Tag Archives: alternative investments

Alexander Fleiss, Chairman of Rebellion Research, at Golden Networking’s HFT Conference Chicago 2013

Building off of the momentum of past conferences, Golden Networking brings back High-Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2013 Chicago, “Strategic and Tactical Insights for Investors, Speed Traders, Brokers and Exchanges”, October 8, at UBS Conference Center.

New York City, NY, USA (October 4, 2013) — Alexander Fleiss, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Rebellion Research, will be among other high-profile panelists at Golden Networking’s High-Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2013 Chicago, “Strategic and Tactical Insights for Investors, Speed Traders, Brokers and Exchanges” (http://www.HFTLeadersForum.com), forum that will provide investors and speed traders on October 8 with the most up-to-date review of where this ever-changing industry stands through an inspiring keynote speeches and thought-provoking panels with leaders in the field.

Rebellion Research is a global macro hedge fund and financial advisory that invests across all asset classes and is based in New York. Mr. Fleiss also oversees the firm’s institutional research division, Rebellion Economics, which offers coverage of 44 countries.

Mr. Fleiss has been featured on Fox News, BusinessWeek, Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Journal. Prior to co-founding Rebellion Research in 2007, Mr. Fleiss served as a Principal at KMF Partners LP, a long-short US equity fund. While at KMF, he was primarily responsible for investments in the financial service, technology and consumer industries.

Mr. Fleiss began his investment career as an analyst for Sloate, Weisman, Murray & Co which was acquired by Neuberger Berman. Mr. Fleiss developed investment algorithms. Mr. Fleiss received a BA Degree from Amherst College.

High-Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2013 (http://www.HFTLeadersForum.com), “Strategic and Tactical Insights for Investors, Speed Traders, Brokers and Exchanges” will bring insights for investors and speed traders who need to protect and refine their competitive advantage in a world dominated by algorithmic and high-frequency trading. Recognized practitioners, regulators, experts, and strategists will return to High-Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2013 to provide attendees with the information they are looking for in an open and unbiased environment, highly conducive to the most efficient and effective networking.

High-Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2013 Chicago is produced by Golden Networking (http://www.goldennetworking.net), the premier networking community for business executives, entrepreneurs and investors. Panelists, speakers and sponsors are invited to contact Golden Networking by sending an email to information@goldennetworking.net.

Media Contact:
Julia Petrova
Media Relations Coordinator
Golden Networking
+1-414-FORUMS0
jpetrova@goldennetworking.net
http://www.goldennetworking.net

Chasing Alternative Investments Risk-Adjusted Alpha at Tech2Trade’s Hedge Funds Leaders Forum 2013

Golden Networking brings Tech2Trade Expo 2013 (www.Tech2TradeExpo.com), World’s Most Influential Alternative Investments Conference Series, now incorporating Hedge Funds Leaders Forum 2013, “Getting Ready to Manage $5 Trillion by 2016,” New York City, London, Chicago, Singapore and Frankfurt (www.HedgeFundsLeadersForum.com).

New York City, NY, USA (June 25, 2013) — As hedge funds have matured as an alternative asset class they have been increasingly embraced by institutional investors of all sizes, as well as high net worth investors, Tim Ng, Managing Director, Clearbrook Global Advisors, says. Their very success or perceived non-success may also be creating confusion for some investors. This issue is more important than ever before due to the changing landscape of hedge fund investing that has shifted from predominantly an asset class filled with high net worth investors, to now being dominated by major institutional investors.

The growing dependence on hedge fund returns by institutional investors to provide alpha and downside risk mitigation versus traditional long only assets makes it more important than ever to properly identify, understand and employ the proper hedge fund to meet the specific return, risk and liquidity objectives of the institutional investors. Over many years and now decades, we believe that hedge funds have been a misunderstood asset class due to investors and advisors alike grouping hedge funds into a single melting pot and believing any hedge fund should be able to accomplish what the client needs.

Institutional investors today are confronted with achieving acceptable rates of return and the need to mitigate downside risk. Pension funds in this low interest rate environment are seeing their underfunding status worsen, and endowments are needing to find other means with which to meet their annual spending needs. Therefore, Ng says, it is important for institutions to ferret out and employ investments that can meet their targeted rates of return without taking on an inordinate amount of risk. The choice of the appropriate hedge fund to either provide risk/adjusted alpha versus equities or a moderate fixed income like return can help institutions to reduce their volatility and enhance returns over time. Lower volatility and smaller potential portfolio draw-downs lead to a greater wealth effect and compounding of return for the institution.

The consistent compounding of returns will permit institutions to better meet their liabilities and spending needs, as hundreds of the most important players in alternative investments in the world will find out at Tech2Trade Expo 2013’s Hedge Funds Leaders Forum 2013 (http://www.HedgeFundsLeadersForum.com), “Getting Ready to Manage $5 Trillion by 2016”, this July 30 in New York City, September 18 in London., October 8 in Chicago, October 24 in Singapore and November 21 in Frankfurt. A virtual who’s who will soon follow as one legendary manager after another will take the stage. Billions of investable assets will be represented by influential local and international investors who will listen with rapt attention as star managers and analysts discuss and debate the biggest issues facing the industry today.

Hedge Funds Leaders Forum 2013, co-located with High Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2013 and Derivatives Trading Forum 2013, is produced by Golden Networking (http://www.goldennetworking.net), the premier networking community for business executives, entrepreneurs and investors. Panelists, speakers and sponsors are invited to download our Information Package or contact Golden Networking directly by calling +1-414-FORUMS0 or sending an email to information@goldennetworking.net.

Media Contact:
Julia Petrova
Media Relations Coordinator
Golden Networking
+1-414-FORUMS0
jpetrova@goldennetworking.net
http://www.goldennetworking.net

Tech2Trade’s Hedge Funds Leaders Forum 2013 in New York, London, Chicago, Singapore and Frankfurt

Golden Networking brings Tech2Trade Expo 2013 (www.Tech2TradeExpo.com), World’s Most Influential Alternative Investments Conference Series, now incorporating Hedge Funds Leaders Forum 2013, “Getting Ready to Manage $5 Trillion by 2016,” New York City, London, Chicago, Singapore and Frankfurt (www.HedgeFundsLeadersForum.com).

New York City, NY, USA (June 3, 2013) — Global assets invested with hedge fund firms could rise from today’s record $2.1 trillion to more than $5 trillion by 2016, according to a survey from Citi Prime Finance. The study found that pension funds, endowments, foundations and other institutional investors are increasingly embracing the risk management and diversification that hedge funds offer, and that hedge funds are developing new products that compete with traditional, long-only managers.

Indeed, the potential for institutional investors to increase allocations to hedge fund strategies by $1.0 trillion in order to better insulate against risk and to help ensure more diversified portfolios is there. Equally relevant, the survey revealed a “convergence zone,” in which hedge funds and traditional asset managers will increasingly compete head-to-head to offer a broad set of equity and credit strategies. There could be an additional $2.0 trillion in new allocations to hedge fund firms in the form of regulated alternatives and long-only products. Supporting this, mature hedge fund firms are leveraging their infrastructures and resources towards creating the offerings investors will demand.

How can your firm take advantage of these structural trends impacting the alternative investments industry? How to successfully face the new post-crisis legal and regulatory challenges? How to manage the exploding data requests from investors and regulators? How to identify opportunities in frontier markets? Which other opportunities can be exploited to offer investors positive alpha at all times? Finally, how can you position yourself to capture the significant asset inflows in the next years?

Hundreds of the most important players in alternative investments in the world will gather for all-star agendas at Tech2Trade Expo 2013‘s Hedge Funds Leaders Forum 2013 (http://www.HedgeFundsLeadersForum.com), “Getting Ready to Manage $5 Trillion by 2016”, this July 30 in New York City, September 18 in London., October 8 in Chicago, October 24 in Singapore and November 21 in Frankfurt. A virtual who’s who will soon follow as one legendary manager after another will take the stage. Billions of investable assets will be represented by influential local and international investors who will listen with rapt attention as star managers and analysts discuss and debate the biggest issues facing the industry today.

Hedge Funds Leaders Forum 2013, co-located with High Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2013 and Derivatives Trading Forum 2013, is produced by Golden Networking (http://www.goldennetworking.net), the premier networking community for business executives, entrepreneurs and investors. Panelists, speakers and sponsors are invited to download our Information Package or contact Golden Networking directly by calling +1-414-FORUMS0 or sending an email to info@goldennetworking.net.

Media Contact:
Julia Petrova
Media Relations Coordinator
Golden Networking
+1-414-FORUMS0
jpetrova@goldennetworking.net
http://www.goldennetworking.net

Fiscal Cliff Follow-up at the Biggest and First Hedge Fund Networking of 2013 in New York City on January 8

Hedge Fund, Alternative Investments, Private Equity, High-Frequency, Algorithmic and Proprietary Trading Managers, Investors, Executives and Professionals From the Most Prestigious Firms Getting Together for Networking and Cocktails at Golden Networking’s Hedge Funds Happy Hour, January 8.

New York City, NY, USA (January 3, 2013) — The first day of the year, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill undoing tax increases for more than 99% of households, providing a temporary victory to President Obama and Democrats as Republicans vowed to fight them in the upcoming months for spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt ceiling. What will be the impact of the fiscal cliff debate resolution on the hedge fund industry and the economy in general?

Golden Networking is inviting hedge fund managers and investors to discuss this impact in its first Hedge Funds Happy Hour (http://www.hfhappyhour.com) on Tuesday, January 8, from 6PM-9PM, at Midtown East’s Prime 333. Prospective attendees are suggested to come prepared not only with their pockets filled with business cards to exchange with fellows attendees but also with the best spirit to enjoy the most upscale networking. Hedge fund professionals can register for free at http://hfhappyhour.eventbrite.com.

Hedge Funds Happy Hour will celebrate the market-beating returns of hedge fund superstars, those that shine far and above an industry with nearly 8,000 participants (and rising). The top decile of managers has served up returns of over 30% in the past year 2012, according to Hedge Fund Research. But a third have lost money, including some of the stars of yesteryear: John Paulson, celebrated as an investment wizard in 2007 for having foreseen America’s housing bubble, reportedly saw his flagship fund lose 17% in the first ten months of 2012, after a 51% fall in 2011.

Golden Networking’s Hedge Funds Happy Hour (http://www.hfhappyhour.com) networking receptions have become popular among executives and professionals with a focus on alternative investments. Hedge Funds Happy Hour is produced by Golden Networking (http://www.goldennetworking.net), the premier networking community for business executives, entrepreneurs and investors. Panelists, speakers and sponsors are invited to contact Golden Networking by sending an email to info@goldennetworking.net.

Media Contact:
Julia Petrova
Media Relations Coordinator
Golden Networking
1-414-FORUMS0
jpetrova@goldennetworking.net
http://www.goldennetworking.net

Alternative investments ‘are becoming Mainstream’ – AAA

A recent report in Financial Adviser Magazine claims that alternative investments are fast-becoming a mainstream option for those who are looking to diversify their portfolios, in a claim welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, December 12, 2012 – A recent report in Financial Adviser Magazine claims that alternative investments are fast-becoming a mainstream option for those who are looking to diversify their portfolios, in a claim welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group underlined the claim from Rick Lake of Lake Partners in Connecticut, who told FA-Mag.com, “Because of the democratization of alternative investments, barriers are falling. Alternative mutual funds are the new and better mousetrap due to liquidity, transparency, lower costs and regulation.”

AAA added that a survey by Cogent Research backs this view. It found that three quarter of the financial advisers questioned said they use alternative asset classes, with the majority (78 per cent) opting for mutual funds. The next most popular alternative option for financial advisers was exchange traded funds (ETFs), which proved popular with 58 per cent.

FA-mag.com said that the recent increase in popularity of alternatives is largely to do with the risks involved in investing in stocks and shares. Despite the slow recovery of the US economy, the stock market is still extremely volatile and the same, of course, can be said for the European markets.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, claims that people are less willing to risk their cash on the stock markets these days and many would often prefer to take something tangible in exchange for their cash. Something with real, intrinsic value, like commodities such as timber, gas and oil. “With demand for these commodities increasing all the time, especially in developing countries, the prices are staying high and it’s hard to imagine them plummeting like stock prices can,” stated Mr Johnson.

AAA supports a range of alternative investments, but is particularly keen to promote ethical and socially responsible projects, including sustainable forestry investment through firms like Greenwood Management, which operated plantations in Brazil.

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 Alternatives becoming more Mainstream with Individuals

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

AAA welcomes Allianz move towards Alternative Investments

The news that Europe’s largest insurer is increasing its investment in alternatives has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, November 23, 2012 – The news that Europe’s largest insurer is increasing its investment in alternatives has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Allianz claims that its traditional investments are delivering very low yields at the moment, and it is hoping that doubling its exposure to alternatives will help to offset the effects of this.

Currently, Allianz’s investment portfolio totals some $400.8 billion, which, according to AAA, are invested almost entirely in fixed income securities, which have suffered as a result of the financial crisis, with yields falling significantly. “This has happened to a large number of traditional asset classes since the economic crisis,” explained Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner.

He added, “It’s no longer just individuals that are looking to invest more in alternatives, but institutional investors are also increasing their exposure to alternatives to try to reduce the risk in their portfolios.”

Maximilian Zimmerer, a board member at Allianz spoke to the Financial Times about the issue. He said that Allianz will continue to invest in private equity but will also aim to increase its exposure to infrastructure and real estate property loans, for example.

The move from investing in real estate directly, to investing in property loans is the result of some predictions from Allianz that this area will see the most growth in the coming years. An article on the investment strategy from Invezz.com, explained, ‘A lengthy period of low returns has affected insurers’ ability to generate profits on their conventional investment portfolios while meeting promises to owners of products such as life assurance policies, which often guarantee fixed returns.’

AAA is an alternatives investment advocacy group that supports ethical and non-traditional asset classes, such as forestry and impact investing. “Investing in sustainable plantations though firms like Greenwood Management can produce better returns that most traditional investment,” claimed Mr Johnson.

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

AAA claims that Tangible Assets are Appealing to Investors

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.

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

Mall REITs could Grow in Popularity, claims AAA

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.”

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

FRA Welcomes Olympic Spotlight on Brazil

FRA has welcomed reports of a booming Brazil economy, as the Olympic flame is officially passed from London to Rio de Janeiro, the next host city of the Games.

Bainbridge Island, WA, September 28, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed reports of a booming Brazil economy, as the Olympic flame is officially passed from London to Rio de Janeiro, the next host city of the Games.

Stats from wire reports show that not only will the Games increase interest in the South American region, they will also highlight investment opportunities in Brazil.

FRA recommends sustainably managed timber plantations, such as those operated in Brazil by firms like Greenwood Management, to take advantage of not just the Brazilian economy but also the growing popularity of alternative investments.

Timber prices have beaten inflation consistently and small investments of around $10,000 can secure you a part of this booming industry. Greenwood manage the plantation and support the local community. As the population of Brazil become empowered by regular work, they are investing back in timber for homes and furniture. And Greenwood will start paying returns to investors as soon as money starts coming in from any mature trees on the entire plantation.

Reports show that 53 per cent of the Brazil population now classify as middle class and expect a higher standard of living than previously. The Presidential Office of Strategic Affairs report last month found that as many as 35 million Brazil nationals have climbed out of poverty over the last ten years.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said: “Alternative investments are a popular choice for those looking to diversify their portfolio and protect themselves from the Eurozone crisis and a volatile stock market.”

As well as the Olympics, Brazil also hosts the World Cup in 2014, providing more jobs for the community. The region is famed for its commodities and investments such as timber are bound to grow in popularity as the country comes under international spotlight over the next four years.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com