45% of investors are interested in alternatives, survey finds — advisors say there's an easy way in

Core Insights - There is a growing consumer interest in alternative investments, prompting financial advisors to emphasize the importance of finding appropriate investment methods [1][2] - Alternative investments encompass a wide range of assets beyond traditional cash, stocks, and bonds, including private-market assets, real estate, commodities, and cryptocurrencies [1] - Younger investors are increasingly disillusioned with conventional investments, leading to a trend termed "financial nihilism," with a significant portion of Americans expressing interest in alternative assets [3][4] Investment Trends - U.S.-based ETFs have seen over $1 trillion in inflows this year, with a notable portion directed towards gold and crypto ETFs, indicating a shift in investment preferences [2] - A survey by Charles Schwab revealed that two-thirds of Americans believe investing success requires diversifying beyond traditional assets, with 45% interested in alternatives like private equity and hedge funds [3][4] Regulatory Changes - Recent executive orders and SEC changes are facilitating access to alternative investments, particularly in workplace retirement plans and the launch of spot crypto ETFs [5] Investment Strategies - Financial advisors recommend using ETFs to gain exposure to alternative investments, as they can mitigate complexities such as liquidity issues associated with direct investments [6][7] - It is advised to limit alternative investments to 10%-15% of a large portfolio and under 5% for smaller portfolios, with traditional stocks and bonds still being preferable for major financial goals [8] Historical Performance - Historical data shows that investing in a diversified basket of stocks, such as the S&P 500, has proven to be highly profitable over the long term, with significant returns on investments made decades ago [10][11]