Tag Archives: Alternative Asset Analysis

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

November 14, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Investing in Locally Controlled Forests

November 2, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Investing in locally controlled forests could offer great returns and help communities in forested regions of developing countries to flourish and work themselves out of poverty, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, November 2, 2012 — Investing in locally controlled forests could offer great returns and help communities in forested regions of developing countries to flourish and work themselves out of poverty, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Following a report in The Guardian newspaper in the UK, which advocated the investing in locally controlled forests (ILCF) model, AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, spoke about the model. He stated, “We believe that encouraging investment in locally managed forests can benefit communities and help to prevent climate change.”

“Not only does investing in managed forests generate very good returns for alternative investors, increasing the amount given over to forestry also helps to absorb carbon dioxide and generate cash for local community, social and business projects.”

The investment model has so far involved dialogues with nine countries in four continents and has attracted funding from Growing Forest Partnership (GFP). The project also gets funding from the government of Sweden, which has a rich history of successful ILCF.

The G3 definition of ILCF is “The local right for forest owner families and communities to make decisions on commercial forest management and land use, with secure tenure rights, freedom of association and access to markets and technology.”

AAA said that they support this model for forestry management and investment and also support sustainable plantations in countries like Brazil. Businesses that run managed forestry projects, such as Greenwood Management, can help to provide alternative sources of timber and biomass, thus protecting local forests that might be targeted for timber products if these alternatives were not available.

Alternative investors are increasingly seeking ethical options, largely in response to the growing awareness of the benefits of impact investing. However, some investors are also simply keen to make wiser choices when deciding on an investment after the impact of the economic crisis and the controversies that surrounded this.

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

Brazil is fast becoming the go-to place for investors, claims AAA

October 26, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Despite slower economic growth than recent years, Brazil still offers investors some very attractive opportunities, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, October 26, 2012 — Despite slower economic growth than recent years, Brazil still offers investors some very attractive opportunities, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The fact that Brazil is now investing so heavily in transport and infrastructure ensures that investors from all over the world are interested in doing business in the Latin American country. Brazil is fast-emerging as one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has recently taken over from the UK as the sixth largest of the world’s economies. “things are really moving for Brazil and if you are looking to invest in somewhere that is on the up – Brazil is a good bet,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

Several specific projects are underway, which should attract investors interested in assets ranging from timberland to real estate. Firstly, there is the housing project that the Brazilian government is launching in order to build new, high quality homes for the millions of urban dwellers that have moved into Brazil’s cities. The government wants to get people out of the slum areas and into better houses. This will mean a greater demand for materials including steel and sustainable timber, “which is great news of those invested in Brazilian managed forestry,” added Mr Johnson.

Another major project that will please investors is the construction of the venues for the Rio Olympics in 2016 and the FIFA World Cup in 2014. As well as these venues, which will further increase demand for steel and timber, major road works are needed to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support the millions of extra people that will descend on Brazil’s cities during the events.

One of the transport solutions being mooted is the introduction of a bullet train service between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Reports claim that the project has attracted the attention of a raft of foreign investors, all keen to get involved in this major project.

“These are, without a doubt, exciting times for Brazil and investors who put their cash into this future superpower now will be making the right decision, in our opinion,” added Mr 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

Business

AAA claims that Tangible Assets are Appealing to Investors

October 20, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Vintage cars, art and wine are becoming an increasingly attractive type of asset class, according to AAA – who claims the volatile stock markets are driving people towards alternatives.

Boston, MA, USA, October 20, 2012 — Vintage cars, art and wine are becoming an increasingly attractive type of asset class, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) – who claims the volatile stock markets are driving people towards alternatives.

“These assets are starting to become increasingly popular among wealthy people who want to put their cash somewhere less risky and even enjoy their assets a little in the meantime,” explained Anthony Johnson, the analysis partner at the alternative investment advocacy group.

The temptation to buy assets such as these instead of putting cash in a savings account is also increasing, as a result of the falling interest rates being paid on savings. It is difficult for people to rely on the income from their savings these days as interest rates are often below inflation – which actually means their money is losing value over time, added AAA.

Mr Johnson said, “It seems that economists are agreed that low interest rates are set to stick around for a while and that savers will be losing out in the meantime.”

AAA is an advocacy group that promotes alternative investments and claims that more and more people want to see something tangible in return for their investments. This means that assets like art, wine, precious metals and timberland are growing in popularity. “Research shows that these asset classes can offer great returns and often outperform more traditional asset classes like stock, shares and bonds.”

AAA claims that forestry investment in particular can provide healthy returns on investment, especially in light of the current upturn in the US housing market and what that means for timber prices.

AAA endorses a range of timberland investment projects, such as the plantation projects managed by firms like Greenwood Management. These plantations, claims AAA, offer solid investment opportunities as they are located in Brazil, “which is a country very much on the up,” added Mr 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

Business

AAA welcomes news that Investors are interested in Tasmania Plantations

October 12, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, has announced that it is welcoming the news of potential buyers for plantations owned by a collapsed forestry firm in Tasmania.

Boston, MA, USA, October 12, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), an alternative investment advocacy group, has announced that it is welcoming the news of potential buyers for plantations owned by a collapsed forestry firm in Tasmania.

The 100,000 hectares of plantation space is thought to still be managed by the insolvent Tasmanian firm, called Gunns. The firm entered administration in late September and potential buyers for the plantation land, which could be very lucrative and attractive to investors, are being looked into by receiver KordaMentha.

There is already interest from clients of the New Forests investment fund in Sydney, manager David Brand has claimed. Brand stated that the price of the plantation land is still unclear, however, with prices ranging from a few hundreds Australian dollars to as much as A$8,0000 per hectare being mentioned.

He added that the value of the plantation that will be manageable under the new certification from the forestry Stewardship Council, which shows that the plantations are managed sustainably.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said that the news that FSC-certified plantations are more attractive and possibly more valuable than forests that are not managed sustainably is great news for the environment. “Not only is it good news from an environmental perspective, but it also means that sustainable management may become increasingly popular in countries like Brazil, where the future of the local communities can rely on the industry.”

The government of Tasmania is, in the meantime, hoping that an investor from china may pay up to A$2.3 billion for the pulp mill that was owned by Gunns.

The popularity of sustainable forestry as an alternative investment choice is growing all the time, claims AAA, which supports plantation projects like the ones operated by Greenwood Management in Brazil. These projects provide alternative timber products to those produced using native forests, which are vulnerable and extremely valuable from a ecological point of view.

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 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.”

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

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