Complementing your portfolio with alternative investments
Having alternatives means having the options you need to fit your ever-evolving needs. We believe diversification across a broad spectrum of asset classes is the best way to help our clients meet their long-term objectives, balancing risk and return.
For those who appreciate the potential of alternative investments in a comprehensive portfolio, we offer diversification through investments such as hedge funds, managed futures, funds of funds, private equity, private real estate, and other alternative investment options.* Of course, alternatives aren’t for everyone, and we’ll carefully consider the options that complement your existing financial objectives before thoughtfully moving forward.
*Alternative investments are generally considered speculative in nature and may involve a high degree of risk, particularly if concentrating investments in one or few alternative investments. These risks are potentially greater and substantially different than those associated with traditional equity or fixed income investments. The investment strategies used by certain Funds may require a substantial use of leverage. The investment strategies employed and associated risks are more fully disclosed in each Fund's prospectus, which is available from your financial advisor.
Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.
The alternative investment vehicles we offer include, but are not limited to:
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A structured investment is an obligation from an issuing firm to provide a return based on the performance of an underlying investment, such as a stock, an exchange traded fund (ETF) or a market index, commonly referred to as the “underlier.” Each structured investment is designed (or “structured”) around the underlier, linking its performance to the underlier in a unique manner. These investments are distinct in that they come in a wide variety, each with terms and conditions designed to achieve specific investment outcomes. Some offer greater protection against loss with moderate or limited growth potential, while others possess greater growth potential but come with less protection. Others offer the potential to pay attractive periodic coupons, dependent on the underlier’s performance.
Structured investments are not suitable for all investors. They involve a variety of risks, and each investment will have its own unique set of risks and considerations. Before investing in any structured investment, an investor should review all applicable offering documents for a comprehensive discussion of the risks associated with the investment. Market-linked notes are: not deposits, not FDIC/NCUA insured, not insured by any government agency, not bank guaranteed, subject to risk and may lose value.
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Private equity managers seek to make privately negotiated investments in companies, ranging from providing capital for startup companies to “buying out” mature companies with the intent of improving fundamentals and, in turn, the value of the businesses. We assist you in selecting private equity managers that will best complement your portfolio.
Private Equity investments involve greater risks and are not suitable for all investors.
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Real estate has long been considered an alternative tangible asset. While real estate can be accessed through traditional means, such as direct ownership and real estate investment trusts (REITs), it is also possible to access this asset class through managers who invest opportunistically in private real estate and trade less mainstream real estate-related securities. Together, we select the real estate investments in line with your short- and long-term financial goals.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are financial vehicles that pool investors’ capital to purchase or finance real estate. REITs may concentrate their investments in specific geographic areas or in specific properties types, i.e., hotels, shopping malls, residential complexes and office buildings. The value of the REITs and the ability of the REITs to distribute income may be adversely affected by several factors, including rising interest rates, changes in the national, state and local economic climate and real-estate conditions, perceptions of prospective tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the properties, the ability of the owner to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance, the cost of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, increased competition from new properties, the impact of present or future environmental legislation and compliance with environmental laws, changes in real estate taxes and other operating expenses, adverse changes in governmental rule and fiscal policies, adverse changes in zoning laws, and other factors beyond the control of the issuers of the REITs.
REITs involve risks such as refinancing, economic conditions in the real estate industry, changes in property values and dependency on real estate management.
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Target return ETFs provide investors with exposure to the price performance of specific underlying markets, offering a combination of upside participation and downside protection features, which can be used to more effectively manage the risk and reward tradeoffs of investing in an underlying market.
The subset of target return ETFs currently available at Raymond James are buffered return strategies, which provide partial downside protection in exchange for capped upside potential. Generally, the greater the amount of downside protection, the less upside potential provided.