The Case for Alternatives

What alternatives can add to a portfolio.

We believe public markets move together more than they used to, which limits how much true diversification a traditional portfolio can offer. Alternatives behave differently. Alternative investments can pursue returns that aren’t tied to the daily market, real assets can provide income and a hedge against inflation, and longer holding periods may earn what’s known as the illiquidity premium. Together, they can make a portfolio more resilient.

What Alternatives Add

Private Markets

Complement your portfolio with private markets.

Beyond traditional stocks and bonds lies a broader world of opportunity. Used well, alternative investments can help manage volatility, pursue stronger returns, and diversify your portfolio in ways public markets alone cannot. Through the Raymond James platform, we open access to a broad spectrum of high-quality offerings, both fund and direct, across the wealth spectrum. The right alternatives, matched to the right investor, can round out a portfolio.

What We Access

The strategies we can access for you.

The right mix depends on your goals, your time horizon, and your appetite for illiquidity. We help you understand each option and select only what fits your plan. A sample of the strategies available through our platform:

Private Equity

Privately negotiated stakes in companies, from early-stage startups through mature buyouts.

Private Credit

Direct lending arrangements offering higher potential yields and flexible, customized terms.

Real Assets

Real estate and infrastructure held for steady income and long-term appreciation potential.

Hedge Funds

Flexible mandates ranging across global markets, asset classes, and trading instruments.

Managed Futures

Trend-following strategies traded across global financial markets and physical commodities.

Unique Offerings

For investors with $50M or more, access to opportunities well beyond traditional platforms.

Tax-Aware Offerings

Exchange funds, 1031 exchanges, and tax-loss-harvesting vehicles for tax-sensitive investors.

An Honest Look

Powerful, but not for everyone.

Alternatives aren’t right for every investor, and we’ll tell you plainly if they aren’t right for you. Many require that you be an accredited or qualified investor, and most ask you to lock up capital for years and accept less liquidity in exchange for their potential. That tradeoff suits some situations and not others. We weigh it honestly against your goals before recommending anything, so you understand exactly what you’re taking on.

Any opinions are those of Bespoke Capital and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Be sure to contact a qualified professional regarding your situation before making any investment or withdrawal decision. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Private markets and alternative investments are generally considered speculative in nature and may involve a high degree of risk, particularly if concentrating investments in one or few alternative investments. These risks are potentially greater and substantially different than those associated with traditional equity or fixed income investments. The investment strategies used by certain Funds may require a substantial use of leverage. The investment strategies employed and associated risks are more fully disclosed in each Fund’s prospectus, which is available from your financial advisor.

Alternative Investments involve substantial risks that may be greater than those associated with traditional investments and may be offered only to clients who meet specific suitability requirements, including minimum net worth tests. These risks include but are not limited to: limited or no liquidity, tax considerations, incentive fee structures, potentially speculative investment strategies, and different regulatory and reporting requirements. There is no assurance that any investment will meet its investment objectives or that substantial losses will be avoided.

Tax-loss harvesting can have unintended tax consequences and there may be higher fees or costs associated with a replacement security or stock position. There is no guarantee that a favorable tax outcome will be achieved.

The best plans start with a conversation.

Your business built more than a career, it built a future for the people you love. Let’s start with a conversation, no pressure and no obligation, and help you prepare for the future with confidence. Give us a call or fill out the form, and we’ll connect you with a financial professional to discuss your goals and the best path forward.

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