Tag Archives: Alternative Asset Analysis

Business

Investing in Brazilian social housing can bring strong returns, claims AAA

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A new investment scheme that allows people to invest in social housing projects aimed at helping low-income families in Brazil get housed, has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, February 1, 2013 — A new investment scheme that allows people to invest in social housing projects aimed at helping low-income families in Brazil get housed, has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that investing in Brazilian social housing projects is not only an ethically sound option for your dollar or euro, but could also deliver some seriously strong returns.

“Those clever people at Emerald Knight have launched a scheme whereby individuals can invest in a social housing scheme to help meet the projected 12 million unit deficit in Brazilian housing come 2023,” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

The scheme is being welcomed by AAA, which claims that new housing is desperately needed in Brazil and that generating investment from foreign investors who are seeking an alternative and ethical asset class to help diversify their portfolio is a great way to fund such construction projects.

The scheme is part of the ‘Minha Casa, Minha Vida’ (My House, My Life) initiative, which was launched by the Brazilian government in 2009. The project hopes to build as many as three million homes over the coming five years. “Property supply in Brazil simply can’t keep up with demand, and on top of this, millions of families in Brazil already live in sub-standard housing. This is a great opportunity to invest in one of the fastest growing emerging economies in the world, and to help solve the country’s major housing deficit,” explained Emerald Knight’s director, James Howard.

The first stage of the investment scheme generated returns of 20 per cent for investors and a large percentage immediately signed up for the second stage of the investment, which has now reaches capacity. The minimum investment is around $30,000.

However, there are many alternatives, including investing in sustainable plantations in Brazil, which can generate great returns for investors as the timber is so in demand for use in the new housing projects. Firms like Greenwood Management run plantation projects that are easy to invest in and reap the benefits of the housing demand in the Latin American region.

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 Predicting Impact investment Growth

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AAA has welcomed a new report from JP Morgan and the Global Impact Investing Network, which claims that impact investing will grow by 12.5 per cent in 2013.

Boston, MA, January 12, 2013 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed a new report from JP Morgan and the Global Impact Investing Network, which claims that impact investing will grow by 12.5 per cent in 2013.

AAA said that news that impact investing will be increasingly popular, with total investments reaching as much as $9 billion this year, is great news for alternative investors everywhere. It added that social enterprises, small businesses, community projects and environmentally-responsible projects all over the globe are set to benefit from this extra interest in impact investing.

The report that outlined these predictions for the growth of impact investing was called the Perspectives and Progress report. It is based on the responses of 99 impact investors, responsible for some $10 million in capital. The experts said that although impact investment and ethical investing in general is gaining popularity, there is still a lack of high quality investment opportunities for those interested.

AAA supports alternative investments of all kinds, but focuses on endorsing responsible investments into asset classes, such as sustainable forestry and social enterprises. “We believe that responsible investing and generating a return are not mutually exclusive,” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

He added, “Investing in green projects, through firms like Greenwood Management, is easier than ever and we believe more responsible and sustainable opportunities will become available in the year to come.”

The Rockefeller Foundation and the UN Global Compact stated back in June 2012 that larger corporations and institutional investors were beginning to take impact investing more seriously. “We are all seeing an increasing number of wealthy individuals and corporations turning to philanthropy as a way to demonstrate their ethical stance following the economic crisis,” added Mr Johnson, who has years of fund management experience and has also written a wealth of online blogs advocating alternative investments as a way to diversify investment portfolios.

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

Business

US leads way for Commercial Property Investment, claims AAA

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The US is leading the way in the bid to attract commercial property investors, according to a report from Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE), which has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, January 8, 2013 — The US is leading the way in the bid to attract commercial property investors, according to a report from Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE), which has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The annual survey from AFIRE has found that four of the top five cities in the world for commercial property investment are in the US for the first time since the annual survey started in 2001. AAA claims that this suggests that the outlook for the US economy is perhaps even more positive than expected, with businesses keen to move into the country and commercial property deals increases reflecting this.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “Investing in real estate in US cities could bring very strong returns for those looking for alternative investments to balance their portfolios. Real estate, along with timberland, is a good medium to long-term investment prospect and can offer individuals with just a relatively small amount of cash to invest with a significant pension income, for example.”

New York was still number one in terms of commercial property investment, with London hanging on to the number 2 spot. However, numbers three, four and five were more of a surprise to investment experts, explained AAA.

San Francisco rose to third from fifth, followed by Washington DC, with Houston, Texas coming in at number five, despite not being ranked at all last year.

“Houston was a surprise to us,” James Fetgatter, the chief executive of AFIRE told Reuters. “San Francisco and Houston being in the top five global cities, it shows that this is where our people think the economy is going to revive. They believe these are where the drivers of the economy are going to be – in energy and tech.”

AAA advocates alternative investments, such as real estate investment and investment in timberland through sustainable models like those used by Greenwood Management in its Brazilian plantations.

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

UN’s praise of Chinese green investment welcomes by AAA

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UN leader, Ban Ki-moon, has praised the Chinese government for trying its best to invest in green energy sources, but added that developed countries should lead the way on the fight against climate change.

Boston, MA, USA, December 31, 2012 — UN leader, Ban Ki-moon, has praised the Chinese government for trying its best to invest in green energy sources, but added that developed countries should lead the way on the fight against climate change. The statement has attracted praise from Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), which endorses green investments at any level.

Speaking after the climate change conference in Doha on 4 December, the UN secretary general, stated, “The Chinese Government has been making smart investments with the aim of diversifying their energy sources to mitigate and adapt according to their own national government policies. This is highly commendable.”

He added that other growth countries, such as India, Brazil and South Africa, should also be doing their bit to ensure that they invest in green energy generation. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, explained that Brazil is already looking at green sources of energy and is supporting other eco-friendly moves like the REDD+ scheme to reduce deforestation.

“The Brazilian government is investing in things like sustainable timber plantations to help generate alternative energy sources and sources of charcoal, which is used in the booming steel industry in Brazil.”

Ban Ki-moon continued to speak about the climate change issue, stating that the developed world needs to lead the way in green investments, because, they have the most resources and modern technologies.

“Rich countries should take the lead and the U.S. should play a very important role,” he added.

AAA is an alternative investment advocacy group that encourages individuals to make ethical, alternative investment choices, choosing asset classes like sustainable timberland, agricultural land and green energy.

“Many people are looking for a different way to invest following the economic crash and the resulting stock market volatility,” added Mr Johnson. Timberland plantations, such as those run by Greenwood Management and other similar firms in Brazil can offer an ethical and profitable option.

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 says Sage survey shows growing interest in Social Enterprises

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AAA claims that the recent results of the Sage Nonprofit Insights grant management survey in the US shows that partnering with social enterprises can benefit non profit organisations.

Boston, MA, USA, December 24, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) claims that the recent results of the Sage Nonprofit Insights grant management survey in the US shows that partnering with social enterprises can benefit non profit organisations.

The survey found that 17 per cent of the US and Canadian nonprofits questioned were either currently partnering social enterprises or were planning to soon, while 32 per cent were not aware either way. Among those that are partnered with social enterprises, 90 per cent said that the partnership has been ‘very’ to ‘somewhat’ successful.

Although this is a positive sign for impact investment, there is still a problem with a lack of awareness about involvement in impact investing. Some 32 per cent of respondents had no idea if their organisation had sought to take part in impact investing.

Sage Nonprofit Solutions’ general manager and senior vice president, Krista Endsley, explained how social enterprises are starting to become more involved with the non profit sector in general. “The proliferation of social enterprise programs is moving many organizations into what is called a hybrid model of operation, where both a non profit and for-profit entity coexist in order to accomplish a social or environmental mission,” she said.

The researchers also found that 48 per cent said their organisation had sought the information they need to take part in a partnership with a social enterprise in the future.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said that the results of the survey showed that impact investing and social enterprise in general was being taken increasingly seriously. “Investing in ethical projects, such as community projects, education or environmentally-beneficial projects, like sustainable plantations, not only brings peace of mind to investors, but they also see healthy returns.”

AAA supports a range of alternative investment projects, such as the forestry investment scheme run by Greenwood Management in Brazil. The company operates sustainable plantations of teak and eucalyptus that can deliver healthy returns to investors over the medium to long-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

Business

AAA: Asian Real Estate Investments are Booming

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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

Business

AAA Welcomes KPMG’s Expansion of Alternative Investment Team

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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.

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

New Research into Impact investing endorsed by AAA

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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

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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.”

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

Impact Investing attracting more Fans, claims AAA

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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.

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