On the other hand, bonds aren’t living up to their supposed reputation for stability. Despite the U.S. Treasury increasing its bond buyback program, yields keep hitting multi-year highs as the global selloff intensifies.
That begs the question: What’s the wisest thing to do if you have $10,000 on the side ready to invest?
First off, a bit of context. Data from RBC Global Asset Management shows it’s statistically riskier not to invest in the market at all-time highs. After analyzing over 1,325 all-time highs for the S&P 500 since 1950, researchers found the chances of a severe market decline (10% or more) were about 9% one year later. Those odds decrease to 2% three years later and 0% after five years.
As for bonds, not every economist is losing their cool, at least not right now. As the financial research firm Capital Economics told The New York Times, “The recent sell-off in global government bond markets is significant, but it does not yet amount to a crisis.” If you believe geopolitics and macroeconomics will at least settle down in the long term, then bonds could actually be an attractive pickup today.
All that being said, let’s say you’re not sold on the idea that $10,000 in U.S. stocks and bonds is the best strategy. Luckily, there are plenty of attractive alternatives that might grow your wealth in this chaotic environment.
Semis, sapphires and water systems
Bloomberg recently scouted out wealth managers for their picks of the most tantalizing non-traditional ideas for a $10,000 investment. According to respondents, three options deserve a second look.
The first suggestion — South Korean stocks — isn’t exactly a secret. As the Asian epicenter for AI chipmakers, this nation has been in the news recently for the wild swings in its Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI).
Even with a dramatic selloff this year, the KOSPI is still way up in 2026 with a year-to-date performance of 66%. Interestingly, Bloomberg analysts argued it’s still a relative bargain considering its current valuation and the key role South Korean companies SK Hynix and Samsung play in the semiconductor market.
Just keep in mind that the KOSPI will likely trade erratically now that borrowed funds and leverage influence the Korean market.
For those who want to be a bit more conservative, why not go with water? AI capex is debatable, but countries need to invest in their water systems as they grapple with increased heat and droughts. To take advantage of the estimated $13 trillion headed for water-related investments by 2040, Bloomberg analysts recommended looking into ETFs like Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF (CGW) or First Trust Water ETF (FIW).
