Success in the rapidly-evolving area of alternative investments depends on a firm understanding of the concepts, tools, and practices associated with it, as well as an unwavering dedication to professionalism. Alternative Investments: CAIA Level I, Fourth Edition provides a comprehensive introduction to institutional-quality alternative investments and has been designed to serve as a resource for professionals, a textbook for university courses, and as the primary component for Level I of the Charter Program of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association. CAIA Association's Charter Program addresses the essential needs for professionals entering or advancing in the field of alternative investments. The CAIA Charter is the premier educational designation uniquely tailored to individuals specializing in institutional-quality alternative investments. Covering real assets, hedge funds and managed futures, private equity and private credit, as well as structured products and professional standards and ethics, the CAIA Charter demonstrates one's commitment to professionalism and command of the unique elements of these asset classes. The CAIA Program is comprised of a two-tier exam process (Level I and Level II) through which Candidates may earn the CAIA Charter. The Level I exam assesses understanding of various alternative classes and knowledge of the tools and techniques used to evaluate the risk-return attributes of each one. Written under the direction of the CAIA Association, with insights from many practicing and eminent professionals in this field, Alternative Investments: CAIA Level I best reflects the most current practices in the arena. It contains material on alternative investments that Level I Candidates need to know as they prepare for the exam. With coverage of everything from the characteristics of various strategies within each alternative asset class to portfolio management concepts central to alternative investments, the information found here will help build a solid foundation of knowledge about alternative investments markets. This comprehensive resource: Uses investment analytics to examine each alternative asset class. Examines quantitative techniques used by investment professionals. Addresses the unique attributes associated with the alternative investment space. Is supplemented by study materials available at www.caia.org. Since its inception in 2002, the CAIA Program's diverse curriculum has benefited a wide array of professionals--from institutional investors, investment advisers, alternative investment fund managers, and administrators, to accountants, lawyers, and academics. The CAIA Association is a global professional body dedicated to creating greater alignment, transparency, and education for all investors, with a specific emphasis on alternative investments. A Member-driven organization representing professionals in more than 95 countries, CAIA advocates for the highest ethical standards and provides authoritative, unbiased insight on a broad range of investment strategies and industry issues, key among them being efforts to bring greater diversification to portfolio construction decisions to achieve better long-term investor outcomes.