Financial Advisors and Alternative Investments 2012 Key Trends, Insights, and Opportunities Portfolio construction is a fundamental activity of the vast majority of financial advisors. In the past ten years, advisors have become increasingly challenged to build portfolios relying solely on traditional investments and asset classes. To provide greater diversification, lower portfolio volatility and risk, and enhance returns, many financial advisors have turned to alternatives and non-traditional investments. These solutions comprise a diverse group of strategies including real estate, commodities, managed futures, absolute return, market neutral, structured products, hedged equity, arbitrage, and venture capital. It is within this context that Practical Perspectives — a leading research and consulting firm focused on key trends in the creation and distribution of asset management solutions — is exploring how financial  professionals are using alternatives and non-traditional investment strategies, especially for retail clients. This new report based on proprietary research offers a unique and fresh examination of how alternatives and non-traditional investments are used by advisors. The report also defines the opportunities that exist for product providers and distribution platforms to better engage and support financial professionals to increase overall market penetration and sales. Key Issues The Report Addresses   This 174 page and 180 exhibit report provides inisghts and answers for:      ·        Product Development     o       Which alternative strategies are advisors likely to use going forward?     o       What are the preferred vehicles to access these strategies?     o       How does product selection differ for alternatives versus traditional products?     ·        Distribution    o       Which advisors are most likely to use alternatives and non-traditional strategies?    o       How are advisors using alternatives across their client bases and typical portfolios?    o       What obstacles must be overcome to expand usage among different target segments?     ·        Sales Support    o      How important are various aspects of sales support and how satisfied are advisors with current support from product providers and broker-dealers/custodians?    o       What factors drive advisor use of alternative investments?    o       What differences in support needs exist among advisors across major distribution channels?    back to top Click here to download sample exhibits, the Table of Contents, and the List of Exhibits      Research Approach This report is based on input from a broad cross-section of advisors across key channels – wirehouse, regional, independent, and RIA. In March 2012, advisors were asked to participate in a proprietary on-line survey regarding portfolio construction and the role of alternatives and non-traditional investments. Advisors were randomly solicited across all delivery channels. A total of 358 completed surveys were used as the basis for this report. The research findings are provided for the overall sample as well as for key target segments including by channel and by degree of use of alternatives. These segments offer a deeper understanding of differences among the audience of financial advisors.     Report Order Information Report purchase includes consulting session with report authors to review findings and discuss specific implications For pricing or to order the report, contact howard.schneider@practicalperspectives.com or call 978-590-7290 <