After you listen:
• Learn more about this episode’s topic in “Alternative Investments: A Non-Traditional Approach to Investing ( .”
• Find more resources about alternative investments at Schwab ( .
From hedge funds to private equity, alternative investments cover a wide range of assets outside of traditional markets. In this episode, Mark is joined by Ken Pennington, director of alternative investments and manager research at Schwab, to unpack what they are, how they work, and the key differences that set them apart from traditional stocks and bonds. He and Mark also discuss why investors consider alternatives and where they might fit in broader investment strategies.
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Important Disclosures
This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
Investing in alternative investments is speculative, not suitable for all clients, and generally intended for experienced and sophisticated investors who are willing and able to bear the high economic risks of the investment. Investors should obtain and carefully read the related prospectus or offering memorandum, which will contain the information needed to help evaluate the potential investment and provide important disclosures regarding risks, fees and expenses.
Alternative investments, including hedge funds and funds that invest in alternative investments, often employ leveraging and other speculative practices that increase an investor’s risk of loss to include complete loss of investment, often charge high fees, and can be highly illiquid and volatile. Alternative investments may lack diversification, involve complex tax structures and have delays in reporting important tax information. Alternative investments that are closed end funds registered under 1933 or 1940 act would be subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds. Other registered and unregistered funds are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds.
Alternative investments, including funds that invest in alternative investments, are risky and may not be suitable for all investors. Alternative investments often employ leveraging and other speculative practices that increase an investor’s risk of loss to include complete loss of investment, often charge high fees, and can be highly illiquid and volatile. Alternative investments may lack diversification, involve complex tax structures and have delays in reporting important tax information. Registered and unregistered alternative investments are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds.
Alternative investments are speculative and involve a high degree of risk. Investors may lose all or a substantial portion of their investment. Alternative investments cover a wide array of strategies, including real estate, private equity, private credit, and hedge funds. Risks will vary based on each unique strategy and can include investments in highly illiquid assets or securities, use of leverage, higher fees, lower transparency, tax risks, and limited ability to redeem or limited transferability.
Alternative investments may have limited or no liquidity, redemptions or repurchases may not be permitted and no public market may exist to make full or partial liquidations. An investor’s capital may potentially be locked for seven or more years. Certain strategies can involve the use of leverage which can enhance returns but also increase losses. Alternative investments are valued less frequently, may be speculative in nature, and may not conform to any particular valuation standard. As a result, advisory fees associated with alternative investments will reflect these valuations compared to more readily available valuations on publicly traded securities.
Many alternative investments are exempt from registration requirements that apply to public securities. As a result, alternative investments may have greater investment flexibility but are less transparent given they do not have to adhere to the …
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