12 Common Investments That Used To Be Taboo
Explore 12 investment avenues that were once considered unconventional or frowned upon but have now gained mainstream acceptance.
- Daisy Montero
- 2 min read
Investment landscapes evolve, and what was once deemed risky or inappropriate can become a lucrative opportunity. This listicle delves into 12 such investment types that have transitioned from taboo to trendy.
1. Cryptocurrency
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Once dismissed as a tool for illicit activities, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have gained legitimacy. Major financial institutions now invest in and offer crypto services, signaling a significant shift in acceptance.
2. Short-Term Rentals
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Platforms like Airbnb have transformed short-term rentals from a frowned-upon practice to a mainstream investment strategy, offering property owners new income streams.
3. Cannabis Industry
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With legalization in various regions, investing in cannabis companies has shifted in cannabis companies has shifted from taboo to a burgeoning market opportunity, attracting significant investor interest.
4. Socially Responsible Investing
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Once considered niche, socially responsible investing (SRI) now attracts mainstream investors aiming to align portfolios with ethical values, focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
5. Peer-to-Peer Lending
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P2P lending was once brushed off as too risky to trust. Now, platforms let everyday investors fund loans and earn interest without involving banks.
6. Collectibles as Investments
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Art, toys, and rare sneakers were seen as hobbies, not assets. Today, collectors are flipping them for profit and using them to balance traditional portfolios.
7. Venture Capital in Unconventional Sectors
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Investing in industries like adult entertainment or psychedelics was once off-limits. Now, some VCs see potential and are backing companies in these controversial but fast-growing spaces.
8. Cryptocurrency Mining
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Crypto mining started as a fringe tech experiment. It has grown into a competitive industry, drawing investors willing to bet on blockchain’s future.
9. Investing in Emerging Markets
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Emerging economies used to scare off investors due to instability. Now, they’re seen as key growth zones, offering higher returns than developed markets.
10. Investing in Startups
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Startup investing was once just for wealthy insiders. Crowdfunding platforms changed that, letting regular folks support early-stage companies and share the upside.
11. Investing in Foreign Currencies
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Forex trading used to be for pros only. Today, retail investors can easily trade currencies online and bet on global shifts.
12. Investing in High-Yield Bonds
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“Junk bonds” sounded like trouble, but many now see them as income boosters. They come with risk but offer returns that some investors find worth it.