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Alternative Asset

A term referring to any non-traditional asset with potential economic value that would not be found in a standard investment portfolio. Due to the unconventional nature of some of these investment assets, valuation may be a problem.

For most people, examples of alternative assets would include art and antiques, precious metals, fine wines, rare stamps and coins, and other collectibles such as sports cards. However, to the very wealthy, hedge funds, venture capital-related projects and infrastructure could be alternative assets. In either case, alternative assets tend to be less liquid than traditional investments. Thus, investors who favor alternative assets will have to consider a very long investment horizon.