge funds, exchange funds, carbon credits,[6] venture capital, film production,[7] financial derivatives, cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens, and Tax Receivable Agreements.[8] Investments in real estate, forestry and shipping are also often termed "alternative" despite the ancient use of such real assets to enhance and preserve wealth.[9] Alternative investments are to be contrasted with traditional investments.
Research[edit]
As the definition of alternative investments is broad, data and research vary widely across the investment classes. For example, art and wine investments may lack high-quality data.[10] The Goizueta Business School at Emory University has established the Emory Center for Alternative Investments to provide research and a forum for discussion regarding private equity, hedge fund, and venture capital investments.
Alternative investments are sometimes used as a way of reducing overall investment risk through diversification.
Some of the characteristics of alternative investments may include: