Real Estate Investments Trusts (REITs)
Real Estate Investments Trusts, or REITs, offer another alternative investment outside of precious metals. REITs are companies that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate properties. Investing in REITs can be a lucrative investment as it can offer potentially high returns from the real estate market without requiring the investment of huge sums of money to acquire their own properties.
REITs are mandated to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income back to their investors as dividends, enabling investors to earn regular income while owning a fraction of valuable properties. With a diversified portfolio of commercial building properties in different sectors, investing in REITs can be a significant way to hedge against inflation and volatility in traditional investments like the stock markets.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have become popular as an alternative asset, with their limited supply being perceived as a store of value. Despite their volatile nature in the short term, they may serve as a worthwhile long-term investment alternative to traditional investment options such as mutual funds, stocks or bonds.
Similar to gold and silver, cryptocurrencies are decentralized and immune to government intervention, which may help hedge investors against sudden market downturns. To invest in cryptocurrencies, one needs to have an active account with an online trading platform through which they can buy and sell cryptocurrencies. It’s worth bearing in mind that investing in cryptocurrency comes with its own share of risks and should be undertaken with caution.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending Platforms
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending platforms like Prosper and LendingClub are transforming traditional ways of lending by offering investors with an opportunity to participate in the personal loan of unsecured borrowers. Users are able to invest in loans across different credit grades, offering potential returns a few points higher than traditional investments like stocks and bonds.
The digital nature of these platforms mitigates institutional barriers and provides a platform for retail investors to lend money directly to individuals or small businesses, spurring progress and opportunity in the economy. The process involves creating an account with the P2P lending platform, funding your account, setting your parameters for investment and selecting investment opportunities based on credit ratings, term, interest rates and other factors. This asset class offers a low barrier to entry and a vast array of investment opportunities for those looking for investments outside of precious metals.
Artwork
The market for artwork has been on a steady rise in recent years, with values increasing steadily over the past decade. Investing in artworks can be viewed as a tangible investment in a relatively stable asset class where rarity and marketability are key factors that determine the value of the piece. While it is not the most liquid asset out there, investing in art can present a long-term investment opportunity, providing safe-haven investments that are mostly diversifiable from other assets in one’s portfolio.
Investments in art may come in different forms, including ownership or co-ownership, with pieces of art being traded in auction houses, online art marketplaces or through art dealerships. While investing in artworks requires a certain level of knowledge of the art world and its intricacies, it can be very profitable if done astutely.
Conclusion
There are plenty of alternative investments available for those wishing to diversify their portfolios beyond precious metals. While some of the options mentioned above come with a certain level of risk, investing should always be done cautiously. Investors should perform due diligence before investing to assess their risk tolerance and learn about the different options available to them.
Investors looking to invest in REITs, Cryptocurrencies, P2P lending platforms, or even art must have a clear understanding of the risks and opportunities that come with each asset class. Diversification is always the key to long-term financial success, and investors should consider including some of these alternative assets in their investment portfolios. Eager to learn more about the topic? current gold price, uncover additional and valuable information that will enrich your understanding of the topic discussed.
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