Tag Archives: Alternative investment

Business

Ron Baron’s interest in Alternatives endorsed by AAA

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High profile investor and member of the Forbes 400, Ron Baron, recently shared his fondness for alternative investments with journalists from Forbes, in an interview that has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, January 25, 2013 – High profile investor and member of the Forbes 400, Ron Baron, recently shared his fondness for alternative investments with journalists from Forbes, in an interview that has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Ron Baron explained that his investment vehicle, Baron Capital Group, is upping its exposure to a range of alternative investments, including real estate investment trusts (REITs) and energy finds. He told Forbes that one of the real estate funds it started three years ago gained 40 per cent last year, with gains totalling 70 per cent over the three year period.

He talked about the possibility of expanding into new markets, where there is significant growth potential for commercial properties and hotels, for example. He told Forbes: “The United States there’s 5 million hotel rooms and 300 million people. In India there’s 160,000 hotel rooms, that’s like in Orlando. So what he’s got is he’s got this ability to go into these new markets.”

He added that he is interested mainly in investing in businesses that offer a long-term prospect of growth and that are well managed. AAA, which advocates ethical alternative investments, endorses this investment strategy. “Following the economic collapse, savvy investors are taking a more long-term view of things and are less interested in making a quick buck at any cost,” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

He added, “Investing in alternative has many benefits, from an ethical and sustainability port of view, there are more options. Meanwhile, alternatives also offer a means of diversifying an investment portfolio to protect against risk and offset the effects of inflation.”

AAA supports a range of alternative investment funds and also endorses investment in forestry and timberland that is managed sustainable, through firms like Greenwood Management. Greenwood runs sustainable forestry plantations in Brazil and Canada, rearing non-native fast-growing trees.

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: 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

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

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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

Investing in Brazil is a Great Long-term option, says AAA

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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, November 09, 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.

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

Business

Whisky can Outperform Traditional investments, claims AAA

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Whisky investment can deliver serious returns on investment, claims AAA.

Boston, MA, October 29, 2012 – Whisky investment can deliver serious returns on investment, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group is speaking out in favour of investing in high quality whisky after a report by bloggers at Barron’s came to the same conclusion. The bloggers spoke to representatives from whisky investment consultancy firms like Whisky Highland, who claim that some whiskies have outperformed asset classes like gold and diamonds in recent months and years.

AAA recommends focusing on limited editions from sought after distilleries and big names in the Scotch whisky world. An example of the returns possible from a relatively low initial outlay is the value increase on something like the Macallan Royal Marriage whisky. They were sold in April 2011 for £150 each and are already worth four times that amount.

“It’s not difficult to see the attraction of investing in whisky, largely due to the fact that you can have fun with it and learn how to make money from the asset class without breaking the bank, explained AAA’s Anthony Johnson. “We think whisky is a good place to start for people that want to turn towards alternative investments to diversify their portfolios,” he added.

A growing number of investors, from individuals to institutions, are turning towards alternatives in order to seek out something tangible in exchange for their money. Following the economic crisis, investors are far more wary of stocks and bonds as they have been known to loose value overnight. Alternative asset classes like fine wines and whiskies, art, precious metals, timberland and antiques are not as risky, but have, traditionally offered less scope for significant returns. “This is all changing, “ exclaimed Mr Johnson. “There are alternative asset classes, like whisky and timber investment via firms like Greenwood Management, that are delivering returns that far exceed average stocks and shares returns.”

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

Business

Whisky can Outperform Traditional investments, claims AAA

Leave a comment

Whisky investment can deliver serious returns on investment, claims AAA.

Boston, MA, October 29, 2012 – Whisky investment can deliver serious returns on investment, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group is speaking out in favour of investing in high quality whisky after a report by bloggers at Barron’s came to the same conclusion. The bloggers spoke to representatives from whisky investment consultancy firms like Whisky Highland, who claim that some whiskies have outperformed asset classes like gold and diamonds in recent months and years.

AAA recommends focusing on limited editions from sought after distilleries and big names in the Scotch whisky world. An example of the returns possible from a relatively low initial outlay is the value increase on something like the Macallan Royal Marriage whisky. They were sold in April 2011 for £150 each and are already worth four times that amount.

“It’s not difficult to see the attraction of investing in whisky, largely due to the fact that you can have fun with it and learn how to make money from the asset class without breaking the bank, explained AAA’s Anthony Johnson. “We think whisky is a good place to start for people that want to turn towards alternative investments to diversify their portfolios,” he added.

A growing number of investors, from individuals to institutions, are turning towards alternatives in order to seek out something tangible in exchange for their money. Following the economic crisis, investors are far more wary of stocks and bonds as they have been known to loose value overnight. Alternative asset classes like fine wines and whiskies, art, precious metals, timberland and antiques are not as risky, but have, traditionally offered less scope for significant returns. “This is all changing, “ exclaimed Mr Johnson. “There are alternative asset classes, like whisky and timber investment via firms like Greenwood Management, that are delivering returns that far exceed average stocks and shares returns.”

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

Business

Investors still not aware of alternative option, claims AAA

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A recent study claims that investors are still uncertain about market volatility but remain in the dark about alternative investments, which is disappointing, claims AAA.

Boston, MA, October 23, 2012 – A recent study claims that investors are still uncertain about market volatility but remain in the dark about alternative investments, which is disappointing, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The study was carried out by Natixis Global Asset Management and questioned more than 5,000 investors in 14 countries. It found that investors were generally more worried about the risk held within their portfolios and, therefore, took more and more notice of their advisers when making investment decisions. However, the study found that many investors are not realising the potential benefits of alternative investment as a tool for diversifying portfolios against risk.

Anthony Johnson of the alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, commented on the finding: “We think it’s a shame that investors are still missing out on the diversification opportunities offered by alternative asset classes like forestry, real estate, private equity and even precious metals and art.

“These kinds of alternatives are often less correlated with inflation and can grow in value when other, more traditional assets are seeing their values plummet.”

Forestry, for example, is being lauded as a great investment product as it offers flexibility for the investor, claims AAA. Anyone buying timberland has purchased growing trees that will continue to grow if timber prices are depressed. “Investors simply hang on to their investment and watch it physically grow if the market conditions aren’t right when they reach maturity,” added Johnson.

The study carried out by Natixis also found that fewer investors are confident that their investment portfolio will provide for them in retirement. In fact, the trend is more towards preserving capital than increasing returns. “This is even more of an argument for trying out alternative investment through companies like Greenwood Management that offer a risk-averse middle-term option that can protect portfolios form market crashes and the impact of changes in inflation,” concluded 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 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