Tag Archives: Alternative investment

AAA: Pension Fund Researchers Need To Take Time Over Alternatives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

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

AAA Endorses Women Investing in Women

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

AAA says Real estate sales increases are Good news for Alternative Investors

There has been some good news for those investing in real estate, in the form of stronger US property sales figures, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), an alternative investment advocacy group.

Boston, MA, July 05, 2012 – There has been some good news for those investing in real estate, in the form of stronger US property sales figures, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), an alternative investment advocacy group.

The National Association of Realtors has revealed that property sales had increased by over 10 per cent in April, compared with a year earlier. The Association added that sales could be up by as much as 13 per cent overall, by the end of the year.

Analysts believe that improving employment figures and falling mortgage costs are helping the industry get back on its feet, which means prices are rising. “This is great news for anyone who has invested in property over the past few years when prices were low,” claimed AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

“It is still a great time to buy homes in the US for investment purposes, as the market is bottoming out, which means the only way is up,” he added.

In fact, prices rose in 50 per cent of US cities in the first quarter of 2012 and this trend is expected to continue throughout the year. Mortgage rates have also fallen drastically. The average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage a year ago was 4.5 per cent, while is now stands at just 3.66 per cent, according to a Freddie Mac survey.

Anthony Johnson stated, “investing in real estate has become more popular among those who want to diversify their portfolios against risk. It’s understandable that people want something tangible to show for their investments – especially after the economic crisis.

“We also support investment in other alternative asset classes, such as timberland, through firms like Greenwood Management, which runs sustainable plantations of non-native trees species in Brazil.” AAA claims that investing in alternatives can offer a more ethical option than stocks and bonds.

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

AAA Urges Investors to Attend Cayman Islands Summit

AAA is calling for those interested in alternative investing to attend the ‘Innovation in Alternative Investments: Seeing What’s Next’ summit in the Cayman Islands on 1-2 November. The event is part of the Cayman Alternative Investment Summit.

Boston, MA, USA, July 5, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), an alternative investment advocacy group, is calling for those interested in alternative investing to attend the ‘Innovation in Alternative Investments: Seeing What’s Next’ summit in the Cayman Islands on 1-2 November. The event is part of the Cayman Alternative Investment Summit.

The summit is to take place at the Ritz-Carlton on Grand Cayman and delegates are expected to include a wide range of investors, academics and economists. They will attend in order to discuss ways in which a healthy alternative investment industry can be further established.

Sir Richard Branson, the founder of The Virgin Group, is to act as keynote speaker at the event, which comes at a time when the popularity of alternative investments is growing due to the volatility of stocks and bonds markets.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “Those attending this important summit will be able to contribute to the future of the industry – sharing ideas on how more can be done to bring alternatives into the mainstream.”

The Summit is being organized by Alternative Investment Research and is intended to bring together some of the best minds in the industry to examine how some of the challenges facing the industry can be dealt with.

Speaking to PR Newswire about the event, Sir Richard Branson said, “I am excited to be in the Cayman Islands for the Cayman Alternative Investment Summit.

“The event has a very impressive range of speakers from the alternative investment industry that will make for some very interesting discussions on the future of the industry.”

AAA supports a wide range of alternative investment routes, including ethical options such as forestry investment through firms like Greenwood Management, which operates plantations in Brazil, and impact investing. “We believe that ethical investment and making a healthy return are not mutually exclusive,” said Mr Johnson.

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

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

Capital Platform’s New Alternative Proposition attracts Praise from AAA

Capital Platform’s new alternative investment proposition for investors in the UK has attracted praise from AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, June 16, 2012 — Capital Platform’s new alternative investment proposition for investors in the UK has attracted praise from Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, said that the new offering from Capital Platform will help to further underline the validity of a range of alternative asset classes on offer today.

The new initiative is intended to help investors to research various alternative investment options, with regards to factors such as ethics, compliance and returns. The firm’s director Darren Beddard, explained, “Capital Platform has been designed as a trusted source to give independent financial advisers and wealth managers everything they need to best serve clients in their alternative investment strategies.

“It offers an innovative proposition designed to make life easier for product providers and IFAs/wealth managers by delivering a range of products and services where we do the hard work for them.”

AAA is a keen supporter of alternative investments of many kinds and is a particular backer of ethical and responsible investment options in emerging markets. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, explained, “Today’s volatile stock markets have resulted in a huge number of individuals and institutional investors setting their sites on alternative asset classes.”

AAA supports a range of projects, including impact investing projects in Africa and sustainable forestry investment plans in Brazil. “Funds such a those set up and operated by Greenwood Management, for example, help to detract pressure form natural resources that are highly vulnerable, such as the native Amazon rainforest,” added Mr Johnson.

Speaking about the new Capital Platform offering, Mr Beddard added, “Capital Platform currently offers more than 20 products from a range of providers on which we conduct extensive due diligence.

“Whether unregulated collective investment schemes, enterprise investment schemes or venture capital trusts, we ensure the products on the platform conform to FSA and Financial Services and Markets Act rules.”

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

Luxembourg’s AIFM sign-up welcomed by AAA

The news that Luxembourg will be the first market to implement the Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFM) Directive has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, May 29, 2012 – The news that Luxembourg will be the first market to implement the Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFM) Directive has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The country’s officials said that legislation’s introduction would be made imminently and that it was hoping that the law will be passed by the government in Luxembourg “by the end of the year”.

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, claims that the legislation will help to further improve the reputation of alternative investment products and asset classes at a time when more and more people are opting for these kinds of investments.

“It’s great news that Luxembourg is taking a serious approach to alternatives and that it is doing what’s necessary to ensure that investors can have as much confidence in the alternative investment market as it does in traditional investments,” stated Anthony Johnson.

A legal expert in Luxembourg, Jacque Levinger, told the Financial Times, “If implemented by the end of this year, it will give the industry around six months to fully comply. It is important all participants have time to understand how to comply.”

The legislation is set to increase fund managers’ ability to offer alternative asset classes to investors who may be wanting to diversify their portfolios. “This is very popular at the moment,” added Mr Johnson. “People know that equities are very volatile and are keen to invest in tangible assets such as precious metals, real estate and forestry to try to reduce the risk in their investment portfolio.”

AAA supports a range of alternative investments and is a particular advocate of ethical investment options that are socially and/or environmentally responsible. It supports forestry investment through firms like Greenwood Management that run sustainable plantation of non-native species of timber in Brazil, Canada and Costa Rica. Investment in these projects can cost anything from around EUR10,000.

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

AAA claims Alternative investment will be boosted by Euro elections

The latest news that election results in France and Greece reflected strong anti-austerity sentiment could lead the way for even more interest in alternative asset classes, claims AAA.

Boston, MA, May 09, 2012 – The latest news that election results in France and Greece reflected strong anti-austerity sentiment could lead the way for even more interest in alternative asset classes, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The weekend’s elections in France and Greece reflect the fact that the French are unhappy about the bail-outs delivered to Greece and other struggling EU nations. Meanwhile, the Greek election results showed that the Greek are equally unhappy about the austerity measures brought in by the outgoing leaders in exchange for the bailout cash.

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, explains that this ongoing uncertainty about what will happen next in the Eurozone, could lead to even greater demand for alternative investments.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “following a short period of relative calm in the Eurozone, these elections really couldn’t have come at a worse time.

“For those looking to invest, the anti-austerity sentiment will bring with it more concern about the volatility of the stock exchanges. This, in turn, will lead many to look to less traditional asset classes such as real estate, precious metals and timber.”

AAA claims that there is little doubt that the election results will cause increasing concern about the Eurozone debt crisis. This could lead to millions being wiped from equity markets overnight and open-minded investors will be sure to look elsewhere for long-term risk-averse investment strategies.

AAA supports a large range of alternative investments, but is keen to promote ethical options, such as impact investing and investing in sustainable forestry projects. “We believe that investing in forestry can have far-reaching benefits, such as helping to safeguard the future of the industry in developing countries for generations to come,” explained Mr Johnson.

The organization claims that projects run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil offer great investment opportunities as they are not closely correlated with equities and offer good long-term return on investment.

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

Brazil looks Set to Remain Popular with Investors, claims AAA

AAA said that Brazil is set to remain the focus of much of the world’s alternative investment attention in the coming years.

Boston, MA, USA, May 5, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis, (AAA) said that Brazil is set to remain the focus of much of the world’s alternative investment attention in the coming years.

The views from the Alternative investment advocacy organization reflect those expressed by HSBC Global Asset Management’s Pedro Bastos. He recently spoke at a briefing on the health of the region to investors in Malaysia.

He said that the country remained a “hub” for the creation of businesses. He added, “Among all emerging markets, Brazil has been the best performer for the last ten years, both in equities and fixed income.”

He added that the population of Brazil has become richer and more and more people from outside the country are starting to see it as a good prospect. This is particularly true for alternative investments in sustainable forestry through firms like Greenwood Management, added AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

Bastos told delegates: “Companies see Brazil as a major consumer market. We have an increasing middle class, which is about 55 per cent of the population. In the last ten years, personal income growth has been consistent at 4.5 to five per cent.”

Mr Johnson explained that the demand from inside Brazil for steel is exceptionally strong as the country is due to host the Football World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. In the meantime, the country is also going through some major growth and is improving its infrastructure as a result.

Steel is also very much in demand in other growing economies, such as India and China, explained Mr Johnson.

He explained “The steel industry needs charcoal and charcoal comes form timbers. Brazil has passed laws to try to prevent the industry taking charcoal form forests and, as a result, there is major demand for sustainable produced 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

Investing in whisky can pay off claims AAA

Although the wine investment market is going through a tough spell at the moment, investing in whisky could still be worth considering for those who want to turn a hobby into a money-spinner, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, May 3, 2012 — Although the wine investment market is going through a tough spell at the moment, investing in whisky could still be worth considering for those who want to turn a hobby into a money-spinner, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that there is money to be made from investing in rare Scotch and other whiskies, that could grow in value over the coming years. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, explained: “many of us are looking for a true alternative investment strategy, which will leave us clear to avoid dealing with stocks, shares banks and bonds. Whisky could be the answer.”

One of the major draws for whisky investors is rare one-off releases, such as John Walker and Sons Diamond Jubilee Whisky, which is priced at £100,000. Although this does come at a high price, the exclusivity of this asset could prove its winning characteristic in a few years time, claims Mr Johnson.

This is not based on rumour, but on fact. “The top-performing ten whiskies gained 400 per cent of their value between 2008 and 2011,” claimed Mr Johnson. Gains of 245 per cent were recorded for the top 100.

Some less expensive whiskies can also prove profitable and a little less risky, claimed AAA, which advocates a wide range of alternative investments. It added that single malts from producers like Macallan and Glenlivet can turn a good profit – particularly if you buy up some rare or older varieties, according to AAA.

As well as interest-based alternatives, like investing in art, wine, whisky, collectibles and real estate, AAA also promotes investing in forestry and timber. “Fast growing timber species, like teak and eucalyptus, can be grown rapidly and sold for a huge profit once the trees reach maturity,”explained Mr Johnson. Those interested in investing in such plantations can contact Greenwood Management about their sustainable projects 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

AAA claims Gold Prices could Rise to Record Levels

For all those who invested in gold in the past few months, their investment is paying off as gold prices have started to rise once more, says AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, April 21, 2012 — For all those who invested in gold in the past few months, their investment is paying off as gold prices have started to rise once more, says Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The price of gold is rising off the back of increasing panic in the Eurozone region. Gold is currently trading at around $1,700 per ounce, down from its record high of $1,900 last year, However, analysts, including Anthony Johnson of AAA, claim that gold prices could reach record levels once more in the coming years.

The view is echoed by analysts at Thomson Reuters who earlier this month predicted that gold prices could rise to a record $2,000 per ounce by early 2013 or even late 2012.

“All those who are looking for alternative investment to add to their portfolio should definitely consider precious metals, and particularly gold,” said Johnson, an analysis partner at AAA. The alternative investment advocacy group supports many kinds of alternative asset classes and promotes their value in diversifying portfolios for all kinds of investors.

Angelos Damaskos, who oversees the junior gold Fund in London told the website This Is Money: We believe this will continue to strengthen and even peak above the highs of last year, perhaps reaching $2,000.”

AAA says that investing in alternative asset classes, such as gold, art, timber, antiques and real estate, helps to spread risk in a portfolio. “Investors are increasingly looking to remove their cash from stocks and shares and invest it somewhere that is less volatile and not so tightly correlated with the general economic situation, “ explained Mr Johnson.

AAA supports investment in timber through plantation scheme like the one run by Greenwood Management and other businesses in Brazil, Costa Rica and Canada. “Timber is a less risky asset that continues to physically grow all the time.”

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