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Building More Resilient Portfolios with Private Alternatives
September 15, 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of investment strategies, private alternatives have gained considerable traction among astute investors seeking diversification, enhanced returns, and risk mitigation in their portfolios. Private alternatives, encompassing a wide range of assets not traded in the public markets, offer unique benefits that can optimize investment portfolios and help investors achieve their long-term goals. Below, we explore the role of private alternatives in investment portfolios, delve into the types of private alternatives investors should consider, and examine how these assets contribute to the improvement and efficiency of investment portfolios.
Role of Private Alternatives in Investment Portfolios
Private alternatives encompass a broad spectrum of assets, including private equity, private credit, real estate, and real assets. These assets can perform independently from traditional public market investments such as stocks and bonds. The key role of private alternatives is to diversify risk and enhance returns by introducing non-correlated or low-correlated assets. Private alternatives offer return and risk profiles that often differ from publicly traded securities, thereby enhancing the overall risk–return profile of a portfolio.
By incorporating private alternatives, investors can reduce their exposure to market volatility, as these assets are often less influenced by short-term market fluctuations. Furthermore, private alternatives often exhibit more steady return patterns than traditional investments, which can contribute to overall portfolio stability. The illiquid nature of private alternatives can also act as a buffer against speculative trading and help investors maintain a long-term focus.
Types of Private Alternatives to Consider
Investors have a plethora of private alternative options to consider when diversifying their portfolios. These include private equity, private credit, private real estate, and private infrastructure.
Enhancing Portfolios Through Private Alternatives
Integrating private alternatives into investment portfolios can enhance portfolios in several ways. Private alternatives often involve a more hands-on approach to management. Private equity firms and venture capitalists typically work closely with the companies they invest in, providing strategic guidance, operational expertise, and resources to drive growth and value creation. Private investments usually require a longer investment horizon, which can align well with certain investor goals and risk tolerance. The longer holding period allows for patient capital deployment, enabling investments to weather short-term market fluctuations and capitalize on longer-term growth trends. Private alternatives provide access to sectors and opportunities unavailable through public markets, such as early-stage technology companies or specialized real estate projects. Certain private alternatives, like real estate and infrastructure, can act as a hedge against inflation, given their underlying tangible assets.
Investors Under-Allocated to Private Alternatives
Despite the compelling benefits of private alternatives, many investors remain under-allocated to these assets. Private alternatives often require specialized knowledge and due diligence, deterring some investors from exploring these options. The illiquid nature of private alternatives can raise concerns about access to funds in times of need, particularly for those with short-term liquidity requirements. Regulatory restrictions may limit the ability of certain investors, such as retail investors, to access private alternative investments. Some investors may also lack awareness of the potential benefits and risk characteristics of private alternatives, leading to under-allocation. Working with a knowledgeable advisor can help alleviate many of these issues.
Consider Private Alternatives as a Solution
Including private alternatives in investment portfolios presents a compelling case for diversified, risk-aware investors. These assets offer an avenue to enhance portfolio efficiency through improved diversification, potentially higher returns, and more effective risk management. Although private alternatives may come with certain complexities and illiquidity, their ability to contribute to portfolio quality and resilience cannot be overlooked. As investors navigate the intricate world of modern finance, working with knowledgeable advisors and carefully incorporating private alternatives into their portfolios may prove instrumental in achieving long-term financial objectives.
Contact us at Calamos Wealth Management to learn more.
Private Alternative investments may not be suitable for all investors, and the risks of alternative investments vary based on the underlying strategies used. Private investment funds generally involve various risk factors, including, but not limited to, potential for complete loss of principal, liquidity constraints and lack of transparency. Unlike liquid investments, private investment funds do not provide daily liquidity or pricing. Each prospective client investor will be required to complete a Subscription Agreement, pursuant to which the client shall establish that he/she is qualified for the investment in the fund and acknowledges and accepts the various risk factors that are associated with such an investment.
This material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors.
Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Calamos Wealth Management, LLC [“Calamos”]), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this blog will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this blog serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Calamos.
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