Tag Archives: AAA

AAA Welcomes Oxfam’s First Foray into Impact Investing

October 11, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

UK-based charitable organization, Oxfam, is moving into the world of social investment with a loan worth some £1 million to a Mongolian business that specialises in machinery leasing. The move has been welcomed by AAA as further indication that social impact investment can benefit communities all over the world.

Boston, MA, USA, October 11, 2012 — UK-based charitable organization, Oxfam, is moving into the world of social investment with a loan worth some £1 million to a Mongolian business that specialises in machinery leasing. The move has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis as further indication that social impact investment can benefit communities all over the world.

The loan is being offered through Oxfam’s Small Enterprise Impact Investing Fund, which it has set up with Swiss microfinance specialist Symbiotics and the City of London Corporation.

The response to the news of the loan has been interesting and has prompted investment experts to take the growth of impact investing seriously. As more and more charities move into the commercial sector by funding social projects and businesses that can benefit wide sections of society in developing countries, they are highlighting this type of investment.

Impact investing is growing in popularity among regular investors who are looking to make healthy returns over the medium to long term, while doing their bit to help vulnerable communities or reduce climate change.

AAA advocates many types of alternative investment, but focuses its support on ethical projects like those backed by impact investing. “Helping people to work their way out of poverty and to create jobs and opportunities for large number of people within a community is an extremely productive use of an investor’s wealth,” claimed Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analyst partner. AAA claims that a growing number of investors are now looking for ethical choices when deciding where to invest their cash, after being left with a bad taste in their mouths after the banking crisis.

Barbara Stocking of Oxfam told the Financial Times that it hoped its decision to invest in a socially responsible project will encourage other investors to do the same. “We are determined to prove to the investment industry that its scale and influence means it could play a significant role in eradicating poverty.”

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

Business

Mall REITs could Grow in Popularity, claims AAA

October 6, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Mall REITs are becoming an attractive choice for investors, claims Alternative Asset Analysis, following the publication of a report on the issue in Forbes this week.

Boston, MA, USA, October 5, 2012 — Mall REITs are becoming an attractive choice for investors, claims Alternative Asset Analysis, following the publication of a report on the issue in Forbes this week.

Forbes real estate analyst Brad Thomas claimed that investing in Mall-based real estate investment trusts (REITs) can be a lucrative choice for a number of reasons. He suggested that the retail sector’s growth will mean strong incomes for malls as well as the construction of new malls across the US. There is already 1,400 malls across the US and the demand for retail mall space is increasing. This is all good news for investors, according to Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner.

Mr Thomas backs this view, explaining: “Excellent locations and moderate but steady growth in retail sales, reduces risk and provides for predictable and growing cash flows.”

The median occupancy levels for regional malls in the US is an impressive 94.2 per cent – showing that malls that are built, do not suffer from problems attracting tenants, and this, making income.

REITs are a popular form of alternative investment at a time when all kinds of alternative asset classes are growing in popularity. AAA advocates all forms of alternative investments, with an emphasis on ethical investments, such as forestry projects and social impact investing.

These types of investment choices are proving attractive to people who want to make a difference with their cash investments and reflects the way the markets have changed since the economic crisis. “People are less interested in short term gains and are more likely to be in it for the long-haul when it comes to investments these days,” explained Johnson.

He added, “Investing in a social fund that lends money to small businesses in a developing countries, for example, can be very rewarding and profitable. Investing in a sustainable plantation projects that helps reduce deforestation is also a lucrative and ethical choice.”

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

Mall REITs Could Grow in Popularity, claims AAA

October 6, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

Mall REITs are becoming an attractive choice for investors, claims Alternative Asset Analysis, following the publication of a report on the issue in Forbes this week.

Boston, Massachusetts, United States, October 05, 2012 – Mall REITs are becoming an attractive choice for investors, claims Alternative Asset Analysis, following the publication of a report on the issue in Forbes this week.

Mr Thomas backs this view, explaining: “Excellent locations and moderate but steady growth in retail sales, reduces risk and provides for predictable and growing cash flows.”

The median occupancy levels for regional malls in the US is an impressive 94.2 per cent – showing that malls that are built, do not suffer from problems attracting tenants, and this, making income.

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 Survey ‘Shows Alternatives are Becoming the Norm’, says AAA

October 6, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

A recent survey that found that non-stock-based investments are proving more popular among US institutional investors, has been endorsed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Boston, Massachusetts, United States, October 05, 2012 – A recent survey that found that non-stock-based investments are proving more popular among US institutional investors, has been endorsed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that the results of the latest survey from Natixis Global Asset Management shows that more and more investors are turning to alternative investments due to the volatility of the stock and bond markets.

The survey questioned some 151 fund managers about their investing habits and found that 76 per cent said that investing in alternatives is an essential part of protecting their portfolio against risk. In addition, 73 per cent said they are critical in outperforming the general investment market.

“These results are among the most convincing we have seen in recent years and suggest that alternatives are quickly becoming the ‘norm’ among everyone from charities and pensions schemes to endowments and trusts,” claimed AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

Although, overall, stock markets have produced some more solid results this year, they are still vulnerable to major, sudden value losses in response to fluctuations in the economic conditions in countries like China and the US. As a result, many investors still see investing in asset classes like forestry, hedge funds, real estate and even gold, art and wine, as a lot less risky.

“It’s partly about getting something more tangible, with an intrinsic value, in exchange for your investment,” added Mr Johnson.

Of the managers surveyed in the Natixis study, some 88 per cent said they were satisfied with how their alternatives are performing. A huge 93 per cent said they would happily increase the amount invested in alternatives, or at least keep their investment level the same.

Forestry is a solid option for those looking at their first foray into alternative investment. Through firms like Greenwood Management, investors can own their own slice of plantation land with an initial investment of less than $20,000.

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 says Investment Managers are Ready to Try Alternatives

September 26, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

A new survey has been praised by alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, for finding that 85 per cent of the investors were satisfied with the performance of their alternative investments.

Boston, MA, September 26, 2012 – A new survey by Natixis Global Asset Management has been praised by alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), for finding that 85 per cent of the investors were satisfied with the performance of their alternative investments.

Popular alternative investments such as silver, wine, art and gold are regularly outperforming bonds and equity investments as people diversify to protect their assets from a volatile stock market.

AAA recommends ethical investments, such as investing in sustainable forestry programs run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil, to protect against inflation while supporting green initiatives. Investments in these areas help to reduce deforestation and stimulate a green economy, while also supporting the local community by providing jobs.

Natixis Global Asset Management polled more than 150 managers and found that 76 per cent said that alternatives are essential in protecting against risk in the current climate. As stocks and currency investments struggle, 88 per cent of the managers said they were ‘satisfied’ with their alternative investments and a whopping 93 per cent even said that they would increase or maintain their current alternative bets if they had the chance to plan their year again.

With continued political instability in the Eurozone, investment managers need to think outside the box. John Hailer, president and chief executive of Natixis Global Asset Management in the Americas and Asia, said investors are ‘on edge’ and the poll found almost 75 per cent said that they have changed their approach to risk management over the past five years.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, says that investment in a commodity such as timber is much safer than speculating on stocks or property. “Timber investments have beaten inflation over the past 100 years by an average of 3.3 per cent.,” Mr Johnson said. “It’s out with the old and in with the new – green investments are the future.”

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 Praises Green Investment Report from EIRIS

September 26, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

AAA has welcomed a new report from EIRIS, the responsible investment research firm, which points out that the case for ethical investment has never been stronger.

Boston, MA, USA, September 26, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed a new report from EIRIS, the responsible investment research firm, which points out that the case for ethical investment has never been stronger.

Alternative investments are growing in popularity as the banking crisis continues. Figures from the report show £11.3 billion has been invested in green and ethical projects and AAA recommends the sustainable plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada, where demand for timber is growing as the population’s wealth increases.

James Howard, director at Emerald Knight, points out that many are skeptical about the stability of traditional investments, as saving rates become less and less competitive. By contrast, timber investments have beaten inflation over the past 100 years by an average of 3.3 per cent.

EIRIS figures also should that the number ethical investors has tripled, from 250,000 to three-quarters of a million. There is even a specialist ethical bank, Triodos, for those who want to support green investing.

Emerald Knight research found 16 per cent of Brits would only ever invest for personal profits, while 30 per cent think that you can have both profits and principles when it comes to investing.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, agrees with that sentiment and points out that, as ethical investments become more mainstream, there will be an increased demand for global green schemes.

“Forestry investment is popular because it works on two levels,” Mr Johnson said. “It provides jobs for poor people in deprived areas – then, as their wages increase, helps them source timber for housing and furniture, something they take great pride in.”

“Projects such as Greenwood Management‘s plantations schemes in Brazil are popular with individual investors and groups – a minimum investment of only $10,000 can get you started and it’s a sound investment for the future.”

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 Investors can help to Protect Valuable Environments

September 26, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Impact investing can help environmentalists to protect vulnerable and valuable land from being destroyed, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Boston, MA, USA, September 26, 2012 — Impact investing can help environmentalists to protect vulnerable and valuable land from being destroyed, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Environmental groups have always relied quite heavily on philanthropists and private sector sponsors to protect land. In a number of incidents, groups have paid millions of dollars for areas of land, simply to protect them as habitats for species. The Nature Conservancy is one such group that believes this is a good approach to protecting wildlife and precious eco-systems.

Recently, the Nature Conservancy’s Mark Tercek claimed that the money is drying up and that impact investing could provide the solution. AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group based in Boston, agrees. The organisation’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said: “There is a shortage of funds for these kinds of projects these days and it is now necessary to try to attract investors into this kind of investment.”

AAA claims that a large number of investors are now looking to align their investments with social and environmental projects that will do good over the long run. Some projects are far from lucrative, but will at least protect money from being lost in the volatile stock markets.

Investing in projects like the sustainable forestry project being managed by Greenwood Management in Brazil is a good option for those who are environmentally conscious but cannot afford for their investment to not deliver returns. Those who invest in timber or in forestry projects tend to see better returns than those investing in stock and bonds, according to figures taken over several years.

Investing in timberland also has other benefits. From a social perspective, it helps to encourage sustainability which can help local communities to safeguard the forestry industry for generations to come. From an environmental perspective, managed forests provide timber that can be used instead of timber from vulnerable forests.

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 says Social Stock Exchange is a Success

September 7, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

AAA has welcomed reports that suggest the Impact Exchange Board is flourishing.

Boston, MA, USA, September 7, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed reports that suggest the Impact Exchange Board is flourishing.

The iX, as it is known, is a stock exchange for social investment projects, which was launched about a year ago alongside partner the Stock Exchange of Mauritius.

Tamzin Ratcliffe, who dreamed up the idea of the social stock exchange, says that the exchange is set to start operation in the third quarter of next year. She says that six social enterprises have already signed up to the listing process and that any investors, even unaccredited ones, will be able to buy shares in these companies.

Ratcliffe said that social enterprises have been slow off the mark in signing up to be publicly listed as they are not used to seeking out funds this way. She said, “Going to the market for money is not something they’re used to.

“The process of encouraging companies and getting them to understand the value of being part of a marketplace – that’s been quite a lot of work.”

AAA‘s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, claims that the social stock exchange is a great idea for generating interest and making investment in ethical projects more accessible to all. He said, “Being able to sign up to buy and sell stocks in social enterprises is a great idea and we are sure the project will be a huge success.”

AAA is a supporter of impact investing and investment in ethical projects that can benefit communities and the environment. Mr Johnson says that investing in timberland projects that are sustainably operated is a good option for anyone who wants to diversify their investment portfolio. “If the value of your fully grown trees are not what you expect at the time of maturity,” claims Mr Johnson, “you can always just hang onto them and watch them grow even larger while prices rise.”

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 praises Forestry investment Advocate for Supporting Alternatives

September 7, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

A recent article in The South African has attracted praise from (AAA for promoting the benefits of investing in timber.

Boston, MA, September 06, 2012 – A recent article in The South African has attracted praise from Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) for promoting the benefits of investing in timber.

The article was based around an interview with Graham Rowan of Wealth Invest, who asserted that money really does grow on trees if you invest in forestry and timberland in the right way. He said that timber was his favorite ‘green‘ investment and added that there are a few tips to acknowledge before taking the plunge, but that healthy returns are easy to come by.

Firstly, Mr Rowan points out that timber investment has beaten inflation over the past 100 years by an average of 3.3 per cent. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said that this is a particularly attractive trend during these times of high inflation and low interest rates of savings. He added that, depending on who you invest with, those interested in buying up forestry land can do so for a lot less money than in the past. For example, investments of less than $15,000 are needed to invest in the sustainable plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada.

Another factor to think about when considering forestry investment is the rate of growth for the species in your plantations or forestry project. The faster the growth, the quicker the returns and the less long-term the investment is. For those who want faster returns, investing in Acacia or eucalyptus is a good idea, for example. He also points out the location of the forests makes a difference on the speed at which they grow. He states: “UK forestry grows so slowly that you may find you are investing to benefit your grandchildren!”

Mr Rowan also recommends that investors look closely at any small print and check where they stand if they would like to exit the project early. Overall, though, he recommends forestry as a green investment option.

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 Student Town Condos is a Money Spinner, claims AAA

September 4, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

AAA is recommending that those parents of college students who can afford it should invest in real estate in college towns to make a healthy return and save some cash through the college years.

Boston, MA, USA, September 4, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) is recommending that those parents of college students who can afford it should invest in real estate in college towns to make a healthy return and save some cash through the college years.

The alternative investment advocacy group is not the only one encouraging parents to buy student digs to make a profit. In fact mortgage and housing expert, Ken Harney, recently wrote about the issue in an article for Forbes. He described how soaring rents are making sending kids to college even more expensive. Buying a property can solve the short-term problem while making a buck or two over the long term.

AAA says that people without children in college can also benefit from the boom in college town real estate by buying up a modest property and renting it out to students. Now is the time to swoop, claims AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson. He said “The housing market has bottomed out and is slowly on its way back up. Buy now and you’re likely to make money over the medium to long-term.”

In many of the US’s largest college towns, the average rents of properties are now several times the average mortgage repayments due each month, so investing in a student property makes sense now and in the future.

Although some college towns, like Boston and Washington DC are not cheap places to buy property, others, like Pittsburgh and Atlanta remain much more affordable and rents are still high compared with mortgage repayments. “The model works almost everywhere,” added Mr Johnson.

As well as advocating real estate investment, AAA also promotes ethical investments, such as sustainable timberland investments through firms like Greenwood Management that run plantations in Brazil and Canada. “Forestry is another asset class that gives investors something tangible, with intrinsic value, in exchange for their dollars,” said Johnson.

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