Alternative Investment Outlook: Helping Navigate Through The Inflection Point

The first half of 2023 was a meaningful period in many aspects after a difficult year in 2022. Global inflation figures finally started to come down, economic activity started showing early signs of slowing, and the Fed moderated its hiking steps while remaining hawkish. We believe most central banks are at the final stages of rate hikes or even at the beginning point of easing (e.g., China) as their focus moves from inflation to recession. That said, the timing and the steps they will take after the shift are greatly data dependent, leaving the market with many uncertainties. This, combined with the lagged impact of rate hikes which will become more apparent down the road, may keep market volatility at an elevated level with many twists and turns, and dispersion will likely continue across the asset classes, sectors, and quality of the assets.

With this in mind, we remain constructive on alternative investments, which can provide a source of alpha that is uncorrelated to the traditional market, downside management, and diversification for investors’ portfolios. We, however, also want to note that greater dispersion of performance is expected among managers depending on their trading style, sector, or geographical focus, even within each strategy group, given the macro backdrop. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of an underlying strategy, including the opportunity set as well as risks, will be more critical than in recent years.

Overall, we expect tactical, unconstrained, alpha focused managers in the hedge fund category, as well as private markets strategies that focus on high quality assets, to deliver solid results in the current environment.

Within the hedge fund category, we are particularly constructive on well-diversified and tactical managers which can position themselves around the market inflection points, benefit from increased volatility, and structure trades for asymmetric upside/downside capture. In this regard, we are positive on global macro managers who can take advantage of robust rates and currency trading opportunities arising from active central banks that are in different phases of the policy cycle. A selective set of systematic strategies that can take advantage of volatility could provide strong diversification benefits in a potentially challenging market environment. Lastly, high quality multi-strategy categories may warrant consideration in investors’ portfolios, as each of them offers value that is more than the sum of its parts through its own strategic capital re-allocation and risk management.

Within the private markets category, we expect private credits and infrastructure categories to potentially continue to deliver performance as yield alternatives. These managers should be able to strike solid terms to help generate attractive yields and weather potential market volatility. The yields for senior secured loans are at an attractive level, potentially alleviating the need to leverage or lower the quality of loans. For infrastructure, its resilient nature during market downturns, along with the secular demand on digitalization and decarbonization backed by policy tailwinds should be appreciated.

In addition to the aforementioned strategies, distressed/special situation opportunities may arise towards the later part of the year or in early 2024 that could lend rich trading opportunities for relevant hedge funds as well as private market players.

Important Disclosures:

The opinions, statements and forecasts presented herein are general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, tax and financial condition, or particular needs of any specific person. There is no assurance that the strategies or techniques discussed are suitable for all investors or will be successful. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, please consult your financial professional prior to investing.

Any forward-looking statements including the economic forecasts herein may not develop as predicted and are subject to change based on future market and other conditions. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

References to markets, asset classes, and sectors are generally regarding the corresponding market index. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and does not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC).
Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor that is not an LPL affiliate, please note LPL makes no representation with respect to such entity.

Tracking #1-05371105 (Exp. 08/24)