Private equity is 'preferred' alternative investment

British consumers prefer to have private equity within their personal asset portfolio than any other kind of alternative investment, according to the findings of a recent poll.

A survey carried out by Trustnet has established that private equity is the most favoured way to invest among 38.1 per cent of private investors and financial advisors.

Alternative investments, including hedge funds, futures or options derivatives received 19.2 per cent of the vote in the recent poll, while classic cars and horses were preferred investments among 14.5 per cent and 9.6 per cent respectively of those involved in the research.

Paul Wynne, Trustnet head of marketing and communications, commented on the findings: "Private equity products clearly have a place in modern portfolios as an asset class and it is also interesting to note that hedge funds and other options derivatives are more suited to the more experienced."

Accountancy firm KPMG reflected earlier this year that investors in private equity in the UK are now looking for "demonstrable management skills and added value".