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Early-stage direct deals involving start-up businesses, real estate developments or similar high-risk, high-return opportunities should be evaluated very closely on the merits as well as the risks. Each opportunity is different and all require unique in-depth due diligence, but there are some general questions that should always be asked, the author says.

More than a year since the difficulties began, the markets are again stressing over the possibility of a financial meltdown. Global economic growth is sputtering, and debt levels of peripheral European nations remain dangerously high. Many investors are left wondering if, like Sisyphus, we are doomed to an eternity of frustration.

European Union leaders have at long last reached some agreement on a blueprint to increase the firepower of the European Financial Stability Facility and recapitalize Europe's banks. Although details are still very sketchy, there are grounds for fearing this may only be one more stepping stone on the way to solving the crisis.

Unresolved fiscal issues in the United States and the European crisis continue to weigh on the capital markets. However, the author believes the United States should begin to regain economic traction in 2012 and that less developed markets will continue to exhibit relatively strong growth.

Investors and advisors focused on wealth growth and preservation may see environment, social, and governance/socially responsible investing as taxing a portfolio's performance. This paper offers a framework with associated metrics for assessing ESG/SRI integration into the portfolio with the same rigor and discipline used in all other fiduciary decisions.

Innovation in manufacturing is critical to global growth and development. Investing in companies in the areas of electrical equipment, industrial machinery, and distribution will help these companies contribute to the advancement of the global standard of living, while benefiting investors, shareholders, and clients.

European politicians have shown they willing to act aggressively and make tough decisions, being ready to act again if the current rescue package is not enough to curtail the European crisis. However, two key issues still need to be addressed: the lack of economic growth and the mutualization of debt. Time will tell if additional action is needed.

European leaders appear to have outperformed market expectations with their rescue package, but there is still much to do. For example, the adequacy of the bank recapitalizations will be scrutinized and investor sentiment toward Italy and Spain is critical. Governance and growth challenges remain, and longer-term economic growth must be invigorated.

The commercial real estate market in New York, San Francisco and Washington may have become overbought in the past year, but wealthy investors can still find attractive opportunities for capital appreciation via direct investment in second-tier markets such as Seattle, Austin and Dallas.

Managed futures are one of the oldest and most established alternative investments, yet many investors are unfamiliar with the strategy's performance traits. A fresh look at the strategy's past performance reveals its tendency toward controlled downside risk, with an asymmetric tendency toward upside performance.