Can you get out of the stock market with alternative investments

In today’s rough and tumble economic world it might not be wise to have all, or even most, of your money invested in the stock market. Wild swings and sudden dips don’t lend themselves to capital preservation. Seemingly lax rules that still exist sometimes allow the market system to be manipulated, making stock investing even more hazardous.

What can you do?

There is a very easy answer to that question! If you have reservations about continuing to invest in the stock market look to alternative investments to preserve capital and fuel growth. These investments are classified as any other than the three standard investment vehicles: stocks, bonds and cash. Alternative vehicles are an excellent way to fully diversify your portfolio.

Types of Alternative Investments

There are many good non-traditional investment alternatives that are fairly safe. If you are also looking for protection against inflation and privacy of your assets consider alternative investments. Let’s look at a few of the better ones:

• Precious metals - When most people think of precious metals as investments they automatically think of gold and silver. Platinum and palladium are two other metals that can be added to the mix. These metals are all used in industrial applications. Of course, gold and silver are used in coins. All of these are excellent stores of value and can act as a safe-haven for assets and as a partial hedge against equities. 
• Gemstones - All sorts of gems can be used for investment purposes. A short list of these include: diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, garnet, topaz, opal. There are many more though. The light weight and high value of gems make them easy to store and carry if need be. Can you imagine how much value a pocket full of gems would be worth? Gemstones traditionally hold their value very well. 
• Real Estate - Even though the real estate market took some big hits with the economic slowdown it has traditionally been a great vehicle as an alternative investment. There are several ways to invest in real estate. You can buy property individually, as part of an investment group or through a real estate investment trust (REIT). Real estate can provide a steady and reliable income while preserving assets. 
• Coins - Coins generally are made from gold and silver. There are two avenues to consider when investing in coins. Bullion coins are minted by governments and their value is derived because of the precious metal they are made of. Collectible coins are not valued for their metal, but for their scarcity. Both offer excellent retention of value. 
• Art - Art is a very non-traditional investment but it can be a great and rewarding one. While it does take a fair amount of money to get started there are ways to get started with a small amount. Consider undiscovered artists or media such as photography. If nothing else you can enjoy the art for its beauty.
• Private equity - Funding a company individually or as part of group is often a great alternative investment. The company could be a start up or a going concern. You can make money from profits, sales or mergers. A well-funded and well-run company can be a source of great investment income. 

Alternative Investments - Might Be For You 

As volatile as the stock market has been it might be time to think of alternative ways to invest your money. If you are looking for a hedge against inflation and some privacy for your capital then non-traditional investments should really interest you. Consider some of the options listed above and enjoy a whole new world of investing. 

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