A Cerulli report (for purchase) shows interest in alternative investments is growing, with mean allocations climbing to 7.2%, up from 5.7%. Nearly 40% of all advisers used alternative funds, excluding liquid alternatives. Use of alternatives is strong among wirehouses (57%), hybrid RIAs (43%) and retail bank broker-dealers (64%). The report focuses on the U.S. market and defines alternative investments as inclusive to REITs, private investments, hedge funds, private equity and real estate.