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

The wide range of categories covered by alternative investments, many of them with low correlations to equity and bond markets, could offer stable income streams to investors, but fundamental research is essential before picking funds

Private equity may have fallen out of favour in recent times, but investors with medium-term horizons can find attractive returns in the asset class, as long as they select managers with proven experience

Rather than dealing in asset classes, investors should be thinking in terms of categories of risk to protect their portfolios

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

Wealthy individuals tend to make confident property investors, but they still value solid advice which can help them maximise returns

Capital values in commercial property have fallen, but yields remain high and prime locations continue to attract investors

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