The world is in motion and this is also reflected in the global financial markets. Traditional investment options such as government bonds, savings accounts or even broadly diversified stock portfolios no longer seem reliable to many investors in the financial market in 2025. Inflation, volatile stock prices and an uncertain economic situation make it difficult to plan investment opportunities. At the same time, geopolitical conflicts such as the ongoing war in Ukraine or the escalating situation in the Gaza Strip are intensifying the global risk climate.
Political changes are also having an effect. In the USA, Donald Trump has once again taken office as president which affects not only American economic policy. Newly introduced tariffs are also influencing international trade relations. In Germany, a change of government has set new economic directions with outcomes still unclear for markets and investors.
In this field of tension, interest is growing in alternative investment opportunities that act more independently from the traditional financial market and still offer attractive return potential. This is exactly where the AEQUIFIN comparison of the best investment opportunities 2024/2025 comes in.
1. Private Equity: Investment opportunities 2024/2025
What is Private Equity
This concept is related to venture capital and refers to investments in non-listed companies, usually in the form of equity capital. Investors provide funds to support companies in growth, restructuring or expansion. The goal is to later sell the shares at a profit.
Opportunities and risks of Private Equity at a glance
Private equity offers the opportunity for above-average returns, especially when investing in forward-looking, high-growth companies. At the same time, the capital is often tied up for longer periods and losses are possible if the investment fails. Professional fund managers diversify the risk, but access remains limited for private investors.
Private Equity as an alternative investment opportunity in 2024/2025
The year 2025 is an exciting year for private equity. Many medium-sized companies are looking for fresh capital—for digitization, internationalization or succession planning. At the same time, IPOs have become more cautious, which is changing exit strategies but also creating attractive entry opportunities for investors.
Who is Private Equity suitable for
Private equity as an investment opportunity is particularly suitable for experienced investors who are willing to commit larger amounts of capital over the long term. Those without direct access to holdings can also participate through specialized private equity funds. This is often possible starting from 10,000 euros or less. Alternatively, there are platforms like Linqto that pool investments.
2. ETFs and Funds: Investment opportunities 2024/2025
ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) will continue to be among the most popular investment options for stock market enthusiasts in 2025. They are transparent, low-cost and offer even beginners easy access to the capital market. ETF savings plans are particularly in demand, as they allow investors to build wealth over the long term with regular small contributions.
Compared to actively managed funds, ETFs also incur significantly lower fees since they usually track an index such as the MSCI World ETF. As a result, investors benefit from solid ETF returns without having to bear high management costs. Those who want to invest broadly can quickly find suitable products through an ETF comparison. Almost everything is available to choose from, whether for global markets, specific regions or sectors.
Most traded ETFs 2024 – 5-year performance in comparison
| Rank | ETF | Index Tracked | 5-Year Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF USD (Acc) | MSCI World | +136.79% |
| 2 | Xtrackers MSCI World Swap UCITS ETF 1C | MSCI World Total Return Net | +135.38% |
| 3 | Xtrackers MSCI World UCITS ETF 1C | MSCI World TRN | +136.49% |
Thematic ETFs on the rise: new investment opportunities
Among the most interesting investment opportunities in 2024/2025, thematic ETFs have established themselves. With these, investors focus specifically on future-oriented topics such as climate protection, digitalization, cybersecurity or healthcare.
These funds are especially attractive to those who want to combine return potential with personal values. Such ETFs are becoming increasingly popular as investment opportunities in 2024. They follow targeted strategies and often operate independently of traditional economic cycles.
Funds vs. ETFs
Actively managed funds offer more flexibility in selecting stocks and can respond individually to market situations. However, the costs are higher. This does not always translate into better performance. Passively managed ETFs, on the other hand, focus on broad diversification, clear structures and transparency. Those considering buying ETFs can invest directly through brokers or a stock account with their bank.
| ETF | Price Gain 2024 | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Xtrackers MSCI Pakistan Swap ETF 1C | +75% | Pakistani growth companies |
| Amundi MSCI Semiconductors ESG Screened ETF Acc | +66% | Semiconductor sector with ESG filter |
| Amundi ETF Leveraged MSCI USA Daily ETF | approx. +66% | Leveraged ETF on US tech giants |
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3. Real estate as an investment opportunity 2024/2025
Real estate has always been considered a safe form of investment, especially in uncertain times. But in 2025 the market needs to be looked at more closely. Price trends show that concrete gold is not automatically a profitable capital investment.
Real estate prices in transition
According to the house price index EPX, which evaluates transaction data from private real estate financing, prices for houses and apartments in Germany rose almost continuously since 2005. The peak was reached in June 2022 with an index value of 224.87.
After that, prices declined slightly, especially for condominiums and existing properties. This downward trend stopped in early 2024 and since then prices have remained stable, with a slight upward trend starting in mid-2024. Anyone who wants to buy real estate now should compare carefully and examine the location closely.
Interest rates and inflation
A key factor for the stability of the real estate market is the interest rate environment. After interest rates were raised by the ECB in 2022–2023, they remained largely stable in 2024. This currently provides more planning security. Inflation has also eased, which is particularly relevant for rented properties. Rising operating costs can reduce the return on this type of investment opportunity.
Real estate funds as an alternative
Those who do not want to buy property themselves or want to avoid the risk of a single investment can turn to real estate funds. These pool capital from many investors and invest broadly in residential or commercial real estate.
Open-ended real estate funds are especially popular because they offer regular distributions and often allow for smaller investments. This allows you as an investor to invest in real estate even with small amounts, without the effort and risk of a direct property purchase.
4. Litigation financing as an investment opportunity 2024/2025
Litigation financing is still a little-known but increasingly in-demand form of investment. Investors invest in legal disputes—in more precise terms, in the funding of promising lawsuits.
In return, they receive a share of the awarded amount if the case is successful. This form of alternative investment offers an interesting complement to traditional asset classes, as it operates largely independently of market movements.
What exactly is litigation financing?
At its core, a litigation funder covers the costs of a legal dispute—for example, attorney and court fees—for a party who could otherwise not afford to pursue the case or is unwilling to take on the financial risk.
In return, the funder receives a pre-agreed share of the awarded amount if the case is successful. For investors, this means providing capital in order to participate in the profit if the case is won. If the case is lost, the amount previously invested is also lost.
How does sponsorship work in practice?
Investors can either participate directly in a litigation financing provider or invest in individual cases via specialized litigation platforms. Sponsorship usually takes place via a simple dashboard model.
The cases are thoroughly reviewed by experienced legal professionals before being approved for funding and presented on the platform. The investment is made in a structured way, with defined durations and success scenarios. The potential return can be calculated directly using a litigation cost calculator, such as the one provided by AEQUIFIN.
👉 Check your opportunities now – go to the litigation cost calculator
Advantages of litigation financing as an investment opportunity 2024/2025
- Predictable returns, as profits depend only on the outcome of the case
- Independent of stock markets and interest rates due to low market correlation
- Risk diversification by investing in multiple cases or funds
- Clear timeframes and transparent success scenarios
- Attractive complement for those seeking alternative investments 2024/2025
- Possible with small capital amounts and high return potential
5. Cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets: investment opportunities 2024/2025
In 2025, cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets have established themselves as significant components of the investment market and have long been recognized as valid investment opportunities. Blockchain technology makes it possible to create digital assets that complement traditional asset classes and offer new opportunities for diversification.
What are blockchain-based investments
Blockchain-based investments cover a wide range of asset types, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as tokenized assets, where real-world assets are digitally represented.
These investments offer transparency, security and efficiency, as transactions can be carried out directly without intermediaries. One example is the launch of a blockchain-based trading system by the Swiss subsidiary of the Stuttgart Stock Exchange, BX Digital, which enables the direct trading and settlement of tokenized assets.
Opportunities and risks of crypto as an investment opportunity in 2025
Opportunities
Growth potential – The crypto market could reach a volume of 3 trillion US dollars by 2025, driven by increasing institutional investments and technological innovation.
Diversification – Cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets allow investors to diversify their portfolio and invest in new, innovative asset classes.
Risks
High volatility – Cryptocurrencies are known for their strong price fluctuations.
Regulatory uncertainty – Although progress has been made, the regulation of cryptocurrencies remains a complex and evolving issue in many countries.
Crypto regulation and investor protection
In the USA, the government under President Trump has recently adopted a crypto-friendly stance, leading to greater acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional financial systems.
In Europe, the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) came into effect in June 2023. It defines transparency and disclosure obligations for the issuance and trading of crypto assets based on BaFIN’s regulatory principles. These regulatory developments aim to protect investors in the long term and strengthen trust in the crypto market.
Comparison table: investment opportunities 2025 at a glance
To give you a clear overview of the various investment opportunities in 2025, we have compared the most important asset classes in terms of risk, potential, return and accessibility.
| Investment Option | Risk | Potential | Return | Access | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Equity | High | High | Variable, often long-term | Through specialized funds or platforms | Suitable for experienced investors with a long-term horizon. |
| ETFs & Funds | Medium | Medium to High | Average 4–8% | Via brokers or banks | Cost-efficient diversification, ideal for long-term wealth building. |
| Real Estate | Medium | Medium to High | Variable, market-dependent | Direct purchase or via real estate funds | Offers inflation protection but depends on location and market trends. |
| Litigation Financing | Medium | Medium to High | Predictable returns with up to 10x potential | Via specialized platforms | Attractive alternative with low market correlation. |
| Cryptocurrencies & Tokenized Assets | High | High | Highly volatile | Via crypto exchanges or specialized platforms | High potential, but high risk; requires deep market knowledge. |
Note: Returns are estimates and may vary depending on the specific investment. It is essential to conduct thorough research and, if necessary, consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Now evaluate your opportunities with AEQUIFIN – Use the litigation cost calculator
Use AEQUIFIN’s litigation cost calculator to evaluate your potential investment opportunities. With a simple registration, you can get started right away and discover the advantages of litigation financing for yourself.
Go to the AEQUIFIN litigation cost calculator
