J.P. Morgan Asset Management reviews the role of alternatives across portfolio construction, income, diversification, private markets, real assets, hedge funds, and private credit. The guide shows that adding 10% alternatives historically improved returns and lowered volatility across stock bond portfolio mixes.
Guide to Alternatives 2Q 2026
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Research
81 Pages
Key Takeaways
Alternatives Improved Mix: A 60/40 portfolio returned 7.5% with 9.9% volatility, while adding 10% alternatives lifted returns to 7.9%.
Private Markets Scaled: Global alternative assets under management rose from $1.3 trillion in 2000 to $21.0 trillion in 2025.
Valuations Look Mixed: Private equity sits at the 88th percentile, while venture capital is at the 75th percentile versus history since 2009.