Alternative investments

Advisors and experts say finding the right rare currency to invest in can add diversification to a portfolio. But scams are rampant, so buyers should beware.

Sports are in for the ultrawealthy; paintings, out. Some 20% of 111 billionaire families served by the Wall Street giant now own controlling stakes in sports teams.

A credit scare last month could have been a momentary blip, but financial advisors have always known there are a lot of risks in private investments.

Morgan Stanley acquires EquityZen, a private share trading platform, expanding its offerings for fast-growing startups.

Issues that feature a character's first appearance or death — or even a popular artist or writer's first publication — can command high prices. But a volatile short-term investment market and meticulous storage demands remain concerns.

Wine, whiskey, cars, handbags, guitars and watches are loved by many clients. And they may be worth serious money, too.

For clients holding crypto, about half have experienced notable losses. But 70% have experienced notable gains, the latest Financial Advisor Confidence Outlook found.

Even as Canadian investor and "Shark Tank" co-star Kevin O'Leary broke records last month with the $13 million basketball card he helped purchase, experts warn that there are pitfalls.

The regulator's Investor Advisory Committee said policymakers could abandon asset and income thresholds for determining who can put money into private markets and instead adopt a "sophistication" standard.

Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank seeks niche private equity opportunities for its ultrawealthy clients, while Goldman looks to retirement savers and Wells Fargo to everyday investors.

As access to and interest in alternative investments grow, financial advisors could differentiate themselves by earning the CAIA mark.

Rare bottles can go for several times the original price, but time, due diligence and proper storage are required to maintain these special alternative investments.

Volatility, concerns over security and custody, and a lack of clear regulatory framework are the key barriers to adoption, according to Financial Planning's August Financial Advisor Confidence Outlook survey.

A number of variables including illiquidity and opaque valuations may cause advisors to think twice before recommending this alternative asset to clients.

Private assets promise potentially greater returns and more diversification for investors, but financial advisors say their opaque and illiquid nature makes them less than ideal for most 401(k) plan participants.

Bottles and casks from sought-after brands and years can be worth big money, but fraud and market bubbles can make for a highly volatile market.

While the right limited production vehicle could go sell many millions at auction, the market remains volatile.

The Trump megalaw's expansion of opportunity zone credits and other investment approaches comes with caveats based on timing and taxes.

A rare handbag can be worth far more than retail to the right buyer, but some advisors caution against viewing them as a store of value.

CEO Kunal Kapoor and other speakers explained how the shifting trends shaping the industry mean that advice is getting even more important.