Introduction: That was Then, This is Now

Alternative investments can be defined as any asset class or investment other than equities, bonds, or cash. Diversification can lead to alternative investments as obscure as coins, diamonds, comic books, rare earth, art, or even wine. One of my goals in writing my first book, Wave Theory for Alternative Investments: Riding the Wave with Hedge Funds, Commodities, and Venture Capital, was to help educate anyone interested in alternative investments, whether they are institutional investors, high net worth clients, wealth managers, financial advisors, financial planners, consultants, professors, trainees, or students. I would like investors to simply know more about the exciting world of alternative investments. Besides this professional or institutional audience, many others have expressed an avid interest in learning more about alternative investments. The world of financial products for alternative investments is rapidly expanding and the number of choices is substantial. In the past, the vast majority of research concerning investments has been focused primarily on equities and fixed income. However, times have changed and so has the investment process, which has evolved to include alternative investments. It is my firm belief that virtually any asset allocation model should include alternative investments.