Tag Archives: AAA

Business

AAA Welcomes Report into Pensions Investing in Alternatives

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AAA has welcomed new research from Towers Watson consultancy, which found that pension funds are still putting more and more of their funds into alternative investments.

Boston, MA, USA, August 6, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed new research from Towers Watson consultancy, which found that pension funds are still putting more and more of their funds into alternative investments.

The survey found that there has been a 7.9 per cent rise in the total pension fund assets under management by the top 100 asset managers. The total sum is now $1.03 trillion, up from $951.7 billion in 2010.

The rise is partly due to the fact that the survey now includes figures from insurers, foundations, endowments and sovereign wealth funds. Much of the assets under management are being invested in alternatives such as hedge funds and private equity, according to Towers Watson.

A spokesman for Towers Watson, Craig Baker, said, “Our client base is quite different today from when we started this survey. We do a lot of work with insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds and endowments.”

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson said that these latest figures show that institutional investors are increasingly looking towards alternatives to diversify their portfolios and offset the impact of inflation. He stated, “We are seeing an increase in interest in alternatives with individuals and institutional investors realizing in their droves that alternatives can offer a wise option.”

AAA claims that individual investors are now “spoiled for choice” when it comes to interesting alternatives asset classes that can offer a hedge against inflation and a less risky investment than the equity markets. “Timberland is one of the best-performing alternatives,” added Mr Johnson.

“Investing directly in timberland through the kind of schemes run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, for example, ensures people get something tangible in exchange for their investment.”

“Not only this, but timberland returns on investment have typically outperformed equities over a number of years and can offer a good long-term investment option for people looking for a pension investment.”

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 Expansion of Unique wine investment scheme

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A UK-based online wine investment firm has expanded into Australia and the US, in a move that has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, August 06, 2012 – A UK-based online wine investment firm has expanded into Australia and the US, in a move that has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The Naked Wine offering differs quite a lot from other wine investment funds, as customers can help to choose which small winemakers the firm invests in. They become ‘Angel’ investors to help these small and niche winemakers produce more wine, and they receive bottles in return.

These bottles can, due to their rarity, become quite valuable – making the whole process a realistic option for alternative investors looking to diversify their portfolios, claims AAA. The alternative investment advocacy group supports a wide range of alternative asset classes and claims that wine is fast-becoming a popular option for many people who want something tangible in return for their investments.

The latest move from Naked Wines will see the firm invest more than $7 million in independent US and Australian wine producers. The Angels commit to investing small amount each month and receive a discount off the regular price of the wines produced in return.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “The Naked Wines brand had a good way of engaging investors by encouraging them to get involved in social networking and discussion forums. The fact that they even have the opportunity to choose where the investments go is also a major perk.”

AAA claims that more and more people are becoming interested in alternative investments in response to the global economic crisis and the general volatility of the equity markets.

Forestry investment is one of the main areas of interest for AAA. It claims that investing in sustainable plantations run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil and elsewhere is an ethical option and one that can generate generous returns. Forestry investment also helps to boost habitat for wildlife, 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

REITs are proving an Attractive Option, claims AAA

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AAA claims that commercial property investment trusts are a great option for alternative investors.

Boston, MA, USA, August 4, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) claims that commercial property investment trusts are a great option for alternative investors.

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that recent results showing impressive returns from real estate investment trusts (REITs) demonstrate how alternatives are regularly outperforming more traditional asset classes, such as equities.

Recent statistics show that average annualized returns from REITs total 33 per cent over the past three years, illustrating the kinds of returns people can see if they invest in income-producing property at the right time. REITs offer extra benefits to investors as they are obliged to distribute 90 per cent of their taxable income to shareholder to avoid the kind of taxes that other corporate property owners pay.

Investors usually receive payouts each quarter, which they take as dividend or cash. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index average dividend yield is just 2.1 per cent, compared with an average yield of 3.2 per cent for REITs.

Investing in real estate is a popular option at the moment, with house prices in the US finally increasing once more. Many of those who took the risk and bought property when the prices were at rock bottom will already be reaping the returns. AAA’s analysis partner Anthony Johnson said, “It’s not surprising that investors are putting their cash into solid investments such as bricks and mortar, precious metals, commodities and timberland. Getting something in return for your cash rather than simply some shares, is increasingly attractive.”

He added that REITS are attractive as low interest rates make it difficult to earn much interest without taking a risk on an asset class that can earn well each month. Like forestry investment through firms like Greenwood Management, REITs allow investors to receive income while holding onto an asset that will also produce healthy returns when it is sold off.

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

Survey shows more investors interested in Alternatives, claims AAA

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AAA has welcomed the results of a new survey that show an increase in the number of advisers offering alternative investments.

Boston, MA, August 04, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed the results of a new survey that show an increase in the number of advisers offering alternative investments.

The Elite Access Alternative Investment Survey, by Jackson National Life, was released earlier this week, and shows that 90 per cent of financial advisers said they plan to offer more alternative investment options to their clients in the coming 12 months.

The results, “showed an overwhelming increase in the expected use of alternatives to help offset market volatility and potentially improve portfolio diversification,” according to a statement from Jackson. The survey also found that many advisers want more guidance on how to leverage the alternative options they are offering.

In terms of the level of the increase in alternatives being offered, more than 50 per cent of the advisers questioned said that would up their supply of alternative investments by at least 15 per cent over the coming years, while a third said they would increase it by 20 per cent or more.

Jackson’s Executive Vice President, Clifford Jack, said, “The trend toward alternative asset classes among retail investors has been growing steadily for the past several years and this survey highlights the growing demand for new strategies.”

This reflects what AAA’s analysis partner Anthony Johnson has been saying. He claims that the appetite for alternatives has increased in light of the global economic crisis. “We are seeing more and more regular investors looking for a more tangible option, along with ones that have a low level of correlation with the stock and bonds markets.”

AAA supports a range of alternative investments, but advocates impact investing and forestry investment very actively. “Investing in timberland that is grown sustainably can deliver fantastic returns and is also a more ethical option for those who wish to make a positive difference with their investment choices,” 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 reviews Gold, Silver and Bronze as Investments

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AAA thinks that the Olympics is the perfect time to review the performance of the medal metals, gold, silver and bronze, in terms of their recent performance as alternative investments.

Boston, MA, August 03, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) thinks that the Olympics is the perfect time to review the performance of the medal metals, gold, silver and bronze, in terms of their recent performance as alternative investments.

Since the last Olympic Games in Beijing, the price of both gold and silver have soared as an increasing number of investors and central banks bought up the precious metals as a buffer against the uncertain economic climate. “Investing in stocks and shares looked decreasingly attractive to many in the past four years and one of the obvious alternatives is precious metals,” explained Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner.

Illustrating this perfectly is the S&P GSCI Gold Spot Index, which increased by a huge 87.64 per cent between the Beijing Olympics and the London Olympics. In the meantime, Silver grew by 78.74 per cent over the same period. However, lagging a long way behind in third place is copper (from which bronze is made), growing by just 1.56 per cent according to the S&P GSCI Copper Spot for the period.

AAA claims that the reason behind gold’s popularity was the physical nature of gold. “Everyone wants something tangible in exchange for their cash when times are tough and the economy is uncertain,” claimed Mr Johnson.

However, this is not to say that there hasn’t been a fair amount of volatility in the gold and silver markets over the period in question. AAA said that there are several other tangible options that are less volatile and offer risk-averse choices – such as forestry investment.

Investing in timberland in the form of sustainable plantations can provide a great mid-to long-term option for investors who want to diversify their portfolios. In addition, investing in trees through firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil, means that investors only need as little as $10,000 to buy their own slice of timberland.

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 New Support for Canadian Impact Investing

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AAA, an alternative investment advocacy and research group, has lent its support to the TMX Group in Canada, which has announced a commitment to contributing to the development of the impact investing market in the country.

Boston, MA, USA, August 3, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), an alternative investment advocacy and research group, has lent its support to the TMX Group in Canada, which has announced a commitment to contributing to the development of the impact investing market in the country.

TMX Group is officially supporting MaRS Centre for Impact Investing (‘the Centre’), which has been created to try to promote and initiate impact investing programs. The programs that will be launched by the Centre are all about mobilizing cash to help fund projects that are beneficial on either a social or environmental level.

The existing impact investment market in Canada is worth an estimated CA$2 billion and is expected to increase to CA$30 billion within the coming ten years as more and more investors look for ways to ensure their money goes towards ethical and responsible causes. The MaRS project will work by finding ways to match investment with projects that could help social or economic causes, but that could also generate returns for the investors.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “Many people may presume that impact investors see little return on their investment. However, more and more ethical investment projects are generating healthy returns due to the fact that there are an enormous number of opportunities to help people in developing countries to make money by starting their own enterprises.”

The TMX Group’s Vice president, Ronald Alepia, said, “TMX Group is pleased to support corporate social innovation in partnership with the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing.”

“The MaRS Centre for Impact Investing is the right institution with which to develop this transformative new opportunity for Canada. We’ve been active with the Centre from its inception and look forward to a long and productive partnership,” he added.

AAA supports ethical investments of all kinds, including investment in sustainable forestry plantation projects, such as those run in Brazil by firms like Greenwood Management.

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: Alternative Investors Looking Outside Europe for REITs

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Alternative investors are ploughing money into South Africa’s property sector, according to recent reports. AAA claims that regions outside of Europe are receiving more interest and are great options for investing in real estate.

Boston, MA, USA, August 2, 2012 — Alternative investors are ploughing money into South Africa’s property sector, according to recent reports. Alternative Asset Analysis claims that regions outside of Europe are receiving more interest and are great options for investing in real estate.

A new report from JSE Property index shows that the amount of investment in south Africa’s property market is up by around 14.5 per cent with cash coming from both individual investors and institutional investors.

“It’s not just wealthy individuals who are investing in alternatives such as real estate any more,“ explained Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner. “Pension funds and other institutional investors are now also picking up on the fact that alternatives offer some major benefits by way of diversification and low correlation with equity markets.”

Real Estate Investment trusts (REITs) managers in South Africa are feeling very positive about the future, according to Growth Point Properties. Its executive director, Estienne de Klerk, said that most REIT managers claim that the asset class will grow over the coming two years.

Mr Johnson stated, “It’s easy to see why people would prefer to put their cash into something more tangible after the economic collapse. More and more people are looking for alternatives to stocks and bonds, which they have seen lose value overnight.”

AAA supports a wide range of alternative investments, but is most keen to advocate investment in ethical and environmentally responsible causes, such as sustainable forestry and impact investment funds. Firms such as Greenwood Management offer investors the opportunity to buy up their own section of sustainable plantation in Brazil, from as little as EUR 10,000.

“This type of direct investment in timberland that is managed sustainable can remove some of the pressure on native forests and provide a more environmentally friendly options for industries that use timber products and charcoal.”

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 Endorses Women Investing in Women

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AAA is supporting the Women Investing in Women Initiative as part of a widespread endorsement of impact investment options that support women in developing nations.

Boston, MA, August 01, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) is supporting the Women Investing in Women Initiative as part of a widespread endorsement of impact investment options that support women in developing nations.

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, claims that World Bank statistics show that if more women joined the labor force, the world’s GDP would improve. In addition, in regions including Africa and the Middle East, average household earnings would rise by up to a quarter if women had more opportunity to work.

“Investing in women isn’t about donating to charity, but is instead about investing in social enterprises and small businesses that will employ and educate women,” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson. he added that this comes with its own financial benefits to those investing, with returns being seen as soon as the enterprises are making cash.

The Calvert Foundation has launched the Women Investing in Women Initiative, which is hoping to raise $20 million to provide women in the US and developing countries with small business loans. The money is also needed to help them cover childcare and healthcare costs. The scheme is being aimed at women but men and institutional investors are also welcome to invest in the scheme.

“Anyone can invest through a regular broker to help women all over the world achieve their dreams, to education their children and help their families to thrive,” added Mr Johnson.

AAA support impact investing as well as other ethical investment options, such as timberland investment. Investing in timberland that is sustainably managed and growing non-native species in vulnerable regions is a great way to help reduce deforestation, according to AAA. “Another bonus, aside from the clear conscience that this type of investment affords you, is that returns on this asset class have regularly outperformed equities over the past decade or so,” 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

AAA Claims the Wealthy are Turning to Tangible Assets

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AAA claims that a growing number of wealthy investors are buying things like art, antiques and jewellery instead of stocks and bonds.

Boston, MA, July 31, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) claims that a growing number of wealthy investors are buying things like art, antiques and jewellery instead of stocks and bonds.

The alternative investment market has become even more ‘alternative’ according to AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group. Its analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, is backing a new report from Barclays Wealth Insights in the UK, which found that millionaires in Ireland now have 10 per cent of their wealth tied up in investments including antique furniture and fine art and jewellery.

The research found that a large percentage (73 per cent) of the wealthy people questioned in the report said they were finding it increasingly difficult to source secure investments. As a result, they are looking towards tangible items that have intrinsic value, as well as a value that can grow due to variable such as rarity, craftmanship, fashion and age.

Pat McCormack, the head of wealth management at Barclays, said, “Treasure may, if you’re lucky or very knowledgeable, give you a financial return, but buy something you enjoy and it will always give you an emotional return.”

“This report just goes to show how investors don’t need to just rely on stocks and shares to make money – in fact, there is a growing number of viable alternative investments to consider, such as art, antiques, precious metals, timberland and wine,” stated Mr Johnson.

AAA advocates the decision to invest in alternatives at a time when the equity markets are extremely volatile, thanks to the ongoing global economic slump. The group is particularly keen to promote ethical choices, such as impact investing and investing in sustainable forestry and timberland through firms like Greenwood Management, which operate sustainable plantations on non-native tree species in Brazil and Canada.

“Timberland offers investors a great diversifier for their investment portfolios,” 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

Florida and Turkey set to be Next Real Estate Hot Spots – AAA

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Investors looking to buy properties abroad as an investment should consider Florida and Turkey as they are likely to be among the next places to experience a boom and retain value, according to AAA’s Anthony Johnson.

Boston, MA, USA, July 31, 2012 — Investors looking to buy properties abroad as an investment should consider Florida and Turkey as they are likely to be among the next places to experience a boom and retain value, according to Alternative Asset Analysis’ Anthony Johnson.

These two countries will offer good value for money for investors, claims the advocacy group’s analysis partner. He said, “As far as grabbing a bargain in an up-and-coming region goes, investor could do worse than investing in Florida and Turkey real estate.”

AAA claims that a growing number of people are looking to buy up real estate as a form of alternative investment. This follows a period of economic slowdown, when investors lost huge amounts of money on the equity markets and are now looking for something tangible in return for their cash.”

Part of the reason that Turkey and Florida are proving to be real estate hot spots is the fact that investors are steering clear of the Eurozone at the moment. The US real estate market in general is improving and Florida has always been popular with people looking for second homes in the sun.

Alternative investment in general is proving increasingly popular, according to AAA, which supports a wide range of alternative investment options. Investing in real estate can be a great option for those who want to avoid tying money up in the volatile stocks and bonds markets.

Turkey and Florida, being popular tourist destinations, will often see their property process maintaining value when spots in similar destinations are seeing house process fall. “Investing in holiday spots can prove an intelligent choice as people will always want to buy property there,” added My Johnson.

AAA also advocates investing in forestry that is sustainably managed through projects run by firms like Greenwood Management, which operates sustainable plantations in Canada and Brazil.

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