Article on Portfolio Optimization & Alternative Assets

Here's an article one of our contributors wrote on asset allocation, alternative investments, and ETFs.

The benefits of portfolio optimization and Modern Portfolio Theory are well-documented. In this article, we review a well-balanced portfolio and several low-fee ETFs that can be used to implement the asset mix.

Of particular interest, the portfolio mix includes an ETF allocation specializing in an “alternative investment” strategy. Alternative investment strategies such as “managed futures” are gaining in popularity because they offer increased diversification benefits – due to lower correlations – versus traditional assets such as stocks and bonds.

Please read more here:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/277851-a-well-balanced-portfolio-including-alternative-investment-etf-allocation

Introducing the ZETF (z-Trader ETF)

As our readers know, we specialize in quantitative investment strategies and alternative assets. In addition, we are specialists in asset allocation and Modern Portfolio Theory. For investors who are interested in a well-diversified portfolio, please check out the Z-Trader ETF (or ZETF).

The ZETF is tracked on the site below. The ZETF offers the following benefits:

• Offers broad diversification to stocks, bonds, and alternative assets.
• Uses concepts of Modern Portfolio Theory to take advantage of one of the few "free lunches" -- diversification.
• Also applies several of our quantitative research to add value based on longer-term technical market action, valuations, and other quant methods.
• Focuses on the lowest-fee-funds and/or funds that offer good diversification benefits.
• Will re-balance infrequently, triggering lower commissions and fewer tax events.
• Investable; you can use your brokerage account and auto-trade the ZETF so you can invest in the broadly-diversified ZETF portfolio, forget about it, and "sleep well at night."

http://zetf.youtualfunds.com/