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Business

Now is the time to Invest in Brazil, claims AAA

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The analysts at alternative investment advocacy group AAA claim that this is the perfect time to invest in Brazil, with the economy still growing and major sporting events heading its way.

Boston, MA, September 04, 2012 – The analysts at alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) claim that this is the perfect time to invest in Brazil, with the economy still growing and major sporting events heading its way.

“There are a million and one ways to invest in Brazil and cash in on the country’s impressive growth,” claimed AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

He said that Brazil is having an exciting period, with the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup due to be hosted in Rio and elsewhere in 2014 and 2016. As a result of these major events. The country is investing considerable cash into improving its infrastructure – so construction is booming.

Real estate is certainly an asset class that’s worth considering, according to Mr Johnson. Inner cities and beach resorts are set to grow in popularity with tourists who will be flocking to Brazil to enjoy the sport. Rio, in particular is likely to invest huge amounts in improving accommodation over the coming years as the Olympic Committee rated the city very poorly for accommodation and infrastructure – suggesting that there is serious room for growth.

Steel is a booming industry ins response to major infrastructure expansion – including airport construction and expansion as well as bridges, railways and roads. “ the steel industry needs charcoal to operate, “claimed Mr Johnson. He added, “going back a few years, they would have got their charcoal form the native rainforests but this is now frowned upon by the authorities and plantation timber tends top be used instead.

As a result of this, AAA claims that investing in plantations, which are sustainably managed by firms like Greenwood Management, may be a wise move and could generate some very healthy returns for investors. “It’s also very low risk”, added 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 Advocates Investment in SWAG

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A recent report in The Telegraph newspaper in the UK has attracted the support of alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, for covering the popularity of ‘SWAG’ as investments.

Boston, MA, USA, August 31, 2012 — A recent report in The Telegraph newspaper in the UK has attracted the support of alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), for covering the popularity of ‘SWAG’ as investments.

SWAG is a new term used to describe silver, wine, art and gold, which are among the most commonly chosen alternative investments. The Telegraph article describes how these asset classes are regularly outperforming bonds and equity investments and are, therefore, proving increasingly popular among individual and institutional investors.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, stated that the trend isn’t surprising and a growing section of the population are interested in swapping their hard-earned cash for something much more tangible than stocks, shares and bonds – particularly following the recent economic collapse. He stated, “There was a period when investors could dependent on the value of their investments, but those days are gone, for now. However, when you purchase something tangible, or with intrinsic value, like trees, gold and silver, for example, the risks are reduced and the assets stand up to economic volatility much more convincingly.

Telegraph reporter, Richard Evans points out that the benefits are clear – in that silver, wine, art and gold have all outperformed shares and bonds over five years, seven years and even ten years. He cited former Moore Capital investment expert Joe Roseman as having first come up with the ‘SWAG’ moniker. He predicts that these asset classes will be the best kinds of investments to opt for in the coming years, which he says will be ruled by a period in which inflation will remain high, but growth will remain elusive.

The analysts at AAA agree that tangible assets are increasingly attractive as these condition prevail, although it advocates ethical investments, such as investing in sustainable forestry programs run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil. “Forestry investment provides investors with an asset that hedges against inflation, but also helps to reduce deforestation and stimulate a green economy,” claimed Mr Johnson.

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

AAA Supports Investment in Brazilian Social Housing Projects

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AAA is lending its support to moves to attract investment in Brazil’s social housing projects.

Boston, MA, August 25, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) is lending its support to moves to attract investment in Brazil’s social housing projects.

AAA, an advocate of alternative asset classes, such as real estate, sustainable forestry and precious metals, has welcomed calls from analysts at Colordarcy, who are encouraging investors to consider Brazilian social housing projects, such as the Minha Casa Minha Vida housing programme as a possible alternative investment.

“Not only would investing in this type of real estate project generate healthy returns, social investing like this can make a major difference to people’s lives in developing countries,” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

The managing director of the Colodarcy, Loxley McKenzie, said that those opting to invest in Brazilian social housing can enjoy quick returns. He said: “It is possible to enjoy a high return on investment in a short space of time.”

The project involves the construction of a million homes for Brazil’s poorer population and, as a result, it is one of the largest such residential development projects in the world. Investing at an early stage, especially in a country whose economy remains strong when others are still in recession, can prove a wise move for investors, AAA has claimed.

Brazil is also set to benefit from further growth as it continues its preparations for the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. There is a major shortage of housing in the cities where people are increasingly moving in order to fill the job vacancies that are emerging as a result of the country’s economic prosperity.

AAA encourages other investment in Brazil, through sustainable forestry projects such as the plantation schemes run by firms like Greenwood Management. These projects are intended to promote sustainable investments and provide alternatives to illegally logged timber and charcoal for use in construction and in the making of steel.

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

Business

UK Crack-down on Mis-sold Alternatives Supported by AAA

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News from the UK that its financial regulator is to clamp down on the mis-selling of alternative investments, has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, August 25, 2012 – News from the UK that its financial regulator is to clamp down on the mis-selling of alternative investments, has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that the crack-down on the mis-selling of products know as Unauthorised Collective Investment Schemes (UCIS). In the UK can only be a good thing for the alternative market in general.

“We are pleased to see that more is being done to protect those opting for alternative investments,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

“The more that can be done to stop unscrupulous businesses from putting the hard sell on investors, the better the reputation of the valid industry players.”

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the UK claims that the market for UCIS, which are products that are often worthless if the seller goes into administration, is worth around £2.5 billion. the funds invest is a wide variety of asset classes and when they are mis-sold, the reputation of these asset classes can fall.

Many of these products are not based in the UK and are therefore not included under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which reimburses investors should they lose cash because a company or bank collapsing.

A statement from the FSA said it was taking action because “of the high levels of unsuitable advice it has uncovered and the potential for customer detriment.

‘Examples include: pensioners being advised to invest all of their wealth in a single, illiquid UCIS with a view to generating income; and a customer being advised to borrow money to invest in UCIS and to service the debt with withdrawals from that investment.’

AAA advocates ethical and alternative investments, that are valid and sold the right way. Projects such as the managed forestry fund offered by Greenwood Management, for example, offer alternative investments from as little as $10,000.

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 advocates Pension Fund Investment in Alternatives

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US public pension funds have further increased their exposure to alternative investments, in a move welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, August 23, 2012 – US public pension funds have further increased their exposure to alternative investments, in a move welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that the pension funds are finding it increasingly difficult to raise enough cash as a result of low interest rates and poorly performing equity markets. “Off the back of these variables pension funds are investing billions in a whole range of alternatives asset classes,” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

The Wiltshire Trust Universe Comparison Service found that pension funds worth $1 billion or more had a median of 15 per cent of their portfolio of investments in alternatives as of June 2012. This is up a significant amount from the 9.2 per cent in the same month a year ago.

Although some critics claims that there are risks involved with alternative investment, AAA claims that this all depends of the kind of alternative one chooses. Forestry and timberland investment, for example, carry relatively low risks as investors are able to hang on to their asset (the trees they have bought or invested in) until they are the right size and until timber prices are high.

“Investing in timberland not only offers investors an ethical choice, which helps to reduce deforestation, but also provides a great choice for pension funds as timberland investment are a good medium-to long-term option.”

Investing directly in trees by buying up forest land can generate good returns if the trees are left to grow for a very long time before they are felled and sold as timber. However, investing directly through plantation projects, such as the one run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, can mean investors see returns much sooner. This is due to the cyclical planting and felling model used in the firm’s sustainable plantations.

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 KPMG Bolstering of Alternatives Team

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AAA has welcomed moves by global auditing and accountancy firm KPMG to expand its alternative investment team by adding five new members in the US.

Boston, MA, USA, August 23, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed moves by global auditing and accountancy firm KPMG to expand its alternative investment team by adding five new members in the US.

The advisory firm has taken on Ted Carreiro to join its alternative investment fund practice in Boston. Carreiro is the former managing director of State Street Bank and Trust’s AIF division and has more that 18 years experience.

KPMG is also taking on Phillip W. DeSalvo, who has worked with a large number of businesses before to help them to instigate transactions, structure and execute deals. Michael R Richards is another new addition and has over 22 years of relevant experience. He will lead the KPMG transaction services practice in the West Coast region.

The boost to the alternative investment team reflects the increase in interest in alternatives as individuals and institutional investors struggle to make significant returns when invested in savings bonds and the stock market. “The stock market is pretty inactive and interest rates are at historic lows,” asserted AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

KPMG said in an official statement that alternatives were becoming increasingly important to the firm. “KPMG is committed to becoming the market leader in serving the alternative investments industry and our latest additions to the team demonstrate our goal to have the broadest set of skills and in-depth knowledge of the most important regulatory and business issues facing the industry,” said Al Fichera, national partner in charge, alternative investments-audit, in a statement.

AAA supports range of alternative investments, including timberland investment through sustainable plantations such as the one run by Greenwood Management in Brazil.

AAA claims that timber prices are set to rise of the back of more activity in the Chinese, Indian and US housing markets. As a result, it could be the best time for a while for investing in timberland.

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

Property in Dubai still a strong investment option, says AAA

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Smart investors from the growing economic power that is India are putting their cash into real estate in Dubai, in a move that could prove a sound alternative investment strategy, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, August 16, 2012 – Smart investors from the growing economic power that is India are putting their cash into real estate in Dubai, in a move that could prove a sound alternative investment strategy, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The figures from the Real Estate Investment Promotion and Management Centre at the Dubai Land Department, since the laws on foreign buyers changed, investors from India have purchased 2,153 properties in the country. The second most avid foreign property buyers in Dubai are Pakistanis, who are responsible for the purchase of 1,814 properties.

In total some 12,875 properties, including land, apartments, villas and other properties, have been purchased by foreign buyers. Majida Ali Rashid, Chairwoman of the Real Estate Investment Promotion and Management Centre, said that real estate investment in Dubai is growing in strength once again, after falling out of favor for a period. She said, “The real estate sector performance is moving from strength to strength over the past two years. The market has been attracting more foreign investors, which reflects the solid national economy and its excellent growth potentials.”

British investors have also been very attractive in buying properties in Dubai, which continues to be a extremely popular vacation location for British holidaymakers. Brits have bought up an impressive 1,564 Dubai properties, and many will be hoping to make healthy returns form their investment when it’s time to sell.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said that Dubai is looking like an attractive real estate investment prospect once more, following an uncertain period. He said, “Real estate investment is growing in popularity as investors look for alternative investment strategies away from riskier asset classes, like equities and bonds.

“More and more investors are looking for something tangible in exchange for their investments, and it’s easy to see why following the global economic crisis.”

AAA supports a wide range of alternative asset classes, including forestry investment through sustainable projects such as those run 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

Social investing is taking off in the US, claims AAA

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A growing number of savvy investors are putting their cash into social investment bonds and funds that not only help vulnerable people to make more of the lives, but also make the investors money, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, August 09, 2012 – A growing number of savvy investors are putting their cash into social investment bonds and funds that not only help vulnerable people to make more of the lives, but also make the investors money, according to Alternative Asset Analysis.

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, claims that a number of recent articles in high-profile publications, such as NBCnews.com have underlined the growing popularity of social impact investing in the US. Although impact investing is not a new thing, some may think it only tends to focus on helping those in developing countries However, this is not so and a large number of bonds and funds are popping up in US cities aimed at helping locals get back on their feet.

The Calvert Social Investment Foundation is one such fund, which has loaned money to a range of good causes, such as Portland, Oregon-based central City Concern. This non-profit organization helps locals afflicted by poverty, homelessness and addiction to learn skills and start businesses.

The investment part of the deal takes place when the loans made by the Calvert foundation, and other similar funds, are packaged into bonds, which are then sold to investors who might be looking to invest in social projects.

AAA supports these kinds of projects, claiming that they can make a significant difference to people all over the world if they are managed correctly and there is enough interest. “A growing number of wealthy individual are becoming interested in philanthropy” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson. “Following the global economic crisis, making a quick buck has become less important than helping their fellow man, it seems.”

AAA supports a range of alternative investments, with the emphasis on forestry research through sustainable plantations run by firms like Greenwood Management.

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: Pension Fund Researchers Need To Take Time Over Alternatives

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A new article in the Financial Times has pointed out the fact that many pension funds and other institutional investors may need to take on more research staff if they want to make the most of alternative investment opportunities. This has led AAA to warn pension funds that they may want to think twice about bringing their research in house.

Boston, MA, USA, August 9, 2012 — A new article in the Financial Times has pointed out the fact that many pension funds and other institutional investors may need to take on more research staff if they want to make the most of alternative investment opportunities. This has led Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) to warn pension funds that they may want to think twice about bringing their research in house.

This view was reflected by Peter Urbani, who used to work for Infiniti Capital, and who spoke to the FT about his experiences. He said, “The recent acquisition of Sovereign by Mercer is an indication that pension funds are starting to look at alternatives, but realising that they need to do it internally.”

He explained that turning to alternatives meant that researchers would have to carry out more in-depth due diligence than when dealing with traditional asset classes, which equates to more work.

A growing number of large investment institutions, such as pension funds are turning increasingly towards the idea of alternative investment. Following the economic crisis, investors are keen to receive something tangible in exchange for their investments and are also interested in diversifying their portfolios against risk.

One option is direct forestry investment. This can be done by buying up physical sections of forest or plantation and cashing in the profits once trees grow and are harvested for timber. However, investing through a firm like Greenwood Management means investors get all the benefits of timberland investment, but will start to see returns on their investment much sooner.

Timberland investment has become extremely popular as it has regularly outperformed stocks and shares and provides a very effective hedge against inflation. What’s more is that if, when the time come to sell the timber you have been growing come, but the market price isn’t right, investors can simply hang on to their investment and watch it grown some more.

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

AAA Welcomes Report on Bransons impact Investing efforts

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AAA has welcomed a report into Richard Branson’s impact investing efforts.

Boston, MA, August 08, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed a report into Richard Branson’s impact investing efforts. The article, published by Marketwatch.com, talks about how Virgin boss, Richard Branson, has taken a huge interest in impact investing and has launched Virgin Unite to try to help boost its popularity among regular investors.

The celebrity ambassador for social enterprise investment recently held a promotional shark-swimming activity in Cancun, which attempted to promote small businesses such as the shark-swimming trips that help to raise eco-awareness. The trips illustrated how investors can help small social enterprises and family business in developing countries to thrive, according to AAA. “They help communities and local environments to flourish, while investors start to see returns on their investment when the small businesses begin to grow and pay back loans,” explained AAA’s partner Anthony Johnson.

Richard Branson recently published a book called Screw Business As Usual. He stated, “I have written this book for those who, at the same time as wanting to develop a business and make a living, also want to do more to help people and the planet.

“It’s a vibrant sea change from the way business was always done, when financial profit alone was the driving force.” The book is intended to back up the work of Virgin Unite, which is a non-profit organization intended to help guide investors towards suitable social enterprise that need investment.

Jean Oelwang, the CEO of the organization, explained, “We basically look at ways philanthropy and charity can play a role in kickstarting new markets.”

AAA, an advocate of alternative and impact investing, supports many kinds of ethical investment, including timberland investment. Mr Johnson, explained, “Investing in sustainable forestry land through organizations like Greenwood Management, for example, can help to reduce deforestation by providing alternatives to illegally sourced timber. Greenwood Management runs plantations on non-native trees species in Brazil and Canada.

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