An alternative investment is an investment in asset classes other than stocks, bonds, and cash. The term is a relatively loose one and includes tangible assets such as precious metals,[1] art, wine, antiques, coins, or stamps[2] and some financial assets such as real estate, commodities, private equity, distressed securities, hedge funds, carbon credits,[3] venture capital, film production,[4] financial derivatives, and crypto currencies. Investments in real estate and forestry[5] are also often termed alternative despite the ancient use of such real assets to enhance and preserve wealth. In the last century, fancy color diamonds have emerged as an alternative investment class as well.[6] Alternative investments are to be contrasted with traditional investments.