Collecting art can be an incredibly rewarding hobby and passion. From decorating your home to building an investment portfolio, art offers enjoyment and potential financial returns when approached thoughtfully. This comprehensive guide covers everything a beginner needs to know about starting an art collection. Key Takeaways: Collecting Art The art world can seem daunting to…
Retirement is supposed to be the golden years when you get to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. However, more retirees nowadays struggle to generate enough income from traditional retirement vehicles like Social Security and savings accounts. This has created a retirement income crisis that requires thinking outside the box. That’s where alternative…
Commodities are basic goods used in commerce that are interchangeable with other commodities of the same type. Some major commodity classes are metals (gold, silver, platinum), energy (crude oil, natural gas), agriculture (corn, wheat, soybeans), and livestock (lean hogs, live cattle). Commodities trade on centralized exchanges worldwide, with traders buying and selling commodity futures contracts….
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) have become an increasingly popular way for investors to gain exposure to the real estate market. But how exactly do REITs work and what are the pros and cons of investing in them? This definitive guide answers all the key questions on understanding REITs. Key Takeaways: What is a REIT?…
How Does Private Equity Work? Private equity provides exposure to private companies not available in public markets. It involves complex deals and fundraising structures that enable firms to invest capital into private businesses, improve operations, and ultimately sell them for significant profits. But how exactly does private equity work and generate returns? This comprehensive guide…
How Do Hedge Funds Work? Hedge funds are alternative investments that aim to generate returns and reduce risk using a variety of sophisticated methods. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at what hedge funds are, how they operate, their performance, getting exposure, and more. Key Takeaways Read This Guild “Mastering Hedge Funds: A Comprehensive…
Alternative investments are assets and financial instruments that fall outside the conventional categories of stocks, bonds, and cash. As opposed to traditional investments, alternative investments are often complex products that lack liquidity and carry much higher risk. However, they also tend to have low correlations with traditional assets, providing portfolio diversification benefits. With stock and…
Investing in collectible fine art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and rare prints, offers an intriguing option for investors aiming to diversify their portfolios while securing storehouses of lasting value. Global art sales recently surpassed $50 billion in a single year, exemplifying this market’s huge expansionary trajectory. However, for investors accustomed to trading public stocks and…
Commodities play an essential yet often mysterious role in powering the global economic engine. These raw materials – which include crude oil, precious metals, agricultural goods, and livestock – are consumed in vast quantities to meet energy, manufacturing, and basic survival needs. But unlike company stocks, commodities don’t come with balance sheets or PE ratios…
REITs (real estate investment trusts) and commodities represent two distinct asset classes that can play important roles in well-diversified investment portfolios. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at everything you need to know about these unique investment options. Key Takeaways Definition of REITs A REIT (real estate investment trust) is a company that owns,…