Investment insights

Liquid and transparent versions of hedge funds are widely available but choosing among them takes thorough investigation.

Some alternative asset classes are appealing in theory until you stop and think about them, according to CFP Allan Roth. Here are three types advisors should avoid.

Private equity funds have had superior returns, but risks can be magnified if investors don’t know where their money will go.

Gold’s role as an alternative investment might be reduced with Washington moving back from the brink of default.

Private equity funds have had superior returns, but risks can be magnified if investors don’t know where their money will go.

Gold’s role as an alternative investment might be reduced with Washington moving back from the brink of default.

Amid an outreach overhaul, the agency's Division of Investment Management says it wants asset managers to give advisors and investors a 'clear and concise' picture of their investment strategies.

Low or negative correlation is necessary for a good alternative investment, but don't forget the second essential trait.

Alternative investments aren't just for institutions any longer. Alt mutual funds and ETFs have seen a 100% increase in inflows over the past two years.

Some advisors have found that covered calls outperform bonds and provide savvy selling strategies.

Despite declining numbers, defined-benefit plans are in vogue with small business owners and the advisors who serve them.

New York is attracting financial technology startup companies and venture capitalists, who like the proximity to large banks. But watch out for London.

Offering just one solution, even if you're an expert on that strategy, will limit your flexibility.

"Smart beta" ETFs are attracting funds from both active managers and passive indexes.

High-net-worth clients increasingly find themselves having to support adult family members while Millennials consider how they can align their investments with their values.

'There's no doubt that this world has opened up and more companies are now open to dividends,' says Thomas Huber of T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth Fund at the Morningstar Investment Conference.

With Europe still slowly muddling its way to recovery, investors looking for returns in developed nations should give Japan a second look, argue two experts.

'There are some really extraordinary companies in Russia, but you have to be willing to embrace the controversy,' says Oppenheimer's Justin Leverenz at a Morningstar conference panel.

Using the right chemistry, advisors can mix investments and land in a sweet spot on the risk-return spectrum.

The $3.7 trillion municipal market is headed for the longest losing streak since March after localities offered the most bonds in three months.