Tag Archives: AAA

AAA welcomes pro-alternative article by investing expert

February 21, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

A recent article by City Commodities investment manager, Dan Fox, written in myfinances.co.uk, has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, February 20, 2012 — A recent article by City Commodities investment manager, Dan Fox, written in myfinances.co.uk, has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

AAA is an alternative investment advocacy group and its analysis partner, Anthony Johnson claims that Mr Fox’s article highlights some very important benefits of alternative investments. Mr Fox claimed that most investors would enjoy the process of investing in alternative assets more than traditional stocks and shares.

Mr Fox explained that the process of investing in ethical causes is also rewarding in a way that investing in faceless corporations will never be. He talked about how the carbon credits markets will heat up at the end of the year when the Kyoto agreement expires. He said, “The expiration of this agreement will see a large rise in Voluntary Emissions Reductions (VERs) which are a type of credit that fall outside the guidelines and obligations of Kyoto, and thus open up a wider range of initiatives designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Mr Johnson also points out Mr Fox’s assertion that alternative assets are more tangible and exciting that equities. AAA support investment in forestry as an excellent way to bring in strong returns while helping to increase CO2 absorption the protection and increase of forested land. An example is Greenwood Management‘s plantation scheme in Brazil, which allows investors to buy up sections of plantation land with all investors receiving returns based on the sustainable felling of trees after they have grown.

Mr Fox also talked about the satisfaction involved with spotting a great alternative asset class, which may even reflect one’s own interests, such as wine, rare coins or stamps or even designer clothing. Mr Fox explained, “Many people invest in fine wines and enjoy the excitement of building up an eclectic cellar as much as they do making money on it.”

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

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AAA supports calls to make Impact investing easier

February 15, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

AAA, an ethical and alternative investment advocacy group has spoken out to support a recent article in the UK’s Guardian newspaper, which called for social investing to be made easier for those who are not super-wealthy.

Boston, MA, February 15, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), an ethical and alternative investment advocacy group has spoken out to support a recent article in the UK’s Guardian newspaper, which called for social investing to be made easier for those who are not super-wealthy.

As the article claims, social investment is an attractive concept for most people, but those interested may find that they hit a brick wall when they try to find out how they can actually access a fund themselves.

Many of the investors in impact investing funds are charitable trusts and those who have large sums to invest through boutique, specialized means.

According to the Guardian article though, there are more option becoming available. An example is the Allia bond in the UK, which groups together investors’ contributions – some as small as £100 – and use to offer loans through a social housing provider with an AA rating.

Another option is an account-based option called Shared Interest, which takes the form of a financial cooperative that takes cash from investors and offers funding for fair-trade farming initiatives and other socially responsible projects.

AAA, which supports many kinds of impact investing, including both environmentally and socially responsible projects, thinks it could still be easier for the man on the street to put his savings into ethical investments.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, explained, “investing in ethical, alternative asset classes is becoming more and more mainstream, but there is still limited access for most of us who want to put out money where our mouth is, metaphorically speaking.”

AAA does point out that ethical investment can be easiest to achieve through sustainable forestry investment through projects, such as Greenwood Management‘s plantation in Brazil. “These offer individuals the chance to invest just £10,000 in exchange for a section of plantation land where fast-growing non-native timbers are grown,” explained Mr Johnson to UK–based investors.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

AAA: Billionaire’s decision to invest in forestry shows ethical approach

February 14, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

A billionaire investor has this week opted to put much of his cash in forestry investments, in a move that has been welcomed by alternative and ethical investment advocates, AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, February 14, 2012 — A billionaire investor has this week opted to put much of his cash in forestry investments, in a move that has been welcomed by alternative and ethical investment advocates, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

New Zealand-born and Singapore-based billionaire, Richard Chandler has decided to invest some $150 million into Tasmanian timber group Gunns, which means that he is now one of the their largest shareholders. The investment is intended to be used by the firm to finish the development of its long-awaited Bell Bay Pulp Mill. Chandler is expected to want to start influencing the business and driving growth.

Chandler claims that having an ethical influence on firms is part of the responsibility that comes with investing in them. He said, “Responsible investors will engage corporate governance issues where they encounter them, as an intrinsic and necessary component of professional investment management.”

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, claims Chandler is the latest in a line of influential investors to opt for an ethical approach to investing. Mr Johnson said, Investing in forestry can be an exceptionally ethical approach to making money as sustainable forestry helps communities to prosper while maintaining habitats for wildlife and adding to carbon absorption.”

Adding to the amount of forested land in a country is one of the best and most cost-effective ways of reducing carbon emissions thanks to the carbon sequestration characteristics of trees, claims AAA.

AAA supports forestry plantation investments, such as the one run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, which enables investors to buy up sections of sustainably-operated plantation land, which provide forestry products including charcoal for the steel industry.

Timber prices are expected to increase in the coming years as demand from Europe and emerging economies like China and India starts to exceed supply. Already, China is becoming one of the world’s major importers of timber and this trend is set to continue as its economy grows further.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

AAA claims PPF timberland panel shows alternatives are attractive

February 13, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

In a move that further underlines the attractiveness of forestry investments, according to AAA, the Pension Protection Fund is establishing a dedicated panel for forestry and agricultural investments.

Boston, MA, USA, February 13, 2012 — In a move that further underlines the attractiveness of forestry investments, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), the Pension Protection Fund is establishing a dedicated panel for forestry and agricultural investments.

The fund, which is worth well over $10 billion, has issued tenders for managers to sit on the panel, which will be dedicated to making decisions about growing and selling timber and investing in agricultural land.

This is just the latest in a line of panels that have been set up to concentrate on investing in alternative asset classes, which are becoming much more attractive as the stock market remains volatile.

AAA is a supporter of timber investment and particularly investment into sustainable plantation projects in developing countries. Its analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, explained, “As well as providing investors with the peace of mind that only comes with making ethical investment choices, investing in timberland can be extremely lucrative.”

Average returns from forestry investments have easily exceeded returns from equities in the past decade or so. In addition, anyone investing in timber has the added benefit of being able to sit on their investment and watch it grow if the market is not good when it’s time to sell.

“If timber prices are low when an investor’s timber stock reaches maturity, they can simply hold onto it for as long as they wish, in order to sell it when prices recover,” added Mr Johnson.

“In the meantime,” he continued, “their trees will grow by a further eight per cent per year, adding to the value of the timber.”

Most plantation schemes, like that run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, for example, grow non-native, fast-growing species such as acacia, eucalyptus and teak, that are popular for specific purposes such as the manufacture of charcoal or in the construction of homes or for furniture making.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

AAA advocates investing in vintage fashion

February 9, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

Investing in vintage designer fashion is catching on as one of the more unusual alternative investment asset classes, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, February 09, 2012 – Investing in vintage designer fashion is catching on as one of the more unusual alternative investment asset classes, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that people with an interest in fashion, as well as people simply with an interest in making great returns, are turning to classic couture to do so.

AAA’s claims are based on a recent CNBC interview wit William Bank-Blaney, who runs a lucrative vintage clothing retailer in London. He recommends starting with classic designer clothes from big names. He said, “If I was going to start investing in fashion, the key things I would start with would be works by the great masters.

“Ossie Clark for British design, Dior for French design, Norman Hartnell again for British design. These are pieces by iconic designers that have a worldwide appeal and audience.”

In terms of the return on investment potential, Blake-Blaney said that this is relatively strong: “Most pieces appreciate quite substantially. We are finding there is between a 10 and 20 percent year-on-year uplift in good pieces of vintage.”

Having a good eye helps in making the right choices, according to the CNBC article, which also includes interview with Kerry Taylor of Kerry Taylor Auctions. She adds that the best designer vintage garments are becoming increasingly rare, which obviously adds to their value. “There aren’t huge supplies for these things any more – they are running out,” she asserted.

Her advice to anyone thinking of investing in designer vintage was to look for designer labels, and for garments that are in great conditions and have not be altered in any way.

AAA is an advocate of investing in alternative asset classes, such as art, antiques, real estate, private equity, precious metals and forestry. “Forestry investment in particularly offers a great chance to make strong returns from a much less volatile market than equities,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

AAA welcomes timber investment article

February 3, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

An article in Money Morning, which talks about the benefits of investing in timber during economic downturns, has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, February 03, 2012 — An article in Money Morning, which talks about the benefits of investing in timber during economic downturns, has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that Don Miller’s article makes some very important points about how investing in timber, and in alternatives in general, can help investors during difficult financial times.

“Miller talks about the fact that this is a real, tangible investment, that you can count on to grow,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

As well as pointing out the average 14 per cent returns generated by timber investments in the period between 1987 and 2010, Miller’s piece also underlines the general consensus that timber demand is set to rise.

The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization, for example, forecasts that demand for wood should double by 2050, despite emerging trends such as paper recycling. The growth of economies like China and India is promoting this major growth and Western investors are reaping the benefits.

The demand will also be promoted by the growing use of wood as a renewable fuel source, and our use of timber as a building material will also increase as you reliance on man-made, unsustainable materials cools off.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson lent his support for Miller’s arguments, adding “Investing in timber offers great protection against inflation and a dependable source of income whenever you need it.”

“The great thing about buying trees is that if the timber prices aren’t doing so well one year, you can sit tight and watch your investment physically grow bigger until you are ready to sell.”

AAA claims that something this measurable and tangible is attractive at a time when many are growing increasingly uncertain about investing in the stock markets. AAA supports projects run by firms like Greenwood Management, which offers investors the chance to buy up sections of sustainable plantations in Brazil.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

Chinese rush to buy gold as alternative investment, claims AAA

February 2, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

The week-long new year festival in China has prompted huge sales in gold, as more and more Chinese investors turn to alternative asset classes, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, February 02, 2012 – The week-long new year festival in China has prompted huge sales in gold, as more and more Chinese investors turn to alternative asset classes, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group welcomed the news of the 57.6 per cent rise in sales of precious metal jewellery. Figures from the Ministry of Commerce also show that many people bought up investments in the form of gold bars and ingots, as well as the more traditional jewellery.

Guan Qiang, the assistant manager at Caibai, one of the most popular jewellery retailers in Beijing, said “Long treasured by Chinese, gold is no longer owned only by a privileged few, but has become a new investment channel open to all.” Giving gold as a gift to loved ones is a popular part of the New Year tradition, however, this year more than most, it is being sought out as an alternative investment, AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson said.

Mr Johnson explained that there is a lot of new wealth in China, but investors are concerned about investing in the stock markets, due to the fact that the global economy is still unstable. He explained, “investing in the stock market is no longer the obvious option for most, as alternatives that are more loosely correlated with wider economic performance are becoming more popular.”

Ms Qiang added, “You can hardly even see the gold bars, necklaces and pendants in the display case. People seem crazy about gold, snatching it up more like a ‘cheap cabbage’ than such a precious metal,”

AAA is a supporter of alternative investments of all kinds, but is especially interested in impact investing and other forms of ethical investments. This include forestry investment schemes like the non-native, sustainable plantation schemes operated by Greenwood Management in Brazil.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

AAA welcomed publication of FSA paper on Alternative investments

January 28, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

AAA has welcomed the publication of the Financial Services Authority’s discussion paper based on EU plans to more closely monitor alternative investments.

Boston, MA, January 27, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed the publication of the Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) discussion paper based on EU plans to more closely monitor alternative investments.

Far from being something alternative investors of funds should fear, the regulator’s paper, entitled ‘Implementation of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive’, should be welcomed as a further move towards alternative asset classes becoming more mainstream, claims AAA.

The 102-page paper talks about how the FSA might go about enforcing the Fund Managers Directive in the UK. The directive is intended to form a framework for the regulations and assessment of the industry to expose risks and offer investors more information in alternative options.

“It is clear that the reason such as directive is needed is because more and more investments are turning their backs on traditional asset classes and are putting their cash into alternative, such as real estate, commodities, forestry, an even art and antiques,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

“The stock market is not such an attractive place to make money any more,” he added.

The FSA report states that it is keen to start thinking about implementation at an early stage: ‘There is a great deal to be done. Early communication and timely consultation and planning are crucial for effective and proportionate implementation.’

The report is to be open for responses until 23 March, while the EU members states must give their feedback on the directive by 22 July 2013.

The Investment Management Association’s director Julie Patterson explained that a diverse range of investment options will be covered by the directive, including impact investing and other very new forms of alternative investment. She sated, “The FSA’s paper summarises the diverse requirements within the directive.

“There are further EU rules proposed for smaller venture capital funds and social entrepreneurship funds, which will need to be accommodated.”

AAA advocates alternative investments and is particularly interested in promoting ethical investments, such as social ventures and sustainable forestry projects n developing countries. Several firms, including Greenwood Management and Agar Wood Investment offer investors the chance to make an impact on sustainable forestry while seeing healthy returns.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

AAA champions US real estate as alternative investment option

January 25, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

A growing number of European investors could be turning to US real estate as an alternative investment this year, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, January 25, 2012 – A growing number of European investors could be turning to US real estate as an alternative investment this year, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The assertion comes in response to a report in the US about the popularity of US real estate among European investors who are growing less and less trusting of European assets. AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, said that it is easy to see why US real estate could be more attractive than European real estate at the moment, in light of the ongoing Eurozone crisis.

“Quite simply, Europeans are finding it difficult to hold any confidence in their joint currency and its value,” stated Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner. He added “if the worst should happen and the Euro collapses, so could several property markets, and the value of the currency itself of course.”

Economists in the US claim that Las Vegas is proving a particularly attractive option due to its ‘brand’. Jed Kolko, a property analyst working for Discovery Bay in California, told the Las Vegas Review Journal: “The United States in general looks like a safer investment bet than Europe.”

He added that property prices in Las Vegas have also dropped to very appealing levels in the past few years, with some having fallen by 60 per cent from their peak before the recession took hold.

Kolko added, “There are great deals in Las Vegas. San Francisco is also a global destination, but there aren’t great real estate deals like you have in Las Vegas. So it’s a combination of global destination and affordability,”

AAA supports all kinds of alternative investments, with emphasis on ethical schemes in developing countries. An example is the forestry plantation investment scheme run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, which gives investors the chance to buy up small sections of plantations, on which non-native managed forests are grown under a sustainable model.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

Impact investing conference welcomed by AAA

January 18, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

Alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, has announced its support for an impact investing conference coming to Hawaii later this year.

Boston, MA, January 18, 2012 – Alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), has announced its support for an impact investing conference coming to Hawaii on February 9.

The conference, focused entirely on impact investing, is to take place in Hawaii in an attempt to raise more awareness and interest in socially and environmentally responsible investing in the island nation.

Chenoa Farnsworth, a local venture capitalist, has organised the event at the Honolulu Centre, aimed firmly at philanthropists, as well as at traditional investors, entrepreneurs and those simply interested in diversifying their portfolios to include an ethical, alternative option.

Impact investing is increasingly attractive to those who may not have thought of themselves as philanthropists or even alternative investors, Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner has claimed. “Ms Farnsworth is an example of those who are seeing the light as a result of the economic crisis and the greed and ignorance that led banks down such a disastrous route,” added Johnson.

Farnsworth explained, “About a year and a half ago, I became interested in impact investments, which is looking for both financial returns and social and economic benefit.”

She added, “Hawaii has a tremendous growing climate and conditions and several crop-related companies are starting or moving here to test their crop viability. These include biofuels feedstock and petroleum-based ingredients substitutes such as algae.”

Growing sustainable crops and forests are central to AAA’s support for impact investing in developing countries, where generating foreign investment in sustainable forestry projects can help reduce deforestation while providing healthy returns. “Projects like the plantation schemes run by Greenwood Management in Brazil offer the chance of strong, reliable returns through timber price increases and natural growth, while helping to safeguard the future of the sustainable Brazilian forestry industry for generations to come,” explained Mr Johnson.

Representatives from several Hawaii-based impact investing schemes will be attending and speaking at the event.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com