Ditch the Stocks? How to Invest Like the 1%

Private market investing used to be just for pension funds and the ultra-rich. Now, regular Canadians can get in on the action. Here’s why you should care.

What’s the deal with private markets? Think of private markets as the VIP section of investing. We’re talking private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and private credit. These aren’t your everyday stocks and bonds—they’re the stuff big pension funds (like the CPP) use to keep their portfolios steady and growing, even when the stock market is throwing a tantrum.

Why should you care? Because private markets can help smooth out the wild swings of public markets. In 2022, when stocks were down, many private equity funds actually made money. That’s the kind of stability most of us dream about for our RRSPs and TFSAs.

So, can you actually invest? Yep! Thanks to new fund structures & emerging technologies, you don’t need to be a millionaire to get in. Firms like Bridgeport Asset Management & Skyline Wealth Management are creating funds for regular investors, so you can access a mix of private assets with lower minimums (think $5K, not $5 million). Plus, you’re not locked in forever - many funds offer monthly liquidity, so you can get your money out quickly if you need it.

What’s the catch? Private markets aren’t as easy to buy and sell as stocks. You’ll need to be cool with a longer investment horizon and do a bit of homework on the fund managers. Fees can be higher, and transparency is still catching up to public markets. But if you’re looking to diversify, boost returns and play the long game, it’s where you want to be.

Bottom line: Private market investing is finally opening up for Canadians. If you want to invest like a $300 Billion pension fund and add some serious diversification to your portfolio, now’s your chance. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into—and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Venturevest is leading the way, making it easy for everyday Canadians to tap into alternatives that used to be off-limits. Want in early? Sign up for our waitlist to get updates and be part of our very first user cohort.

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Curious? Check out the full story at Wealth Professional and Osler.