Investments into renewable energy are on the rise, and funds tracking the sector are seing inflows, but the theme is better suited to those investors with a long-term horizon

With the 2008 crisis fresh in their minds, high net worth individuals remain wary of hedge funds, but institutional investors are taking their place and the industry continues to see fresh launches

Alternative investments such as private equity and hedge funds are making their way back into balanced portfolios, but due diligence and manager selection are more important than ever

Distressed prices are creating interesting opportunities in private credit, but clients need to be reminded that it takes a while for these investments to bear fruit

Stefan Keller, Lyxor

Investors are warming to alternative investments, but providing clients with ample performance data can help them decide which strategies to adopt, according to Lyxor

Tim Gascoigne

When managing a fund of hedge funds, asset allocation is certainly important, but selecting the right managers is what really drives performance

The wealth management industry appears to be redefining risk, with hedge funds becoming the defensive asset of choice

Gold prices may be extremely high, but fears over the global economy should see the commodity continue to attract nervous investors

As real estate becomes more global, investors must be careful how best to gain exposure, particularly when looking at non-core properties, which carry an element of risk but are attractively priced at present

Joe McDonnell Morgan Stanley

The hedge fund world is changing, both in terms of the business models and products on offer and in the types of investors they are looking to attract.

Private equity allows investors the chance to get at opportunities not available through public markets and funds of funds can provide a more affordable way in

Investors are returning to hedge funds, with both Ucits III regulated funds and managed accounts attracting inflows, but the consolidation of the market into fewer hands is continuing, writes Ceri Jones

The growing number of funds of hedge funds on Ucits platforms is in response to calls for greater transparency, liquidity and regulation, but their performance may disappoint some investors, writes Elisa Trovato.

The strength of currencies has become a source of tension between some of the world’s biggest economies, especially the US and China, writes Elliot Smither. But how worried should private investors be?

A region’s economic fundamentals are key when investing in property, a lesson learnt by those with exposure to the asset class who have suffered heavy losses in recent years, writes Elisa Trovato.

Richard Davis, BlackRock

A rising global population, increased wealth in the developing world and the growing biofuels industry all demand increased agricultural output, which a number of new funds are looking to target, writes Elliot Smither.

John Bennett, Man Group

Whether targeting traditional insitutional investors or private banks, hedge fund providers must be able to demonstrate high levels of transparency, liquidity and service, reports Yuri Bender.