Alternative investments.

Abstract

Alternative investments include specific assets (e.g., commodities, real estate), strategies (e.g., using derivatives, shorting and leverage) and private markets (e.g., private debt, private infrastructure, private equity). Alternatives can often add value to a portfolio because the primary drivers of their performance can be different from those that drive traditional investments. Potential benefits of alternative investing include improved diversification, enhanced risk-adjusted returns, less volatility and downside protection.