Knowledge about alternative asset classes was almost twice as strong amongst investors with advisors , compared to those without , the Investor Pulse Poll found.

Such understanding of alternative asset classes can be seen as a positive for investors, as a diverse investment plan adds stability during volatile market periods. 41 per cent of respondents felt their advisors were “very knowledgeable” about alternatives, with 68 per cent feeling theirs were “knowledgeable”.

The findings, while perhaps not surprising, will reassure the wealth advisory business that it justifies its existence - and fees - in helping to make clients more aware about the complexities and issues they face in managing money.

Among details of the report, it found that real estate is the alternative asset class of choice among millionaire investors. The survey was carried out among 1,004 US investors with $100,000 or more in investable household financial assets.

Some 77 per cent of respondents owned real estate, with a further 35 per cent owning a related investment, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs.

Hedge funds and venture capital had the lowest turn-out, with only 16 per cent and 13 per cent invested in them respectively.

Real estate is also the most popular asset that investors intend to buy in 2014, with 33 per cent looking in the area with 23 per cent eyeing REITs.

Collectibles followed closely with 20 per cent, while 19 per cent of participants will target private equity. Precious metals were the least desired alternative asset; only 16 per cent intending to invest this year.

However, alternative assets are not always lurking at the top of investors’ minds.  Almost a quarter of those asked were unable to recall an alternative investment without prompting.

The poll was conducted by GfK Public Affairs between October and December 2013. A third of those interviewed had $1 million or more in household financial assets.