Alternative measures

Alternative assets are becoming commonplace within a diversified investment portfolio, particularly at the higher end of the wealth spectrum. Rather than sticking to the traditional asset classes - equities, bonds and cash - alternatives such as property, structured products, hedge funds, private equity and currencies are featuring more prominently. There is plenty of evidence as such. According to the 2006 Merrill Lynch Capgemini World Wealth Report, exposure to alternative investments in 2005 was 20%, and is expected to rise to 22% in 2007. This compares to 10% in 2002 and 19% in 2004. M...