Hard assets are physical or tangible assets that hold value and are normally held for the long term. They are considered an investable asset because of their intrinsic value, and companies and individuals purchase them for revenue growth and production. Hard assets are usually fixed assets, meaning theyre long-term assets that aid in the production of a companys goods and services. They are typically classified as property, plant, and equipment on a companys balance sheet. Examples of hard assets include:

• Buildings
• Land
• Real estate
• Commodities (such as gold, diamonds, and other precious metals or stones)
• Oil, natural gas, and other resources
• Machinery or equipment
• Vehicles (such as classic cars)
• Paintings
• Collectibles (such as stamps)

Hard assets are non-perishable and possess intrinsic value. They also act as a hedge against inflation, as their value changes inversely to changes in the value of soft assets and non-physical assets. However, such an inverse relationship does not always hold true. Hard assets usually last for more than one year, and most assets are a hedge against inflation, meaning their value increases with inflation.