Our newsletter is out for the week. If you follow the blog, you know by now that we’re doing a sort of celebration of alternatives throughout this week, so it only made sense to have a newsletter that stayed in the same vein. We initially set out to celebrate Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) who were bringing their clients alternatives- particularly managed futures. However, as we journeyed through the interviews for the piece, a more valuable story emerged: the tale of how the RIAs got to a point where they wanted to offer alternatives- and managed futures, in particular- at all.

We mentioned on the blog yesterday that the more important question than “Why alternatives?”- for us, at least- is “Why NOT alternatives?” To be honest, we haven’t come across any especially persuasive answers, but this week’s newsletter takes a stab at providing a big picture view of the cycle we see many RIAs go through on their way to offering actual alternative exposure. Our hope? That talking about this cycle will help other RIAs determine where they are in the journey- and which direction to go next. That individual investors will question their RIAs progress through the cycle, and what level of alternative exposure they actually have.

Yep, just more questions- but they’re the right ones to ask.

Click here to read more.

- Follow our “Why Alternatives?” coverage this week -

To read more Managed Futures research pieces, visit Attain’s Managed Futures Newsletter archive and our Managed Futures Blog.

DISCLAIMER

Forex trading, commodity trading, managed futures, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors.

The entries on this blog are intended to further subscribers understanding, education, and – at times- enjoyment of the world of alternative investments through managed futures, trading systems, and managed forex. Unless distinctly noted otherwise, the data and graphs included herein are intended to be mere examples and exhibits of the topic discussed, are for educational and illustrative purposes only, and do not represent trading in actual accounts.

The mention of asset class performance is based on the noted source index (i.e. Newedge CTA Index, S&P 500 Index, etc.) , and investors should take care to understand that any index performance is for the constituents of that index only, and does not represent the entire universe of possible investments within that asset class. And further, that there can be limitations and biases to indices: such as survivorship and self reporting biases, and instant history.

Managed Futures Disclaimer:

Past Performance is Not Necessarily Indicative of Future Results. The regulations of the CFTC require that prospective clients of a managed futures program (CTA) receive a disclosure document when they are solicited to enter into an agreement whereby the CTA will direct or guide the client’s commodity interest trading and that certain risk factors be highlighted. The disclosure document contains a complete description of the principal risk factors and each fee to be charged to your account by the CTA.

Copyright © 2011 Attain Capital Management, licensed Managed Futures, Trading System & Commodity Brokers. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 12:44 pm and is filed under Managed Futures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.