By the looks of it, there seems to be a trend of US investors making a seismic shift to alternative assets like oil and crypto.
A recent Charles Schwab survey reveals that 45% of U.S. investors are actually eager to embrace alternative assets or non-traditional options like cryptocurrency, gold, real estate partnerships, private equity, and hedge funds.
Traditional stocks and bonds losing their monopoly on portfolios is a major reason for nearly half of Americans to rewrite the investment playbook.
The appetite for alternative assets is undeniable
Schwab’s survey of 2,400 investors, including 2,000 adults and an additional 200 Gen Zers and 200 crypto enthusiasts, shows that two-thirds believe sticking solely to stocks and bonds is no longer enough.
Younger investors, in particular, are leading the charge, driven by what experts call “financial nihilism”, which is a rejection of conventional investing in favor of diverse, high-potential options.
From gold and oil to private companies and crypto, alternative assets promise returns beyond the traditional market.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are seen as a pioneer that make alternative assets more approachable by sidestepping the complexities of direct investments.
According to State Street Investment Management, over $1 trillion has been poured into U.S.-based ETFs in 2025, with gold and crypto ETFs drawing significant attention.
Cathy Curtis, CEO of Curtis Financial Planning believes “ETFs let investors dip into alternative assets without the headaches of private deals”
Unlike private investments, which often lock funds for years, ETFs can be traded daily, even after hours, offering flexibility and ease.
However, Curtis cautions restraint.
“Smaller portfolios should cap alternative assets at 5%, while larger ones can stretch to 10–15%,” she advises.
Regulatory shifts open doors to Alternative Assets
Meanwhile in the US, the government is paving the way for broader adoption of alternative assets.
In August 2025, an executive order signed by President Donald Trump simplified the inclusion of alternative assets like crypto in workplace retirement plans, making it easier for everyday investors to diversify.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced reforms to accelerate the launch of spot crypto ETFs.
These changes are dismantling barriers, allowing more Americans to explore alternative assets without navigating a maze of legal and financial hurdles.
Yet, not everyone is ready to abandon traditional investments
Andy Reed, head of behavioral economics at Vanguard, warns that chasing trends can backfire.
“The noise around alternative assets can tempt investors into rash decisions,” he says. He further emphasises the long-term reliability of traditional markets.
Historical data supports his caution: $1,000 invested in the S&P 500 in February 1970 would be worth over $379,000 today, and even a $1,000 investment in January 2020 would have grown to $2,200 by October 2025.
In this context, it’s important to understand that while ETFs and regulatory changes make these assets more accessible, they’re not a golden ticket.
“Boring investing still works,” Curtis reminds us, advocating for a measured approach.
