Alternative Investments: A non-traditional approach to investing.
Explore new ways to help grow, adapt, and diversify your portfolio.
Gain access to strategies beyond public markets with alternative investing.
Alternative investments—such as hedge funds, private equity, private credit, and real estate—cover a range of asset classes, each with their own unique set of characteristics, benefits, and risks. They also provide investors access to strategies that go beyond those available from publicly traded stocks, bonds, and cash investments.
These financial assets use non-traditional approaches to help you meet portfolio goals, including but not limited to capital appreciation, income generation, and portfolio diversification.
BENEFITS AND RISKS
What to consider before investing in alternative investments.
Review potential benefits and risks to determine whether alternative investments align with your goals.
What to consider before investing in alternative investments.
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Potential to enhance returns There is potential for higher returns compared to more traditional investments.
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Potential for higher losses and higher volatility Like all investments, there’s no guarantee of returns. Because alternatives may decline in value, there is also a risk to principal.
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Portfolio risk diversification Alternative investments typically move somewhat differently to the stock market, which means they can add diversification and help mitigate volatility in your portfolio.
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Higher fees and minimums Compared to traditional investments, like mutual funds or ETFs, alternative investments usually have much higher fees and carry higher minimum investment thresholds.
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Professional research Third-party alternative investments offered to clients by Schwab undergo due diligence and ongoing monitoring by an experienced team of Schwab Center for Financial Research (SCFR) analysts.
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Lack of transparency Alternative investments are not listed in open markets, may not be regulated, and can include investment holdings and trading methods that aren't required to be publicly disclosed. In addition, alternative investments may not provide the same level of reporting and transparency as other traditional investments.
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Trusted choices Schwab offers third-party alternative investments across the industry's providers.
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Illiquidity and longer holding periods Alternative investments have complex restrictions for purchasing, have lock-up periods and lengthy holding periods, and are illiquid compared to public markets.
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Uncertain valuation Many alternative investments include assets that can be difficult to value or are less frequently valued when compared to public markets.
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Common questions
Alternative investments are non-traditional investments, distinct from more traditional assets, such as publicly traded stocks, bonds, and cash investments.
These financial assets use non-traditional approaches and cover an array of alternative asset classes, including real estate, private equity, private credit, and hedge funds.
Talk to your Schwab Investment Professional to discuss how alternative investments might fit into your overall financial strategy.