“Alternative Investments” were the Holy Grail. They promised big returns that would be independent from the gyrations of the stock and bond markets. Hedge Funds and Private Equity firms marketed them to wealthy individuals and institutional investors, such as pension funds.
“Feel the power of Alternative Investments – B.A.M.” That’s how Credit Suisse advertised it on its website back in October 2013. It was so irresistible that I took a screenshot of the ad, to be used at an opportune moment, and now is that moment:
