2026 has brought with it a level of market volatility and unpredictability that has made many investors and portfolio holders reassess their approaches. Global events, national politics, and changing consumer sentiments have all played their part and will continue to do so, but what does it all mean for investments? We’ll be answering part of this question by looking specifically at the world of alternative investing.
The shift from indulgence to strategic development
Gone are the days when an investor would have the majority of their capital in stocks and shares, with a single-digit percentage allocated to something tangible, largely for pleasure. While for some this model continues to be fruitful, for others it poses too great a risk in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Today, it is safe to say that the volatility of stock markets and the speed and scale of the impact of things like armed conflicts and natural disasters mean that diversification has never mattered more. Investors are increasingly deploying strategies in which they allocate capital to more niche markets that are not as strongly connected to one another.
Greater awareness of bubbles in prominent markets
The rise of AI is a great example of what many economists are already warning is a bubble. Although there will be winners and losers in any new industry, the fear among many is that the market is inherently overvalued, with many AI companies doing business with one another in a way that exposes all of them to more risk than it may first appear. The shift towards alternative assets is a clear sign that a significant number of investors are looking to hedge with positions outside of traditional stock markets with the aim of finding areas less correlated to the global economy.
A focus on personal connections and building relationships
The online world means that you can build a portfolio or launch a business without meeting anyone in person, but this is a trend that is starting to change. “One of the key questions that would-be investors shouldn’t be afraid to ask any company they’re looking to invest with is ‘Can I meet you? Can I spend some time with you and get to know who you are?’” – Alphie Valentine, Co-founder of Hackstons, specialists who provide opportunities for whisky investment and consumption.
At a time when we have never been more uncertain about the truth and veracity of what we see online, personal relationships become increasingly important and valuable.
The rise of tangible assets in an increasingly digital world
Compare a high-risk crypto investment with a tangible investment in cask whisky that can be fully verified by a document known as a Delivery Order, which is considered the ultimate proof of cask ownership. One may offer a potentially larger upside, but the other feels more grounded in reality because you can see and learn about the asset. The tangible nature of certain alternative assets is one of the things that is making them increasingly attractive to investors in 2026, in large part because it can feel easier to understand where the value lies.
The move from chasing overnight riches to long-term holds
Flipping a crypto investment in seconds and making a 10X return is something we are all told is possible if we buy a course, but is it realistic? By contrast, reputable names like Hackstons make no such noise about their investments, preferring instead to highlight the past performance of similar assets and to emphasise the need for long-term holds.
Simplified costs, fees, and investment structures
You only have to look at established cask whisky offerings from the likes of Hackstons to see that it is all about simplicity. Yes, a lot of time and effort go into identifying the initial opportunities, but it’s the way that they are presented to potential investors that we’re really talking about at this point. By adopting a clear, transparent approach, they allow you to make your own informed assessment of the likely outcome.
Understanding why there needs to be more than marketing spin
Looking at Hackstons on Instagram shows you a combination of marketing, education, and expertise. The marketing is there to draw your attention to the opportunity, but once you see it, you come to realise that there is clear substance underneath. The substance comes from a combination of knowledge and experience, and it is integral when you want to build a trusting relationship with the people you are investing with.
By considering the bigger picture in this way, we believe that you will be able to make a more strategic assessment of how things may be set to play out. No approach will ever guarantee consistent returns, but a pragmatic approach will help you best understand the risks associated with various markets and assets.
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