History & SocietyScience & TechBiographiesAnimals & NatureGeography & TravelArts & CultureProConGames & QuizzesVideosToday in HistoryDictionaryHistory & Society
  • History
  • Philosophy & Religion
  • Politics, Law & Government
  • Society & Social Issues
Science & Tech
  • Health & Medicine
  • Science
  • Technology
Biographies
  • Browse Biographies
Animals & Nature
  • Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
  • Environment
  • Fossils & Geologic Time
  • Insects & Other Invertebrates
  • Mammals
  • Plants
Geography & Travel
  • Geography & Travel
Arts & Culture
  • Entertainment & Pop Culture
  • Literature
  • Sports & Recreation
  • Visual Arts
Image GalleriesPodcastsSummariesTop QuestionsBritannica Kids
Britannica Money
Personal Finance
Investing
Trading
Retirement
Companies
Biographies
Finance & the Economy
Britannica Money Logo
About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & Conditions
© 2026 EncyclopÊdia Britannica, Inc.
Investing

Alternative Investments

Concentration risk management
Investing
Concentration risk: When winners (and company shares) take over your portfolio
Good eggs may need more baskets.
Treasury securities
Investing
Treasury securities: Bonds, notes, and bills
Different maturities, same “full faith and credit” guarantee.

Recently Updated

  • What is private credit? A guide to direct lendingDiversifying in the alternative debt market.
  • 4 ways to get started in real estateReal estate without the tool belt.
  • Strategic and critical minerals: What they are and how to invest in themThe keys to national security, the energy transition, and your smartphone.

See All

4 ways to get started in real estate
Real estate without the tool belt.
Alternative investments: Beyond stocks and bonds
What are alternative investments?
Carried interest and the tax loophole: Here’s how it works
Tool for capital growth or tax dodge for the wealthy?
Direct peer-to-peer lending: An alternative investment?
Know the risks if you want to lend like a bank.
Gold-plated investing strategy? Shiny metal and your portfolio
All that glitters is an alternative investment.
Hedge funds: How they work, types of strategies, and some of the big players
Two words: Expensive and complex.
How to invest in art and collectibles: From pastime to portfolio
Could your collection bring you riches?
Oil benchmarks: Why crude prices aren’t one-size-fits-all
Sweet vs. sour; light vs. heavy.
Private equity: What is it, and can I invest in it?
You’ll need patience and deep pockets.
REITs: Targeting income, capital appreciation, and diversification
Real estate investing goes beyond your home.
Rare earth metals: What are they, and are they a solid investment?
It’s amazing how much they impact modern life.
Strategic and critical minerals: What they are and how to invest in them
The keys to national security, the energy transition, and your smartphone.
The energy market: Oil, solar, and everything in between
Investing in energy, from fossil fuels to renewables.
The liquefied natural gas (LNG) market: From regional to global commodity
Super chilled; superbly transportable.
The swaps market: How companies manage interest rate and other risks with OTC derivatives
Strangers in the night, exchanging cash flows.
What are commodities? The raw materials driving the global economy
From the ground up.
What is a business development company? Understanding public and private BDCs
A deep dive into opportunity.
What is private credit? A guide to direct lending
Diversifying in the alternative debt market.
SUBSCRIBE