Alternative investments are hot in 2025. And for good reason:

Here’s our look at 8 alt investment plays (plus a bonus). We cover what to know and where to look if you’re thinking about diversifying this year.

Note: this is a special Saturday deep-dive edition of Stocks & Income—you can expect these to hit your inbox every Saturday. You can reply to this email with specific topic requests for future Saturdays!

1. Private credit

Private credit is quietly having a moment—and might be the strongest income-focused alt play right now.

You're not buying equity. You're loaning your money to private companies. And in return, you get regular interest payments and sometimes a share of the upside.

It’s illiquid. But it’s consistent. And that combo has more investors moving in.

Explore top tier high-yield private credit funds used by institutional investors

These typically require $250K–$500K to get in—and multi-year lockups.

Not for entry-level investors, but worth checking out if you’re ready to step into the big leagues

Here’s what it takes to be an accredited investor:

Tier 2 funds come with lower minimums and easier access (i.e., you don’t always have to be accredited).

However, do your homework—trustworthiness and transparence may vary at this tier.

Tier 3 access (liquid options, public exposure):

How it works:

If you're looking for consistent income outside of the stock market—and can part with your capital for a few years—this is one of the cleanest plays out there.

Why Private Credit May Be the Cleanest Income Play of 2025 →

2. Private equity

Private equity is about buying into companies that aren't listed on public markets. These deals tend to be higher risk—but they also offer higher growth potential. Since these investments are less liquid, they often attract less competition. That can mean better pricing and more upside, especially for firms that know how to find undervalued assets.

Want to invest like the big dogs? You'll need to be one.

To access most private equity and venture capital deals:

Unless you have relationships at a firm, it’s hard to break in. But if you do?

Top firms to watch:

Retail options are rare here. But if you're accredited and networked, it can be a powerful allocation.

See which PE firms crushed it last year—and what sectors they’re targeting in 2025 →

3. Crypto (with restraint)

The majority of altcoins are still underperforming. The market looks weak outside of BTC, ETH, XRP, and maybe Tron.

The better play this cycle?

Invest in companies building crypto infrastructure or holding BTC/ETH on their books.

Examples:

Note: we aren’t endorsing these companies as buys, just explaining the types of companies that we’re looking for.

Also, a note on altcoin season: People are always calling for “altseason.” But most who chase it get left holding the bag.

Our stance: If there is an altseason, we’re okay missing the very start. We'd rather miss 20% upside than eat a 90% drawdown.

Is crypto really worse than in the FTX collapse days? These charts say yes.

4. Real estate (and farmland)

Real estate looks… shaky.

A rapidly increasing amount of housing markets have falling prices YoY.

Zillow’s latest data:

We’re not bearish long-term, but the next 6–12 months could still be rocky.

Prices are dropping, but they could keep dropping. Not saying that will happen for sure—but that's what it feels like to us.

This Zillow map shows which cities are flipping from seller’s to buyer’s markets →

But Farmland is a bright spot.

Why?

If you’re looking for real estate exposure with a longer horizon and more stability, farmland’s worth your attention.

Compare farmland platforms (based on budget, region, and investment type) →

5. Infrastructure

Infrastructure investing doesn’t get much attention—but it should. These are the systems our economy literally runs on: roads, ports, bridges, airports, power grids, broadband, water treatment plants, and renewable energy networks.

These investments tend to be more stable, less flashy, and longer-term in nature. They can generate steady cash flows and are often backed by long-term contracts or government support.

Ways to get exposure:

In a world of aging infrastructure and rising stimulus spending, this space may outperform quietly for years.

Learn how infra projects deliver revenue

6. Commodities

Most investors only think about oil and gold. But 2025’s biggest surprise? Platinum.

It’s outperforming gold, silver, and even equities in many cases.

Quick look:

Keep in mind: commodities are cyclical, and heavily influenced by global politics and economic shocks. But smart timing here can drive major upside.

Platinum’s wild 2025 run—and Soybean Oil is right behind it →

7. Hedge funds (without the hedge fund)

Want hedge fund insight without the $10M minimum and 2-and-20 fees?

Tools like AltIndex let retail investors follow smart money by tracking:

AltIndex essentially packages data that hedge funds already use—and delivers it in an actionable, user-friendly way. Think of it as a cheat code for leveling the playing field.

8. Structured products

Structured products include bonds, but also more complex derivatives.

Why we’re skeptical in 2025:

In short: fixed income isn’t dead, but it’s weird right now. We’d rather wait until it’s a bit less chaotic before allocating seriously.

Bonus: Collectibles

Collectibles are fascinating. They’re also unpredictable and hard to price.

You’ve got people making millions on Mickey Mantle cards, finding ancient Roman busts in Goodwill, and now… Pop Mart Labubu toys selling for $170,000.

But these markets are tough to crack.

Upside:

Downside:

Most investors should tread carefully. But if you’re already immersed in a hobby or niche where you spot underpriced gems? You might have an edge (emphasis on might—don’t overestimate your knowledge or skill in deal hunting or bargaining just because you’ve played a lot of card games or collected stamps before).

That’s the end of our guide for now. If you liked this edition, let us know—we may create similar content in the future, or even dive deeper into individual markets from this guide.

Enjoyed this? Forward it to someone who’s hunting for better risk/reward plays in 2025.

We’ll be back Monday.

—S&I