Tag Archives: Greenwood Management

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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

FRA Welcomes Olympic Spotlight on Brazil

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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

Business

FRA Welcomes New of Major Russia-China Forestry Investment

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FRA has welcomed news that a fund jointly run in Russia and China is to invest some $200 million in a Russian forestry company.

Bainbridge Island, WA, September 27, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed news that a fund jointly run in Russia and China is to invest some $200 million in a Russian forestry company.

The deal has been struck off the back of an initiative launched at a summit intended to promote Asia-Pacific regional cooperation, from an economic perspective.

The deal involves an investment in Russia’s second-largest forestry products business, called Russia Forest Products, while the Chinese/Russian fund is simply called the Russia-China Investment Fund. The investment means that Russia Forest Products will now be able to produce forestry products with higher values and of better quality.

The forestry business is allowed to fell some 4.5 million cubic metres of timber each year and controlled some 6.4 million hectares of forests under a long-term lease deal.

The news that the investment has taken place was welcomed by FRA, which advocates investment in forestry management projects – particularly sustainable ones, such as the Greenwood Management plantations in Brazil and Canada. “Investing in sustainable forestry schemes is one of very best ways to ensure that you not only see a great return on your alternative investment, but that you can help to reduce deforestation in some of the most vulnerable regions of the world,” commented Peter Collins, the analysis partner at FRA.

The returns seen by forestry investors over the past decade or so are often better than the average returns for those investing in stocks and bonds. In addition, the plantation projects run by Greenwood Management can help to produce charcoal for the steel industry in Brazil, which helps steel firms avoid using charcoal produced by burning native timbers.

“Sustainability is the key to forestry investments and anyone considering investing in forestry should look for plantation schemes that are run on a cycle system, so that older trees are cut down when new trees are being planted,” added Mr Collins.

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

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

FRA welcomes The Campbell Group’s purchase of Australia timber

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A US timber investment manager is leading a buyout of a large amount of harvested timber in South Australia, in a move that has been welcomed by FRA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, September 04, 2012 – A US timber investment manager is leading a buyout of a large amount of harvested timber in South Australia, in a move that has been welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The research and analysis consultancy claims that the Campbell Group (TCG), a US-based investment management firm, is offering a good price for the timber that will be harvested in the region in the future.

South Australian government treasurer, Jack Snelling, said that the offer of the future timber investment attracted some very good offers from investors all over the world. Mr Snelling explained that although there were several good offers, TGC’s was the winner. He said, “TCG put forward the best proposal which included a very strong price.”

TCG controls some three million acres of timberland around the world, making it one of the world’s largest timber investment companies. Its chairman, John Gilleland, said that it would remain committed to safeguarding the forestry industry in South Australia. He said, “We are very pleased to have secured the rights to manage what is one of the highest-quality timber plantations in Australasia.”

The move underlines the ongoing demand for sustainably produced timber, according to FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. He said, “Here at FRA, we are keen to promote forestry investment – through buying up plantation land – to those who night be looking for a more tangible investment option in response to the economic crisis.”

FRA claims that investing in plantations that are managed by a forestry management company, like Greenwood Management, for example, is a good option for people who want to try out timberland investment. “Investing in managed plantations means investors get all the rewards and benefits of a low-risk asset class, without the hassle or cost of having to buy their own plot of forest and manage it themselves,” added Mr Collins.

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

Business

Now is the time to Invest in Brazil, claims AAA

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The analysts at alternative investment advocacy group AAA claim that this is the perfect time to invest in Brazil, with the economy still growing and major sporting events heading its way.

Boston, MA, September 04, 2012 – The analysts at alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) claim that this is the perfect time to invest in Brazil, with the economy still growing and major sporting events heading its way.

“There are a million and one ways to invest in Brazil and cash in on the country’s impressive growth,” claimed AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

He said that Brazil is having an exciting period, with the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup due to be hosted in Rio and elsewhere in 2014 and 2016. As a result of these major events. The country is investing considerable cash into improving its infrastructure – so construction is booming.

Real estate is certainly an asset class that’s worth considering, according to Mr Johnson. Inner cities and beach resorts are set to grow in popularity with tourists who will be flocking to Brazil to enjoy the sport. Rio, in particular is likely to invest huge amounts in improving accommodation over the coming years as the Olympic Committee rated the city very poorly for accommodation and infrastructure – suggesting that there is serious room for growth.

Steel is a booming industry ins response to major infrastructure expansion – including airport construction and expansion as well as bridges, railways and roads. “ the steel industry needs charcoal to operate, “claimed Mr Johnson. He added, “going back a few years, they would have got their charcoal form the native rainforests but this is now frowned upon by the authorities and plantation timber tends top be used instead.

As a result of this, AAA claims that investing in plantations, which are sustainably managed by firms like Greenwood Management, may be a wise move and could generate some very healthy returns for investors. “It’s also very low risk”, 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

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

FRA Welcomes Georgia Sustainability Ruling

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A new executive order signed by Gov. Nathan Deal in Georgia will ensure that the region’s forests are certified as ‘green’ in a move that has been praised by FRA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, August 23, 2012 – A new executive order signed by Gov. Nathan Deal in Georgia will ensure that the region’s forests are certified as ‘green’ in a move that has been praised by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The signing of the order is also intended to help the region boost the number of new buildings that are awarded LEED green building certification. The move will expand the definition of sustainable timber to include timber form forests certified under the American tree Farm System and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Until now, only buildings made from timber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council could be eligible for LEED green building certification under the US Green Building Council.

As well as being supported by FRA, which advocates sustainable forestry in all its forms, the move has also won praise from the Georgia Forestry Association. The Association’s president, Steve McWilliams, said, “The governor has taken what I think is quite a stand for thousands of private timberland owners in the state by saying that we’re not going to let our wood be devalued by a policy wherein the end result of the quality of the product that goes into the building is substantially the same.”

FRA agrees that timber from forestry that has been managed sustainably should always be used as a preference to timber that has been sourced from non-sustainable sources. It also agrees that sustainability should not just be limited to FSC certification and that green building policies should be opened up to allow for other accreditation systems, such as those held by many of Georgia’s forests.

“Sustainability should not just mean ‘FSC-accredited’”, stated FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. He added, “Any timber from forestry that is managed sustainable, through managed plantations such as those operated by Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada, for example, should be usable in green construction projects.

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

Business

Timber Prices Growing “Thanks to Asian Housing Boom”, says FRA

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Timber prices are increasing in the US because the demand for lumber continues to grow in Asia, according to FRA and research from the Claymore Beacon Global Timber Index.

Bainbridge Island, WA, August 22, 2012 – Timber prices are increasing in the US because the demand for lumber continues to grow in Asia, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA) and research from the Claymore Beacon Global Timber Index.

The figures show that log exports from the US to Asia increased by 5.2 per cent in the first three months of 2012 and analysts believed that the boost to demand came as a result of the booming global housing market.

“Growing economies, like China and India, are all hard at work building new homes for people increasingly moving into urban areas to take the newly created jobs in these regions,” explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. “Lumber is one of the main building materials used in these countries and they are shopping millions of tons of logs in form elsewhere to meet demand, which is great news for timber and forestry investors worldwide.”

An example of the house-building boom in China comes from the latest figures from Xinyuan Real Estate Company, which reported growth of 73.53 per cent for so far in 2012.

Now is a great time to invest in timberland, according to FRA and other forestry investment experts. The market for housing in the US is also looking to be improving, which will mean the domestic demand for timber logs will also increase over time.

“Timber is a great medium to long-term investment solution for those who want a low-risk portfolio,” stated Mr Collins.

Investing in forestry through sustainable plantation projects, such as those run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada, is a popular option. These plantations investment plans allow people to directly buy forestry land with as little as $10,000. The plantations are already in operation and the cyclical growing model means returns start to be seen by investors before their specific trees come to maturity.

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