Alternative Investments for Advanced Stock Traders: Exploring Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, and More

Advanced stock traders often seek alternative investments to diversify their portfolios and maximise returns. While traditional stocks and bonds can offer stable returns over the long term, alternative investments can provide opportunities for higher returns with increased risk. This article will explore alternative investments that advanced stock traders can consider.

Commodities

Commodities are raw materials or primary agricultural products that can be bought and sold, such as gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products. The prices of commodities can be affected by supply and demand factors, geopolitical events, and currency fluctuations. Advanced stock traders can invest in commodities through exchange-traded funds (ETFs), futures contracts, or options.

ETFs are the easiest way for investors to gain exposure to commodities, as they are traded on exchanges like stocks. Futures contracts involve buying or selling commodities at a predetermined price and date in the future. At the same time, options give investors the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a commodity at a predetermined price and date.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies that use encryption techniques to regulate the generation of units and verify the transfer of funds. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are some of the most well-known cryptocurrencies. The prices of cryptocurrencies can be volatile, and any government or financial institution does not back them.

Advanced stock traders can invest in cryptocurrencies through cryptocurrency exchanges, which allow users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies for fiat currencies or other cryptocurrencies. Traders can also invest in cryptocurrency ETFs, futures contracts, or options.

Real Estate

Real estate can provide opportunities for both rental income and capital appreciation. Advanced stock traders can invest in real estate through real estate investment trusts (REITs), which are companies that own or finance income-producing real estate. REITs are traded on exchanges like stocks, making them easy to buy and sell.

Alternatively, advanced stock traders can invest in physical real estate by buying and renting out properties or flipping them for a profit. However, investing in physical real estate requires a significant amount of capital and knowledge of the real estate market.

Private Equity

Private equity requires you to buy shares in companies that are not publicly traded. Private equity firms buy stakes in companies and work to improve their operations, management, and profitability. Private equity investments are typically held for several years before being sold for a profit.

Advanced stock traders can invest in private equity through private equity funds, which are pools of capital raised from high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. Private equity funds are typically illiquid and have long lock-up periods, making them unsuitable for liquidity investors.

Interesting Case Studies

1. Blackstone’s Investment in Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. – In 2007, Blackstone Group LP acquired Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., a global hospitality company, for $26 billion in one of history’s largest private equity deals. Blackstone improved Hilton’s operations and expanded its global footprint, and in 2013, the firm took Hilton public, generating a return of over $14 billion for its investors.
2. KKR’s Investment in Dollar General Corp. – In 2007, private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) acquired Dollar General Corp., a discount retailer, for $6.9 billion. KKR improved Dollar General’s supply chain and merchandising strategies, and in 2009, the firm took Dollar General public, generating a return of over $3 billion for its investors.
3. The Carlyle Group’s Investment in Beats Electronics – In 2013, private equity firm The Carlyle Group acquired a 50% stake in Beats Electronics, a high-end headphone and speaker manufacturer, for $500 million. Carlyle helped Beats expand its product offerings and distribution channels, and in 2014, Apple Inc. acquired Beats for $3 billion, generating a return of over $1 billion for Carlyle.

These successful private equity investments highlight the potential for private equity firms to generate significant returns for their investors by improving the operations and profitability of the companies they invest in. However, it’s important to note that not all private equity investments are successful. Investing in private equity comes with increased risk and illiquidity compared to investing in publicly traded securities. Investors should carefully evaluate the risks and potential returns before investing in any private equity fund or investment opportunity.

Art

Art can provide opportunities for capital appreciation and diversification. Advanced stock traders can invest in art through art funds or buy and sell individual art pieces. However, investing in art requires knowledge of the art market and access to experts who can authenticate and value art.

Final Thoughts

Alternative investments can provide advanced stock traders with opportunities for higher returns and diversification. However, they also come with increased risk and require knowledge of the specific asset class. Before investing in any alternative investment, advanced stock traders should conduct thorough research and understand the risks involved. It is also essential to have a well-diversified portfolio that includes traditional investments like stocks and bonds to help mitigate risk.