Do Private Markets Deliver an Edge? | The Informed Investor 11

Episode 11: Do private investments deserve a place in your portfolio?

Some investors may see private assets as a tool to boost returns and increase diversification. Research on these questions is ongoing.

Private investments tend to comprise illiquid assets that trade infrequently. As a result, their valuations may be difficult to assess, and their returns may behave quite differently than those of public market equivalents.

While recent headlines suggest retirement plans like 401(k)s may get access to private investment options in equities, debt, and real estate, and many players in the financial industry are talking about creating products for everyday investors that feature private investments, it's an open question whether these options are appropriate for the average investor as opposed to solely accredited investors who meet specific wealth and income criteria.

In public markets, investors can choose widely diversified, low-cost portfolios. In private markets, especially for smaller allocations, that's not so easy.

So due diligence in the manager selection process is key for any investor considering a private allocation. Assessing the costs is equally important.

One cost is the stated fee. Another is the opportunity cost—the possibility of missing out on other options that might have more transparency around expected returns and risks. And taxes should be considered as they may be more complex with private investments.

In Episode 11 of "The Informed Investor," Dimensional's Mark Gochnour, Head of Global Client Services, Wes Crill, Senior Client Solutions Director, and Jake DeKinder, Head of Client Communications, examine the allure of private markets as well as the return potential, risks, and costs.

LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:

The Informed Investor on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCyJr6FFig-h1mA7rVP7Mbk0irFw2wA90

Mark Gochnour on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-gochnour-9a23598a/

Wes Crill on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-crill-77a49417/

Jake DeKinder on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-dekinder-cfa-4105b98/

Learn more at https://www.dimensional.com/