Investing in financial markets used to be relatively simple. There were equities, there were bonds and there was property. Most investors kept the majority of their portfolio in equities complemented by a sprinkling of bonds and a smattering of property. But the investment world has changed radically in recent years. Equity markets have, at times, proved gravely disappointing and funds have suffered serious losses.
Low interest rates and low inflation have reduced returns in the debt markets and the desire for yield has encouraged investors to look at a much wider range of asset classes than ever before, including alternative assets, such as private equity and commodities.
