As an accredited investor, you understand the importance of making sound financial decisions to build wealth and secure your future. In today's economic climate, where traditional fixed-income investments have been showing increasing volatility and uncertainty, it's crucial to explore alternative income streams to complement your portfolio.
This blog article will discuss why you should consider alternative income-producing investments to strengthen your income portfolio. We also introduce you to a niche income option – residential private debt investments – that is drawing increasing attention among investors today.
The Need for Accredited Investors to Diversify Income Streams
Traditional Fixed-Income Investments Fall Short
Over the past few years, traditional fixed-income securities have not provided the stability and reliability that investors are accustomed to. The 10-year Treasury, a benchmark for fixed-income assets, is on track for its third consecutive year of losses.1 Yields may be up, but bond prices have been on a downward trend, leaving investors searching for more dependable sources of income.
When Stocks and Bonds Move in Tandem
Another concern for investors is the correlation between stocks and bonds, which can lead to devastating results in times of market turbulence. As seen in 2022, both stocks and bonds had a challenging year. The S&P 500 finished the year down 19.4%, while the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index experienced its worst showing in history, declining by over 12%.2 This illustrates the risk exposure of income investors who rely heavily on the traditional 60/40 portfolio model.
Vulnerabilities Faced by Income Investors - The 60/40 Portfolio
The traditional 60/40 portfolio, consisting of 60% stocks and 40% bonds, has been a cornerstone of income investing for generations. However, this model portfolio recently experienced its worst year in decades3, casting doubt on its effectiveness in the current market climate. The challenges faced by this once-stable investment strategy highlight the need for diversifying income sources.
Benefits of Diversifying Income Sources
Diversifying income sources not only mitigates the risks associated with relying on a single income stream but also provides several other advantages. By incorporating alternative income-generating assets into your portfolio, you can:
Factors Impacting Income-Oriented Investors
Economic Conditions
The economic climate has a profound impact on income investments. Changing economic conditions can make it challenging to find the best source of income. Moreover, the insidious effects of inflation can silently erode your purchasing power, significantly reducing the actual value of your income. Many investors need to realize that their income declines when inflation rises, making it crucial to adapt to changing economic landscapes.
Rising Rate Environments
The prevailing interest rate environment plays a significant role in the performance of fixed-income investments. Rising fixed-income interest rates have a detrimental effect on bond valuations, and this impact is often more pronounced in longer-duration bonds. To preserve your income and maintain the value of your investment, it's essential to be aware of interest rate trends and adapt your portfolio accordingly.
Exploring Alternative Income Streams
As an accredited investor, you have various options to diversify your income portfolio. These include Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), dividend stocks, corporate bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), and private investments such as oil and gas partnerships and private credit. Each option should be carefully considered and evaluated to understand their potential benefits and risks.
In the realm of private credit, short-term private residential debt emerges as an attractive alternative income source, and here's why:
Conclusion
Accredited investors seeking a more stable and diversified income portfolio should consider exploring alternative income streams in today's uncertain economic environment. The challenges traditional fixed-income investments face, and the occasional correlation between stocks and bonds emphasize the need for a more robust and adaptable investment strategy.
By embracing alternative income sources, such as residential private debt, you can hedge against income loss, create a more predictable income stream, and maintain a better balance in your overall portfolio. For a closer look at the short-term residential debt strategy, schedule a no-obligation call with our team today.
2https://www.axios.com/2022/12/31/stock-market-performance-2022
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