Asset classes

Many investment funds are composed of the two main asset classes, both of which are securities: equities (share capital) and fixed-income (bonds).Funds may also hold money market instruments and they may even refer to these as cash equivalents; however, that ignores the possibility of default.In addition to stocks and bonds, we can add cash, foreign currencies, real estate, infrastructure and physical goods for investment (such as precious metals)[1] to the list of commonly held asset classes.Multiple asset classes mixed together in a fund structure can provide an investor with exposure through a single relationship.Infrastructure as an asset class Private Equity Commodities - Physical goods such as gold, copper, crude oil, natural gas, wheat, corn, and even electricity.
real assetsfinancial assetssecuritiesequitiesshare capitalfixed-incomeforeign currenciesmoney market instrumentscash equivalentsreal estateinfrastructurediversificationmutual fundhedge fundsStockspublicly held companiesvolatileFixed incomerate of interestprincipalinflation ratesmoney marketInfrastructure as an asset classPrivate EquityCommoditiesCryptocurrencyDecentralizeddeflationaryAlternative investment2nd Annual World Pensions ForumForbes