Tired of the same old investment advice? You know the drill: Just stick with stocks and bonds, diversify a little, and hope for the best. But what happens when both stocks and bonds decide to tank together like they did in 2022?
That's where alternative investments come in. They're not just the cool kids of the investment world, they are the strategic advantage that savvy investors use to build stronger, more resilient portfolios while creating meaningful impact.
Think beyond the traditional stock-and-bond playbook. Alternative investments are any asset class that operates outside the public markets, including:
Real estate (from Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, to private developments)
Private equity and venture capital
Private credit (direct lending to companies)
Infrastructure projects
Commodities (gold, oil, agriculture)
Hedge funds
Collectibles and fine art
These aren't just "different" for the sake of being different, they often move independently from traditional markets, which can be a portfolio game-changer when volatility strikes!
The classic 60/40 stock-bond mix was built for a different era. Today's reality? Economic uncertainty, market volatility, and the uncomfortable truth that stocks and bonds can (and do) move in the same direction during market stress.
When your "diversified" portfolio isn't actually diversified, you need investments that zig when everything else zags.
1. Diversification (Beyond the Buzzword)
Alternative investments typically have low correlation with stocks and bonds. When public markets get volatile, alternatives often provide the stability and independence your portfolio needs.
Private markets aren't subject to daily price swings and media-driven panic. This can help reduce the emotional rollercoaster of investing and keep you focused on long-term wealth building.
Total assets under management (AUM) continue to expand and have surpassed $33 trillion to date, according to J.P. Morgan Research.
Private markets open doors to early-stage companies, high-growth startups, and niche investments that most retail investors never see. These opportunities often offer significant upside potential when vetted through expert due diligence.
Real estate investments can serve as a hedge against inflation while generating steady cash flow through rental income or REIT dividends. As costs rise, so do rents and property values, which affect your purchasing power.
Modern investors want their money to create positive change. Alternative investments can target specific social outcomes, from affordable housing to sustainable infrastructure. This allows you to build wealth while making a meaningful difference.
Let's be honest… alternatives come with considerations:
Illiquidity: Many require holding periods of 3-7 years
Higher minimums: Often requiring larger initial investments
Complexity: More sophisticated structures requiring thorough due diligence
Manager dependency: Performance relies heavily on fund manager expertise
That said, the right mix of alternatives, chosen carefully and managed strategically, can actually reduce overall portfolio risk while strengthening long-term returns. As J.P. Morgan's Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou notes, "We view residential property, which is one of our preferred sectors, as being relatively immune to tariffs unless a deep recession takes place in the U.S.”
But here's the key insight: when chosen carefully and managed strategically, the right mix of alternatives can actually strengthen returns while lowering risk.
You don't need to overhaul your entire portfolio overnight. Start with:
REITs for accessible real estate exposure
Real estate crowdfunding platforms for fractional property ownership
Private equity funds through qualified platforms
Infrastructure or commodity ETFs for broader alternative exposure
The most important step? Partner with experienced professionals who understand these markets and can help you navigate the opportunities and risks.
At Fund Momentum, we believe exceptional returns and positive impact aren't mutually exclusive. That's why 20% of our profits support Empower Momentum, our nonprofit partner creating sustainable community change.
When you invest with us, you're not just building personal wealth, you are contributing to affordable housing, community development, and economic empowerment in underserved areas. Your investment success directly fuels positive change where it's needed most.
Whether you're seeking greater portfolio resilience, passive income, or purpose-aligned investing, alternative assets offer powerful new ways to grow wealth while minimizing volatility.
Join a group who is no longer okay with accepting "fine" returns from a fragile portfolio. It's time to build something stronger, more diversified, and more aligned with your values.
Explore our carefully vetted real estate and private equity opportunities designed to build sustainable wealth while delivering measurable social impact.