Tag Archives: AAA

AAA: Asian Real Estate Investments are Booming

December 18, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Asian investors are extremely positive about the outlook for real estate in the region, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, December 18, 2012 — Asian investors are extremely positive about the outlook for real estate in the region, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group was keen to endorse the findings of the recent Colliers 2013 Global Investor Sentiment Survey. The survey found that 70 per cent of Asian investors said they planned to increase their investment in Asia and expand their property portfolio. Some 41 per cent of those questioned about their real estate investments said they expected to achieve returns exceeding 20 per cent.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said “Return on investment totalling 20 per cent is incredibly strong, suggesting that real estate in the emerging regions of Asia, such as China and India, is a really great investment for those looking to diversify their portfolios with an alternative investment.”

The survey of Asian investors also discovered that 69 per cent of them expect that market conditions in real estate will improve even further in the coming five years, with only 12 per cent expecting the market to decline. There were, however, a few concerns. Some said that it was still difficult to raise capital for real estate investments, while others said that the economic conditions were still a little unpredictable.

With regards to the most popular cities to invest in property, the top five were named as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. The growing economies in China have prompted many investors to set their sights on office developments in Central Business District areas.

AAA is a supporter of many kinds of alternative investments, but specialises in endorsement of ethical options, like timberland investment through firms like Greenwood Management. Greenwood runs sustainably managed plantations of non-native timbers in Brazil and Canada. Investors can buy up their own sections of forest and see returns over the medium term.

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 Welcomes KPMG’s Expansion of Alternative Investment Team

December 12, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

AAA has welcomed news that KPMG has invested in expanding its alternative investment fund team on the West Coast.

Boston, MA, USA, December 12, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed news that KPMG has invested in expanding its alternative investment fund team on the West Coast.

The US audit, tax and advisory firm has brought on several new staff to enhance its Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) national team. The new staff will be based in Los Angeles and San Francisco and will be responsible for providing expertise on real estate, hedge fund and private equity investment.

“The news that KPMG is building on its alternative investment team further cements the view that alternatives are becoming increasingly in-demand and attractive to regular investors,” stated Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner.

This was a view that was shared by other analysts in the industry who also took the move as a sign that things are heating up in the alternative investment market.

Mr Johnson added, “It’s not too surprising that alternatives have become so popular following the global economic crisis. The stock markets are volatile and people are looking for tangible assets to invest in, such as gold, timber, real estate and even wine and art.”

However, KPMG knows that there are an increasing number of regulatory pressures on the alternative investment industry and that it needs the right experts to help it circumvent these.

Chuck Walker of KPMG’s Alternative Investment funds – Tax division, told RFP Connect: “KPMG is determined to put in place the best team of talent in the industry focusing on serving Alternative Investment firms, large, medium and small.”

“We are thrilled to announce the latest partners to join us as we continue strengthening our Alternative Investments team.”

AAA is an alternative investment advocacy group. It supports a range of alternative investment funds and routes, with an emphasis on ethical and sustainable asset classes, such as non-native tree plantations in Brazil, run by businesses like Greenwood Management.

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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Alternative investments ‘are becoming Mainstream’ – AAA

December 12, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

A recent report in Financial Adviser Magazine claims that alternative investments are fast-becoming a mainstream option for those who are looking to diversify their portfolios, in a claim welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, December 12, 2012 – A recent report in Financial Adviser Magazine claims that alternative investments are fast-becoming a mainstream option for those who are looking to diversify their portfolios, in a claim welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group underlined the claim from Rick Lake of Lake Partners in Connecticut, who told FA-Mag.com, “Because of the democratization of alternative investments, barriers are falling. Alternative mutual funds are the new and better mousetrap due to liquidity, transparency, lower costs and regulation.”

AAA added that a survey by Cogent Research backs this view. It found that three quarter of the financial advisers questioned said they use alternative asset classes, with the majority (78 per cent) opting for mutual funds. The next most popular alternative option for financial advisers was exchange traded funds (ETFs), which proved popular with 58 per cent.

FA-mag.com said that the recent increase in popularity of alternatives is largely to do with the risks involved in investing in stocks and shares. Despite the slow recovery of the US economy, the stock market is still extremely volatile and the same, of course, can be said for the European markets.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, claims that people are less willing to risk their cash on the stock markets these days and many would often prefer to take something tangible in exchange for their cash. Something with real, intrinsic value, like commodities such as timber, gas and oil. “With demand for these commodities increasing all the time, especially in developing countries, the prices are staying high and it’s hard to imagine them plummeting like stock prices can,” stated Mr Johnson.

AAA supports a range of alternative investments, but is particularly keen to promote ethical and socially responsible projects, including sustainable forestry investment through firms like Greenwood Management, which operated plantations 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

Brazil Property development plots offer Good investment option claims AAA

December 12, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

With increasing amounts of foreign direct investment (FDI), coming into Brazil, now could be a great time to invest in property built on new plots of land in the South American country.

Boston, MA, December 11, 2012 – With increasing amounts of foreign direct investment (FDI), coming into Brazil, now could be a great time to invest in property built on new plots of land in the South American country, which are being made available to foreign real estate investors, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has claimed.

The alternative investment advocacy group has said that investors looking to make the most of the ongoing strong economic conditions in Brazil should invest in land there. “A number of plots of prime land are being opened up in Brazil to foreign property investors,” claimed AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

“With the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics coming to Brazil in the next four years, growth is likely to continue and investors could see some really great returns if they invest in real estate there.”

A recent report by Ernst & Young Terco stated that foreign direct investment into Brazilian real estate has reached as much as R$10 billion this year. The investment has been stimulated by the Accelerated Growth Program, which has received plenty of attention form investors looking for ways to diversify their portfolios. The project involves improving the country’s infrastructure to help prepare for these vents, as well as to help house the hundreds of thousands of people moving into urban areas for work.

Speaking to Property Wire, Knight Knox International’s property consultant Mike Sefton, said that the plots offer great locations, planning permission and very reasonable prices to those who are considering building homes in Brazil as an investment.

Real estate investment is becoming increasingly attractive, particularly in emerging economies like Brazil, China and India, where a growing number of homes are needed to house workers and their families in urban areas.

AAA supports alternative assets like real estate and is also behind foreign investment in Brazil in general. “Forestry is a major source of ethical investment opportunities in Brazil,” added Mr 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

New Research into Impact investing endorsed by AAA

December 8, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

AAA has welcomed news that pension funds in the UK are increasing their exposure to impact investments.

Boston, MA, December 08, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed news that pension funds in the UK are increasing their exposure to impact investments.

Research carried out by social investment intermediary Social Finance, found that 48 per cent of the 47 pension funds it surveyed were planning to invest in socially and environmentally sound asset classes, such as microfinance, green energy and social housing over the coming 1 to 2 years.

At the moment, only 23 per cent of the pension funds, with assets under management totalling some $230 billion, hold such investments. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson spoke on behalf of the alternative investment advocacy group: “We welcome the news that pension funds in the UK are starting to realise the benefits of social investment.”

“Here in the US, institutional investors and individuals alike are all starting to increase their exposure to both alternative investments and impact investments and we wholeheartedly welcome this transition to a more responsible approach to investments.”

AAA also claims that alternative, ethical investments are a great way to diversify an investment portfolio against risk.

Social Finance’s David Hutchison, stated, “Impact investment is a visible asset with clear cash flow, stability and low correlation to other asset classes.”

AAA said it agreed with this, adding that other alternatives, such as forestry and timberland investment through firms like Greenwood Management, which operated sustainable plantation projects in countries like Brazil and Canada – also carry very low correlation with other economic trends. Mr Johnson said, “This means when other asset classes are losing value due to wider economic factors, these alternatives are staying strong.”

Mr Hutchison added that the next step in encouraging impact investing is setting up diversified, larger funds, to ensure people can get involved without putting up hundreds of thousands of dollars in initial investment. This will allow more individuals to get involved with this ethical side of investment.

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 Alternatives becoming more Mainstream with Individuals

December 8, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

There have been further reports about large brokerage firms investing more in alternative investments, and it is all in response to demand from their customers, AAA has claimed.

Boston, MA, USA, December 8, 2012 — There have been further reports about large brokerage firms investing more in alternative investments, and it is all in response to demand from their customers, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has claimed.

The alternative investment advocacy group has said that the days when only institutional investors looked towards alternatives are long gone and that average investors now call for less exposure to stocks and shares. Whether it be private equity, REITs, timberland investments or precious metals, alternatives are becoming increasingly ‘the norm’ for anyone that wants to reduce their exposure to risk by diversifying their portfolio.

As well as becoming more mainstream, alternative investments are also able to deliver some very high returns at a time when investing in traditional assets provides limited opportunity for a windfall. In fact, the volatility in the stock markets is what is attracting so many individuals to more left-field investments.

Investing in art, precious metals, wine and even antiques and whisky is growing in popularity. “People like to turn their hobby into an investment opportunity, particularly if they know the business,” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

“Investors are also increasingly keen to see something in return for their investment, such as physical trees, a beautiful painting or a gold bar.”

AAA supports alternative investments, but particularly backs ethical and ecologically-responsible options like sustainable forestry investments through firms like Greenwood Management. Greenwood runs plantations of non-native trees like acacia and teak, which grow fast and are managed in a cyclical way to ensure that new growth is always following when trees are cut and sold.

“The rise in popularity of these alternative investments is all based on demand for the products or the assets,” explained Mr Johnson. “Much of this demand is coming from emerging economies like China and India, which are buying up huge amounts of raw materials to help with their urban developments.”

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

Impact Investing attracting more Fans, claims AAA

November 23, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Leading fixed income impact investment management firm, Community Capital Management (CCM), has announced that it has invested $4 million on behalf of GIVE (AdvisorShares Global Echo ETF), in a move welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, November 23, 2012 — Leading fixed income impact investment management firm, Community Capital Management (CCM), has announced that it has invested $4 million on behalf of GIVE (AdvisorShares Global Echo ETF), in a move welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, claims that the investment from GIVE further helps to promote the benefits of impact investing to all kinds of investors who want to see returns while helping vulnerable communities. GIVE was established in May and intends to deliver long-term returns through responsible, sustainable investments.

Various projects have benefited from the investment so far. “It’s great to be able to learn about where this cash is going – the more people know about the benefits of impact investing, the more popular it will become,” stated Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner.

One of the investments made by CCM on GIFT’s behalf took the form of funding for a 400,000 square foot retail/residential development in Maryland. The project will focus on attracting cyclists and pedestrians and will create 235 new apartments, as well as 60,000 square feet of retail space.

Another project funded by GIFT is the Hidden Creek Apartment in Crescent City, California, which will create low income housing. The homes will incorporate eco-friendly and energy efficient features.

CCM’s senior portfolio manager, Barbara VanScoy, said that they too were very happy that more people are growing interested in impact investing. She said, “We are thrilled that the field of impact investing is expanding with new products like GIVE and that we can be a part of it.”

AAA supports a range of ethical, sustainable and environmentally responsible asset classes. Mr Johnson explained, “We have noticed that, in the wake of the financial crisis, more and more investors are keen to put their cash into philanthropic projects or at least ensure their investments won’t be having a negative impact on anyone.”

AAA supports sustainable forestry projects like those run by Greenwood Management and others 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

AAA welcomes Allianz move towards Alternative Investments

November 23, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

The news that Europe’s largest insurer is increasing its investment in alternatives has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, November 23, 2012 – The news that Europe’s largest insurer is increasing its investment in alternatives has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Allianz claims that its traditional investments are delivering very low yields at the moment, and it is hoping that doubling its exposure to alternatives will help to offset the effects of this.

Currently, Allianz’s investment portfolio totals some $400.8 billion, which, according to AAA, are invested almost entirely in fixed income securities, which have suffered as a result of the financial crisis, with yields falling significantly. “This has happened to a large number of traditional asset classes since the economic crisis,” explained Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner.

He added, “It’s no longer just individuals that are looking to invest more in alternatives, but institutional investors are also increasing their exposure to alternatives to try to reduce the risk in their portfolios.”

Maximilian Zimmerer, a board member at Allianz spoke to the Financial Times about the issue. He said that Allianz will continue to invest in private equity but will also aim to increase its exposure to infrastructure and real estate property loans, for example.

The move from investing in real estate directly, to investing in property loans is the result of some predictions from Allianz that this area will see the most growth in the coming years. An article on the investment strategy from Invezz.com, explained, ‘A lengthy period of low returns has affected insurers’ ability to generate profits on their conventional investment portfolios while meeting promises to owners of products such as life assurance policies, which often guarantee fixed returns.’

AAA is an alternatives investment advocacy group that supports ethical and non-traditional asset classes, such as forestry and impact investing. “Investing in sustainable plantations though firms like Greenwood Management can produce better returns that most traditional investment,” claimed Mr 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

Investing in Brazil is a great long-term option, says AAA

November 14, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Alternative investment advocacy group AAA claims that there is enough evidence to suggest that further economic recovery is on its way in Brazil and growth rates of 3-4 per cent can be expected in the coming years.

Boston, MA, USA, November 14, 2012 — Alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) claims that there is enough evidence to suggest that further economic recovery is on its way in Brazil and growth rates of 3-4 per cent can be expected in the coming years.

A large number of people put their cash into Brazil in the past few years, as growth rates hit as high as 6 or 7 per cent. However, growth fell to just 1.5 per cent this year and the economy has failed to deliver in several areas, AAA has admitted. For example, those who invested in its stock markets have seen a 5 per cent fall in values in dollar terms and the value of its currency, the real, also took a hit against the dollar this year.

However, AAA claims that strategic government moves, such as the slashing of interest rates to a record low of 7.25 per cent, have helped to get recovery back on track. “Those who have investments in Brazil will see strong returns over time,” claimed AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson. He predicted that growth of between 3 and 4 per cent will return before too long.

AAA supports a range of alternative investment products and funds, but focuses on ethical options like impact investing and sustainable forestry investment. “Brazil is a great place to invest in forestry,” explained Mr Johnson. “It has lush, fertile conditions and there is a growing demand for sustainably produced timber due to huge house building projects and infrastructure investment in advance of the country hosting the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics within the coming four years.”

One forestry investment option, run by Greenwood Management, offers people that chance to invest in their own piece of forestry plantation for as little as $15,000.

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 backs Rockerfeller Foundation Endorsement of Impact investing

November 14, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

A spokesperson from the Rockerfeller Foundation, Margot Brandenburg, has endorsed impact investing extremely eloquently in an article in the Huffington Post this week, claims alternative investment advocacy group AAA.

Boston, MA, November 14, 2012 – A spokesperson from the Rockerfeller Foundation, Margot Brandenburg, has endorsed impact investing extremely eloquently in an article in the Huffington Post this week, claims alternative investment advocacy group Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Speaking following a convention about impact investing in Sao Paulo earlier this month, Ms Brandenburg stated that investing in socially and environmentally responsible projects is continuing to attract attention and interest. This interest is coming from philanthropists and entrepreneurs, but also increasingly from regular investors and even institutional investors who may not have even have considered alternative investments a few years back, claims AAA.

In her Huffington Post article, Ms Brandenburg explains that this interest is stemming from a growing feeling that ‘business as usual’ is simply not sustainable and often not ethical. “This has been brought into the public consciousness since the economic crisis began and we all realized that there were some fundamental problems with the way the business world, and particularly the financial world, was operating,” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

AAA supports the sentiment that impact investors have the opportunity to help millions of people around the world and contribute to local economies by helping people to set up businesses and work themselves out of poverty. “These are long term solutions that can generate returns for investors in the West while helping those in developing nations to create a future for themselves and their communities,” added Mr Johnson.

AAA supports ethical alternative investment projects that help communities and environmental causes. An example is the plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, which offer foreign investors the chance to buy up a section of sustainable plantation forest. The timber grown in the forest is sold when it is mature and new seedlings are being planted all the time. “This form of managed forestry is a great alternative to using native forests in countries like Brazil where the ecology is so valuable in the fight against climate change,” added Mr Johnson.

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