Investing in Non-financial Assets: Collectibles,Resources, and Chapter 23 Investing in Non-financial Assets: Collectibles,Resources, and Real Estate
Important General Considerations Source of returns primarily possible price appreciation Risks usual investment risks additional risks such as possibility of fraud or theft
Marketability Lack of liquidity Poorly developed secondary markets Role of dealers and auctions
Illustrations of Collectibles Art Oriental rugs Antiques
Investing in Gold Gold coins Gold bullion Mining stocks Specialized mutual funds Gold futures and options
Investing in Natural Resources Owning the resource (e.g. a tree farm) essentially is running a business Importance of cash flow Supervision - active management is required
Alternative Means to Invest in Natural Resources Partnerships Stocks in resource companies
Importance of the Price Response Inelasticity of supply
Real Estate Home ownership Potential price appreciation Tax benefits of home ownership
Mortgages Conventional mortgages loans Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) Renegotiable mortgages Graduated-payment mortgages Role of the FHA and VA
Land and Properties Revenues Minus operating expenses depreciation interest taxes Equals net income
Cash Flow Earnings plus non-cash expenses Possible to operate at a loss but generate cash
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) A specialized investment company Equity trust - owns properties Mortgage trust - holds mortgages Cash flow may be distributed to stockholders