What are alternative funds?

Alternative funds, or alt funds, are mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that rely on non-traditional investments and trading strategies to achieve their objectives. These funds offer investors exposure to investments beyond stocks, bonds or cash. The range of investments you may find inside an alternative fund can include:

What are alternative investments?

Alternative investments include private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, managed futures and collectables like art and antiques. Commodities and real estate can also be classified as alternative investments. Who Can Buy Alternative Investments?

Is real estate an alternative investment?

Real estate is also often classified as an alternative investment. An alternative investment is a financial asset that does not fit into the conventional equity/income/cash categories. Private equity or venture capital, hedge funds, real property, commodities, and tangible assets are all examples of alternative investments.