By Nick H 
Passive income investment is a financial strategy, in which a person or entity invests in assets or ventures to generate a steady stream of income. It requires minimal ongoing effort or active involvement. Another popular term used for passive income investment is alternative investment.
Alternative investments
Alternative investments are financial assets or strategies that fall outside the traditional categories of the following:
- stocks
- bonds
- cash
They are called alternatives because they offer investors options beyond the traditional investments found in the stock and bond markets. Alternative investments can be attractive for several reasons, including:
- diversification
- potential for higher returns
- ability to hedge against traditional market risks
Types of Alternative Investments
There are common and different types of alternative investments:
- Hedge funds. These are pooled investment funds managed by professional portfolio managers who use various strategies to generate returns. Hedge funds can invest in different assets, including:
- stocks
- bonds
- currencies
- derivatives
- Private equity. Private equity involves investing in private companies or taking significant ownership stakes in publicly traded companies. Private equity investors play an active role in the company management.
- Real estate. It includes investments in several areas:
- Physical properties (residential or commercial real estate)
- Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
- Real estate partnerships
- Commodities. Investing in physical goods, such as:
- gold
- oil
- agricultural products
- metals
- Venture capital. Venture capitalists will provide funding to early-stage and high-potential startups in exchange for equity ownership. They often take an active role in guiding the companies they invest in.
- Private debt. It involves lending money to private companies in exchange for interest payments and the return of principal at a later date. A private debt can include:
- loans
- bonds
- direct lending
- Art and collectibles. Some investors put their money into various arts and collectibles, such as:
- art
- antiques
- rare coins
- other collectibles
- Cryptocurrencies. Digital currencies (Bitcoin and Ethereum) have gained popularity as alternative investments, offering the potential for high returns, but also notable volatility and risk.
- Infrastructure. Investing in infrastructure projects, such as:
- toll roads
- airports
- utilities
These can provide stable, long-term income streams.
- Structured products. These are complex financial instruments created by banks and financial institutions. They often combine different assets and derivatives to provide specific risk-return profiles.
- Distressed securities. Investors buy the debt or equity of financially troubled companies with the expectation of profiting from their turnaround or restructuring.
Alternative investments are suitable for more sophisticated investors willing to accept these trade-offs in pursuit of potentially higher returns or better diversification.