Fidelity Viewpoints: Market Sense

Alternative investments are becoming more accessible to everyday investors, but what exactly are they and how might they fit into a portfolio? On this episode of Market Sense, Fidelity leader Ben Kalkert breaks down the world of alternatives, from liquid alternatives and interval funds to private equity, private credit, real assets, and digital assets. He explains how each can offer different opportunities for diversification, income, and growth. He also shares key considerations around risk, liquidity, and investor goals to help viewers determine whether alternatives may have a role in your overall investment strategy. Go beyond the traditional mix of stocks, bonds, and cash by exploring a variety of investment opportunities that can help diversify your portfolio. Click here to learn more about Fidelity's alternative investments. Read the full transcript View the slides Watch the video replay Alternative investments are investment products other than the traditional investments of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or ETFs. Examples of alternative investments are limited partnerships, limited liability companies, real estate, and promissory notes. Each customer is responsible for reviewing the terms of all offering and disclosure documents and agreements associated with any alternative investment and determining the appropriateness of any alternative investment chosen, including the description of risk factors contained in the Memorandum prior to making a decision to invest. Some of the risks associated with alternative investments are: Alternative investments may be relatively illiquid, and there is no guarantee on the timing or amount of any dividends or distributions. • It may be difficult to determine the current market value of the asset. • There may be limited historical risk and return data. • A high degree of investment analysis may be required before buying. • Costs of purchase and sale may be relatively high.

What do higher interest rates mean for the markets? On this episode of Market Sense, Fidelity leaders break down the latest Fed meeting, persistent inflation, and the health of the consumer. Plus, we'll explore how a higher-rate environment is affecting financial stocks and how powerful trends like AI and private credit are reshaping the industry. If the headlines feel noisy, visit our Market Insights page for timely perspectives from Fidelity leaders on the latest market developments and guidance on navigating periods of volatility. Read the full transcript View the slides Watch the video replay

What if some of the most compelling opportunities aren't the stocks making headlines every day? On this episode of Market Sense, Fidelity portfolio manager Ramona Persaud shares how she searches for dividend paying companies with attractive valuations, strong fundamentals and long-term resilience. She explains where she sees potential opportunities beyond today's AI-driven market and highlights the sectors and companies that may be getting overlooked by investors. Plus, we’ll break down all the latest market headlines in 20 minutes. Interested in researching mutual funds? Choose your criteria and get fund picks from Fidelity and independent experts. Read the full transcript Watch the video replay

Elections dominate the headlines, but should they change your investment strategy? On this episode of Market Sense, Fidelity leaders break down the financial policy issues shaping the 2026 midterm election. From taxes and trade to government spending and regulation, they’ll discuss the proposals investors are watching most closely and what they could mean for the economy and markets. Plus, we’ll take a closer look at how the markets have historically performed around midterm elections. If you're curious about how the upcoming midterm elections might move the crypto markets and why, we've got an excellent webinar available now. Fidelity's Covering Crypto Livestream recently hosted a candid conversation about how pending and existing laws and policies affect the digital assets space. Click here to watch. Read the full transcript View the slides Watch the video replay Investing involves risk, including risk of total loss. Crypto as an asset class is highly volatile, can become illiquid at any time, and is for investors with a high risk tolerance. Crypto may also be more susceptible to market manipulation than securities. Crypto is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Investors in crypto do not benefit from the same regulatory protections applicable to registered securities. Neither FBS nor NFS offer a direct investment in crypto nor provide trading or custody services for such assets.

It made its name by looking beyond the crowd, and today Fidelity Contrafund® has grown into one of the world's largest actively managed large-cap growth mutual funds. On this episode of Market Sense, Contrafund co-manager Asher Anolic shares key investment themes shaping today's market and discusses how he helps manage this $170 billion portfolio. Hear how his team searches for innovative companies, evaluates emerging trends, and uncovers opportunities that others may overlook. Plus, get caught up on the latest market headlines, all in just 20 minutes. If you would like to research or learn more about the fund managed by this week’s Market Sense guest, click here. Read the full transcript Watch the video replay

Why have ETFs become one of the most popular investment vehicles among investors today? On this episode of Market Sense, a Fidelity ETF strategist explores how investors are using ETFs to pursue a wide range of financial goals and the key advantages they can offer, including diversification, flexibility, and tax efficiency. We'll also take a closer look at the latest ETF trends and the market forces behind them. New Investor? Seasoned pro? Either way, Fidelity's research tools can help make it easier to find the right ETFs/ETPs for your portfolio. Get Started. Read the full transcript View the slides Watch the video replay