Handbook of Alternate Assets

The Handbook of Alternative Assets merges the data and strategies of four key alternative asset classes into one handy guide for the serious investor. This concise handbook classifies four types of alternative assets: hedge funds, commodity and managed futures, private equity, and credit derivatives, and shows you how these assets can be used to hedge and expand any portfolio. Organized by sections-one for each alternative asset class-the Handbook of Alternative Assets explores four of the major alternative asset classes in detail, while providing expert advice along the way. The Handbook of Alternative Assets opens with a review of hedge funds-providing a brief history of the birth of hedge funds and an introduction to the various types of hedge fund investment strategies. This section also provides practical guidance for selecting hedge funds and conducting due diligence. Through these and many other discussions, you'll learn how to build a hedge fund investment program, analyze hedge fund return distributions, and manage some of the risks associated with hedge fund investments. The second section of this practical handbook is devoted entirely to commodity and managed futures. After a brief review of the economic value inherent in commodity futures contracts, you'll become familiar with the three sources of value associated with them and understand how they can help to diversify a portfolio. In addition to discussing the benefits of managed futures, long and short commodity futures are also explained. You'll gain a firm grasp of private equity by learning about the four traditional sources of private equity: venture capital, leveraged buyouts, mezzanine financing, and distressed debt, as well as new venues of private equity such as crossover funds, PIPES, interval funds, and private equity investments in private equity. Analysis of these various types of private equity investments and a review of the business and due diligence issues associated with them give you the most well-rounded approach to private equity that is currently available. The final section of the Handbook of Alternative Assets is devoted to credit derivatives. This section includes a review of the importance of credit risk, some of the new instruments that allow you to access the credit markets, and the role of credit derivatives within a diversified portfolio. Written by a professional for professionals, the Handbook of Alternative Assets discusses the pros and cons of alternative assets, and outlines strategies for incorporating these assets into a diversified portfolio. With expert advice and proven techniques this comprehensive handbook will help any professional match alternative assets with various investment goals.