Tag Archives: alternatives

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

New Survey ‘Shows Alternatives are Becoming the Norm’, says AAA

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A recent survey that found that non-stock-based investments are proving more popular among US institutional investors, has been endorsed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Boston, Massachusetts, United States, October 05, 2012 – A recent survey that found that non-stock-based investments are proving more popular among US institutional investors, has been endorsed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that the results of the latest survey from Natixis Global Asset Management shows that more and more investors are turning to alternative investments due to the volatility of the stock and bond markets.

The survey questioned some 151 fund managers about their investing habits and found that 76 per cent said that investing in alternatives is an essential part of protecting their portfolio against risk. In addition, 73 per cent said they are critical in outperforming the general investment market.

“These results are among the most convincing we have seen in recent years and suggest that alternatives are quickly becoming the ‘norm’ among everyone from charities and pensions schemes to endowments and trusts,” claimed AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

Although, overall, stock markets have produced some more solid results this year, they are still vulnerable to major, sudden value losses in response to fluctuations in the economic conditions in countries like China and the US. As a result, many investors still see investing in asset classes like forestry, hedge funds, real estate and even gold, art and wine, as a lot less risky.

“It’s partly about getting something more tangible, with an intrinsic value, in exchange for your investment,” added Mr Johnson.

Of the managers surveyed in the Natixis study, some 88 per cent said they were satisfied with how their alternatives are performing. A huge 93 per cent said they would happily increase the amount invested in alternatives, or at least keep their investment level the same.

Forestry is a solid option for those looking at their first foray into alternative investment. Through firms like Greenwood Management, investors can own their own slice of plantation land with an initial investment of less than $20,000.

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

Business

AAA says Investment Managers are Ready to Try Alternatives

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A new survey has been praised by alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, for finding that 85 per cent of the investors were satisfied with the performance of their alternative investments.

Boston, MA, September 26, 2012 – A new survey by Natixis Global Asset Management has been praised by alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), for finding that 85 per cent of the investors were satisfied with the performance of their alternative investments.

Popular alternative investments such as silver, wine, art and gold are regularly outperforming bonds and equity investments as people diversify to protect their assets from a volatile stock market.

AAA recommends ethical investments, such as investing in sustainable forestry programs run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil, to protect against inflation while supporting green initiatives. Investments in these areas help to reduce deforestation and stimulate a green economy, while also supporting the local community by providing jobs.

Natixis Global Asset Management polled more than 150 managers and found that 76 per cent said that alternatives are essential in protecting against risk in the current climate. As stocks and currency investments struggle, 88 per cent of the managers said they were ‘satisfied’ with their alternative investments and a whopping 93 per cent even said that they would increase or maintain their current alternative bets if they had the chance to plan their year again.

With continued political instability in the Eurozone, investment managers need to think outside the box. John Hailer, president and chief executive of Natixis Global Asset Management in the Americas and Asia, said investors are ‘on edge’ and the poll found almost 75 per cent said that they have changed their approach to risk management over the past five years.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, says that investment in a commodity such as timber is much safer than speculating on stocks or property. “Timber investments have beaten inflation over the past 100 years by an average of 3.3 per cent.,” Mr Johnson said. “It’s out with the old and in with the new – green investments are the future.”

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 Forestry investment Advocate for Supporting Alternatives

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A recent article in The South African has attracted praise from (AAA for promoting the benefits of investing in timber.

Boston, MA, September 06, 2012 – A recent article in The South African has attracted praise from Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) for promoting the benefits of investing in timber.

The article was based around an interview with Graham Rowan of Wealth Invest, who asserted that money really does grow on trees if you invest in forestry and timberland in the right way. He said that timber was his favorite ‘green‘ investment and added that there are a few tips to acknowledge before taking the plunge, but that healthy returns are easy to come by.

Firstly, Mr Rowan points out that timber investment has beaten inflation over the past 100 years by an average of 3.3 per cent. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said that this is a particularly attractive trend during these times of high inflation and low interest rates of savings. He added that, depending on who you invest with, those interested in buying up forestry land can do so for a lot less money than in the past. For example, investments of less than $15,000 are needed to invest in the sustainable plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada.

Another factor to think about when considering forestry investment is the rate of growth for the species in your plantations or forestry project. The faster the growth, the quicker the returns and the less long-term the investment is. For those who want faster returns, investing in Acacia or eucalyptus is a good idea, for example. He also points out the location of the forests makes a difference on the speed at which they grow. He states: “UK forestry grows so slowly that you may find you are investing to benefit your grandchildren!”

Mr Rowan also recommends that investors look closely at any small print and check where they stand if they would like to exit the project early. Overall, though, he recommends forestry as a green investment option.

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

Business

UK Crack-down on Mis-sold Alternatives Supported by AAA

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News from the UK that its financial regulator is to clamp down on the mis-selling of alternative investments, has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, August 25, 2012 – News from the UK that its financial regulator is to clamp down on the mis-selling of alternative investments, has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that the crack-down on the mis-selling of products know as Unauthorised Collective Investment Schemes (UCIS). In the UK can only be a good thing for the alternative market in general.

“We are pleased to see that more is being done to protect those opting for alternative investments,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

“The more that can be done to stop unscrupulous businesses from putting the hard sell on investors, the better the reputation of the valid industry players.”

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the UK claims that the market for UCIS, which are products that are often worthless if the seller goes into administration, is worth around £2.5 billion. the funds invest is a wide variety of asset classes and when they are mis-sold, the reputation of these asset classes can fall.

Many of these products are not based in the UK and are therefore not included under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which reimburses investors should they lose cash because a company or bank collapsing.

A statement from the FSA said it was taking action because “of the high levels of unsuitable advice it has uncovered and the potential for customer detriment.

‘Examples include: pensioners being advised to invest all of their wealth in a single, illiquid UCIS with a view to generating income; and a customer being advised to borrow money to invest in UCIS and to service the debt with withdrawals from that investment.’

AAA advocates ethical and alternative investments, that are valid and sold the right way. Projects such as the managed forestry fund offered by Greenwood Management, for example, offer alternative investments from as little as $10,000.

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

Business

AAA advocates Pension Fund Investment in Alternatives

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US public pension funds have further increased their exposure to alternative investments, in a move welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, August 23, 2012 – US public pension funds have further increased their exposure to alternative investments, in a move welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that the pension funds are finding it increasingly difficult to raise enough cash as a result of low interest rates and poorly performing equity markets. “Off the back of these variables pension funds are investing billions in a whole range of alternatives asset classes,” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

The Wiltshire Trust Universe Comparison Service found that pension funds worth $1 billion or more had a median of 15 per cent of their portfolio of investments in alternatives as of June 2012. This is up a significant amount from the 9.2 per cent in the same month a year ago.

Although some critics claims that there are risks involved with alternative investment, AAA claims that this all depends of the kind of alternative one chooses. Forestry and timberland investment, for example, carry relatively low risks as investors are able to hang on to their asset (the trees they have bought or invested in) until they are the right size and until timber prices are high.

“Investing in timberland not only offers investors an ethical choice, which helps to reduce deforestation, but also provides a great choice for pension funds as timberland investment are a good medium-to long-term option.”

Investing directly in trees by buying up forest land can generate good returns if the trees are left to grow for a very long time before they are felled and sold as timber. However, investing directly through plantation projects, such as the one run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, can mean investors see returns much sooner. This is due to the cyclical planting and felling model used in the firm’s sustainable plantations.

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

Business

Survey shows more investors interested in Alternatives, claims AAA

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AAA has welcomed the results of a new survey that show an increase in the number of advisers offering alternative investments.

Boston, MA, August 04, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed the results of a new survey that show an increase in the number of advisers offering alternative investments.

The Elite Access Alternative Investment Survey, by Jackson National Life, was released earlier this week, and shows that 90 per cent of financial advisers said they plan to offer more alternative investment options to their clients in the coming 12 months.

The results, “showed an overwhelming increase in the expected use of alternatives to help offset market volatility and potentially improve portfolio diversification,” according to a statement from Jackson. The survey also found that many advisers want more guidance on how to leverage the alternative options they are offering.

In terms of the level of the increase in alternatives being offered, more than 50 per cent of the advisers questioned said that would up their supply of alternative investments by at least 15 per cent over the coming years, while a third said they would increase it by 20 per cent or more.

Jackson’s Executive Vice President, Clifford Jack, said, “The trend toward alternative asset classes among retail investors has been growing steadily for the past several years and this survey highlights the growing demand for new strategies.”

This reflects what AAA’s analysis partner Anthony Johnson has been saying. He claims that the appetite for alternatives has increased in light of the global economic crisis. “We are seeing more and more regular investors looking for a more tangible option, along with ones that have a low level of correlation with the stock and bonds markets.”

AAA supports a range of alternative investments, but advocates impact investing and forestry investment very actively. “Investing in timberland that is grown sustainably can deliver fantastic returns and is also a more ethical option for those who wish to make a positive difference with their investment choices,” added 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

Pensions are turning to Alternatives, claims AAA

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AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, is backing a report from Russell Investments, which claims that more and more institutional investors will be putting cash into alternative asset classes.

Boston, MA, June 21, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), an alternative investment advocacy group, is backing a report from Russell Investments, which claims that more and more institutional investors will be putting cash into alternative asset classes.

Russell’s researchers talked to 114 institutional investors about their investment plans and found that many of them had already opted for more exposure to alternatives. The report found that 22.4 per cent of the investment portfolios, which totalled $1.1 trillion in value, was invested in alternatives including private equity, hedge funds and real estate investment trusts. This totalled $246 million in value terms.

Russells said that the research indicated that alternatives would become more mainstream over the coming three years as more and more pension funds take their cash out of stocks and bonds and put it into alternative asset classes.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “it’s telling that so many pension funds and other institutional investors are moving towards alternatives.

“The general consensus among investors is that equity markets are still extremely volatile and many are steering clear of stocks and shares as a result.”

According to Russells, a third of the investors questioned said that the “current low return environment in traditional assets” were to blame for their move towards alternatives. AAA claims that alternative assets can deliver healthier returns than traditional assets and hold less risk.

“Those investing in timberland, for example, can hold onto their asset and just watch it grow if timber prices are down when their trees reach maturity. It’s hard to think of any traditional asset class that physically grows over time.”

AAA supports ethical investment projects and sustainable forestry plantations such as those run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil. “Investing in plantations is becoming more attractive as people are increasingly looking for tangible assets in exchange for their investments.”

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

Business

UK most investors keen on Alternatives claims AAA

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A new survey by Friends Provident, which has won the support of AAA, has discovered that investors in the UK are particularly keen to invest in alternative asset classes at the moment.

Boston, MA, May 15, 2012 – A new survey by Friends Provident, which has won the support of Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), has discovered that investors in the UK are particularly keen to invest in alternative asset classes at the moment.

AAA claims that the Friends Provident International (FPI) Investor Attitudes Report’s results reflect the growing trend for investing in collectibles and real estate instead of equities and other transitional investments.

The report found that nearly half (48 per cent) of the British investors questioned in the survey said that now was a good time to be investing in real estate. Among those surveyed in Hong Kong, however, real estate was towards the bottom of their list of asset classes at the moment – demonstrating how different investments are favored in different regions of the world.

The survey also found that UK investors were keen to put their cash in collectibles such as fine wines, classic cars, art and antiques. Some 40 per cent of those asked said that now was the time to invest in these asset classes.

Friends Provident Investments chief investment officer, Mark Versey, gave his response to the findings. He said, “Investors in the UK are displaying a more varied approach to what they consider as good investment strategies in the current economic climate compared to their peers overseas.

“Our survey uncovered a lack of appetite for long-term investments but showed that UK investors remain cautious in their outlook with almost a third keen to preserve their savings through risk free investments.”

AAA’s Anthony Johnson said they the appetite for alternative investments in the UK was a positive thing in response to the global economic crisis. He stated, “It’s not a surprise that those most affected by the downturn are now keen to get something tangible in exchange for their investments.”

AAA supports ethical investments, including sustainable forestry investment through firms like Greenwood Management which runs sustainable forestry 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

Business

Wheel Clamping ban October Deadline sheds light on Alternatives

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Vehicle clamping activity will become an offence in England and Wales from October this year, outlawing the clamping, towing and immobilising of vehicles without lawful authority.

Highgate, London, May 14, 2012 – Vehicle clamping activity will become an offence in England and Wales from October this year, outlawing the clamping, towing and immobilising of vehicles without lawful authority.

The move by the Government to outlaw the practice has been welcomed by members of the security sector who have been looking at developing alternative measures to the unpopular practice of car clamping.

Costas Constantino, from parking enforcement company, FlashPark, welcomed the move and lauded the politicians who drove the measure through.

He said, “We regard this as a step forward in the parking control world and an achievement by Lynne Featherstone MP who personally piloted the then Bill through the Parliamentary stages until it became an Act.”

Mr Constantino explained that the ban on wheel clamping would lend greater weight to parking charge notices and would also create jobs for parking monitoring staff.

“Shopping centres and retail parks and other larger organisations including colleges universities in the UK that relied on the practice to control unauthorised parking will have to hire additional security to direct traffic and to warn motorists of areas that are restricted,” he explained.

“The rest of the enforcement vacuum created by the ban will be filled by parking charge notices, which will be given more legal clout when the ban is implemented.”

Mr Constantino added that there will be tremendous scrutiny of the new measures being brought in, particularly relating to the use of automatic number plate recognition, but the use of security staff and highly-visible signage would prove very effective.

Until the ban comes into force in October, wheel clamping by licensed operatives will still be permitted in England and Wales, providing that the clampers hold an official licence from the Security Industry Authority.

Contact:
Costas Constantino
Vehicle Control Solutions Ltd
West Hill House
6 Swains Lane,
Highgate, London N6 6QS
0800 096 5757
pr@flashpark.co.uk
http://www.flashpark.co.uk