The power of real assets in modern investment portfolios

[SINGAPORE] Investors are constantly seeking ways to diversify their portfolios and protect their wealth against economic uncertainties. One strategy that has gained significant traction is investing in real assets. But what exactly are real assets, and why should they be an essential component of your investment strategy?

Real assets are tangible and physical assets that typically come early in the supply chain and derive their value from contractual rights or ownership claims. Unlike financial assets such as stocks and bonds, real assets have intrinsic value due to their physical properties and practical uses.

Primary Categories of Real Assets

Real assets encompass a wide range of investment opportunities, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Let's explore the main categories:

Real Estate

Real estate is perhaps the most well-known type of real asset. It includes physical properties such as land, residential buildings, commercial spaces, and industrial facilities. Real estate investments can generate regular cash flow through rental income and potentially appreciate over time.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure assets are the backbone of our modern society. They include essential systems and structures such as:

• Transportation networks (airports, toll roads, bridges)
• Energy facilities (power plants, renewable energy installations)
• Communication networks (cell towers, data centers)
• Water and waste management systems

These assets often operate in monopolistic markets, providing stable, long-term cash flows through fees associated with contracts, leases, or concessions.

Natural Resources and Commodities

This category includes investments in:

• Raw materials (gold, silver, copper)
• Energy resources (oil, natural gas)
• Agricultural products

Natural resource equities, which are companies involved in the production, extraction, or processing of commodities and natural resources, also fall under this category.

Benefits of Incorporating Real Assets in Your Portfolio

Investing in real assets offers several advantages that can enhance your overall investment strategy:

1. Diversification Potential

Real assets typically exhibit a lower correlation with traditional asset classes such as stocks and bonds. This means that when equities or fixed income markets are underperforming, real assets may behave differently, providing a stabilizing effect on your portfolio.

2. Inflation Protection

One of the most significant benefits of real assets is their ability to serve as an inflation hedge. It is common knowledge that real assets have the capacity to perform very well during periods of inflation. Inflation is a common factor that contributes to a growth in their value, as their prices can go up as a result of an increase in the demand for tangible products and services.

3. Stable Income Stream

Many real assets, particularly in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, can generate consistent income through contractual cash flows. This steady stream of income can be especially attractive during periods of economic uncertainty.

4. Long-Term Growth Potential

Over extended periods, real assets have demonstrated competitive returns compared to traditional asset classes. They may outperform during periods of higher "nominal" economic growth (economic growth rate before being adjusted for inflation).

The Role of Real Assets in Portfolio Construction

While real assets offer numerous benefits, it's crucial to understand that not all real asset categories provide the same advantages in a portfolio. As such, it wouldn't be appropriate to split a portfolio equally between different categories.

When incorporating real assets into your investment strategy, consider them as a satellite allocation complementary to your core holdings. This approach can help enhance overall portfolio performance while managing risk.

Real Assets as an Inflation-Resilient Element

The impact of inflation on long-term wealth accumulation cannot be overstated. A rate of inflation of one percent per year will result in a decline in purchasing power of twenty-six percent over the course of thirty years. This stark reality underscores the importance of including inflation-resistant elements in your portfolio.

Real assets, with their inherent inflation sensitivity, can play a crucial role in preserving your purchasing power over time. Their ability to pass through price increases to end-users makes them particularly effective in combating both expected and unexpected inflation.

Challenges and Considerations

While real assets offer numerous benefits, they also come with their own set of challenges:

Illiquidity: Many real assets, especially in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, can be illiquid, meaning they can't be quickly converted to cash without potentially significant loss in value.

High initial investment: Some real asset investments require substantial capital upfront, which may be a barrier for some investors.

Complexity: Understanding and valuing real assets often requires specialized knowledge and expertise.

Market cycles: Like all investments, real assets are subject to market cycles and can experience periods of volatility.

The Future of Real Assets

As we navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape characterized by higher inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical instability, the role of real assets in investment portfolios is likely to grow.

Innovations in the financial industry are also making real assets more accessible to a broader range of investors. For instance, Endowus offers a Real Assets Portfolio that provides exposure to various real asset categories, allowing investors to benefit from this asset class without the complexities of direct ownership.

Real assets represent a powerful tool in the modern investor's arsenal. By providing diversification, inflation protection, stable income, and long-term growth potential, they offer a compelling complement to traditional stock and bond portfolios.

As with any investment strategy, it's crucial to carefully consider your financial goals, risk tolerance, and overall portfolio composition when incorporating real assets. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you determine the most appropriate allocation and specific real asset investments for your unique situation.

In an era of economic uncertainty and evolving market dynamics, understanding and leveraging the power of real assets could be key to building a resilient and prosperous financial future.