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AAA supports calls to make Impact investing easier

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AAA, an ethical and alternative investment advocacy group has spoken out to support a recent article in the UK’s Guardian newspaper, which called for social investing to be made easier for those who are not super-wealthy.

Boston, MA, February 15, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), an ethical and alternative investment advocacy group has spoken out to support a recent article in the UK’s Guardian newspaper, which called for social investing to be made easier for those who are not super-wealthy.

As the article claims, social investment is an attractive concept for most people, but those interested may find that they hit a brick wall when they try to find out how they can actually access a fund themselves.

Many of the investors in impact investing funds are charitable trusts and those who have large sums to invest through boutique, specialized means.

According to the Guardian article though, there are more option becoming available. An example is the Allia bond in the UK, which groups together investors’ contributions – some as small as £100 – and use to offer loans through a social housing provider with an AA rating.

Another option is an account-based option called Shared Interest, which takes the form of a financial cooperative that takes cash from investors and offers funding for fair-trade farming initiatives and other socially responsible projects.

AAA, which supports many kinds of impact investing, including both environmentally and socially responsible projects, thinks it could still be easier for the man on the street to put his savings into ethical investments.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, explained, “investing in ethical, alternative asset classes is becoming more and more mainstream, but there is still limited access for most of us who want to put out money where our mouth is, metaphorically speaking.”

AAA does point out that ethical investment can be easiest to achieve through sustainable forestry investment through projects, such as Greenwood Management‘s plantation in Brazil. “These offer individuals the chance to invest just £10,000 in exchange for a section of plantation land where fast-growing non-native timbers are grown,” explained Mr Johnson to UK–based investors.

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 says Timber demand from China could help US forestry industry

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FRA has welcomed the news that the demand for timber is on the up thanks to the increasing appetite for timber in China.

Bainbridge Island, WA, February 14, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed the news that the demand for timber is on the up thanks to the increasing appetite for timber in China.

Figures on timber harvesting in 2011 analysed by forestry economist, Gary Lettman, showed that harvests had picked up last year with the number of board feet harvested looking better than the past few years, which have been disappointing for the US forestry industry.

West Wood Productions Association’s CEO, Kevin Binam claims that demand in 2012 is going to improve, but is still cautious. He said, “There’s not anybody out there jumping for joy, saying it’s going to be a roaring good year, but everybody expects 2012 to be a little better than 2011.”

Many mills in the US are still running at around 80 per cent capacity, up from around 70 per cent last year in many cases. Industry insiders said they will be able to ‘ramp up’ production should demand increase even further from China and other emerging markets.

Exports of logs to China totalled 1.1 billion feet, up 108 per cent in the first ten months of last year, which indicates a major improvement in demand from the country. Binam said, “That’s been a big game changer for, not all the Western [US] mills, but certainly for some.”

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said that although the experts are remaining tight-lipped about the prospects in 2012, the increase in demand from China is great news for the industry, which has had a tough few years. He said “We expect this increase in demand to translate to higher timber prices, with investment in sustainable forestry plantations in developing countries still proving popular with Western investors.”

FRA is an analysis and research consultancy that specialises in forestry investment. It supports a range of sustainable projects in which people can invest, including Greenwood Management’s teak and eucalyptus plantations in Brazil.

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

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FRA highlights Money Morning article as a ‘Great place to start’

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A new report on the benefits of timber investment in Money Morning, has attracted attention and praise from FRA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, February 01, 2012 – A new report on the benefits of timber investment in Money Morning, has attracted attention and praise from Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The research and analysis consultancy has highlighted the article, written by investment writer Don Miller, as “A great place to start your research if are considering investing in forestry.”

Mr Miller lists the numerous benefits of opting for a timber investment, arguing that the option is a low-risk strategy with better returns than most, or even all, traditional asset classes. In fact, Mr Miller states, “Investing in timber has proven to be more profitable – and less risky – than any other asset class for almost 100 years.”

According to figures from The Campbell Group, cited in the article, timber returns have averaged 14 per cent each year between 1987 and 2010. In addition, the returns on timber are a lot less volatile than the returns on equity investments, according to the figures.

FRA supports the claim that timber investments are a good idea when the economy is struggling, as it holds its own while other asset classes falter. An example given my Mr Miller is that of the Great Depression, during which timber prices increased by 233 per cent, while stock market values tumbled by 70 per cent.

“Although the effect during the current downturn will not be felt quite as strongly as this, there are several features of timber investment that makes it attractive at times like these,” claimed Peter Collins, FRA’s analysis partner.

One of the best reasons for investing in timber is the lack of pressure on when the investment should be cashed in, Claims FRA. When the tree reaches maturity, if timber prices aren’t great, you can simply hang on in there and watch your asset grow even further. “Most timber-grade trees grow an average of per cent per year – which means that every year you don’t cut them down, they’re worth about eight per cent more,” explained Miller.

Firms like Greenwood Management offer great deals on timber investments, through plantation schemes in Brazil and Canada. Initial outlays needn’t be more than around $10,000 and investors will get a more diverse portfolio in exchange.

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 champions US real estate as alternative investment option

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A growing number of European investors could be turning to US real estate as an alternative investment this year, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, January 25, 2012 – A growing number of European investors could be turning to US real estate as an alternative investment this year, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The assertion comes in response to a report in the US about the popularity of US real estate among European investors who are growing less and less trusting of European assets. AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, said that it is easy to see why US real estate could be more attractive than European real estate at the moment, in light of the ongoing Eurozone crisis.

“Quite simply, Europeans are finding it difficult to hold any confidence in their joint currency and its value,” stated Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner. He added “if the worst should happen and the Euro collapses, so could several property markets, and the value of the currency itself of course.”

Economists in the US claim that Las Vegas is proving a particularly attractive option due to its ‘brand’. Jed Kolko, a property analyst working for Discovery Bay in California, told the Las Vegas Review Journal: “The United States in general looks like a safer investment bet than Europe.”

He added that property prices in Las Vegas have also dropped to very appealing levels in the past few years, with some having fallen by 60 per cent from their peak before the recession took hold.

Kolko added, “There are great deals in Las Vegas. San Francisco is also a global destination, but there aren’t great real estate deals like you have in Las Vegas. So it’s a combination of global destination and affordability,”

AAA supports all kinds of alternative investments, with emphasis on ethical schemes in developing countries. An example is the forestry plantation investment scheme run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, which gives investors the chance to buy up small sections of plantations, on which non-native managed forests are grown under a sustainable model.

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 Reforestation plan gets backing of FRA

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FRA has stated its support for a campaign in the UK to embark upon a major reforestation programme in Britain.

Bainbridge Island, WA, January 14, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has stated its support for a campaign in the UK to embark upon a major reforestation programme in Britain.

Our Forests is an organization that hopes to return the UK to the point it was at 1,000 years ago, in terms of the amount of land covered in forests. The plan is to increase forest coverage to 15 per cent of the land, from the current coverage of just under 10 per cent.

“We always support reforestation programmes,” claimed FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. “Increasing forest cover in the UK will help the country to reduce its carbon emissions through CO2 sequestration.”

Our Forests is a group set up in response to controversial and eventually scrapped plans by the UK government to sell off some of Britain’s forests to private buyers. The group and FRA, a research and analysis consultancy based in the US, claim that adding new forests to the UK will not only contribute to the cutting of carbon emissions but could also create community forests on the edges of towns, while jobs will also be created.

Our Forests is led by Dr Gabriel Hemery, who claims the forest cover in the UK should be returned to the levels recorded in the Domesday Book: “Getting all our woods working, so that they provide the wealth of renewable resources and rich variety of wildlife they are capable of supporting, is vital.”

FRA supports these kinds of reforestation projects in developing countries, such as Brazil, where new forests are being planted in order to try to undo some of the destruction caused by deforestation. Investment firms like Greenwood Management offer foreigners the chance to invest in these projects, which plant non-native plantations as an alternative to using native trees in timber and charcoal production.

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: Alternative Real Estate Worth Considering

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Reports that alternative property investment could become increasingly popular have been highlighted and welcomes by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Boston, MA, December 19, 2011 – Reports that alternative property investment could become increasingly popular have been highlighted and welcomes by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Many investors are still looking for safer places to put their cash aside from stock markets that are still feeling the pinch from continuing economic uncertainty. Alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, said that this has led more people to consider real estate as a possible asset class in which to invest.

Phil Clark of Kames Capital agrees, telling Property Wire: “My view is that 2012 will be every bit as challenging as 2011, however, there are still many good opportunities for property investors to make well informed decisions.” He is urging people to consider investing in property with an emphasis on lettings as the rental market continues to fly.

He explained, “In particular I believe investors should consider a greater exposure to alternative sectors such as residential property, student accommodation or healthcare property. One of the key attractions of these alternative sectors is they generally have a high income yield, an ability to track inflation and have low vacancy rates.”

The increase in rental demand is being particularly felt in the South East, where Clarke believes the need to own homes will reduce over the coming years. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson agreed, adding, “There is no doubt that the scarcity of mortgages is contributing to an influx in young, wealthy people who are looking to rent smart homes instead of buying.”

AAA supports interest in alternative asset classes as a means of diversifying investment portfolios against risk. It also supports ethical investments, such as forestry schemes where investors can buy up sections of forests in Brazil and elsewhere and sell the mature trees for timber within ten years or so. “Schemes such as the one operated by Greenwood Management in Brazil offer investors good rates of return , tax breaks and the peace of mind that only an ethical investment can generate,“ 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

Business

AAA welcomes Top Asset Manager’s Support for Alternative investments

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Praise from a high profile asset manager for alternative investments this week has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Boston, MA, November 16, 2011 – Praise from a high profile asset manager for alternative investments this week has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (MSSB) asset manager, Paul Hatch, has announced that the firm is upping its exposure to alternative assets in light of recent stock market problems. The company is the latest in a long line of asset managers and institutional investors to turn to alternatives, claims AAA, which advocates alternative and ethical investments.

Speaking at a recent Fund Forum ISA’s Global Fund Distribution Summit panel entitled Understanding What Customers Really Want, Hatch said that MSSB has a current exposure of just 4 per cent in alternatives, totalling some $60 billion. However, as head of investment strategy, Hatch added that the business would like to increase this to between 15 and 20 per cent to a total of up to $300 billion.

“This is a remarkable statement of intentions from a high profile asset manager,” stated AAA’s analysis partner Anthony Johnson. He added, “This kind of positivity towards alternative asset classes is a great thing for the market in general and will do wonders for the firms offering attractive investments, but are still struggling due to a lack of investor awareness.

Mr Hatch was keen to point out the benefits of diversifying a portfolio by increasing exposure to alternative, adding that these investments come in many different forms: “We include real estate, commodities, managed futures, macro strategies, and long/short products in that category. Alternatives is a broad range of classes.”

One of the more lucrative asset classes in recent years has been sustainable forestry, through schemes like those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil. Forestry returns have typically outperformed stock and shares over the past decade. Forestry investment is also an ethical option for the increasing number of investor who want to find environmentally and socially responsible projects to invest in.

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 claims expert comments reflect its views on forestry investment

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An investment expert’s predictions about forestry and farmland investment reflects opinions held by Forestry Research Associates (FRA), the research and analysis consultancy has claimed.

Bainbridge Island, WA, November 12, 2011 – An investment expert’s predictions about forestry and farmland investment reflects opinions held by Forestry Research Associates (FRA), the research and analysis consultancy has claimed.

Jeremy Grantham, who is considered to be a leading investor at GMO Asset Management, has predicted that forestry investment will continue to generate strong returns: “For those with a long horizon, I am sure well managed forestry and farmland will outperform the average of all global assets.”

The expert, who has been in the business for 40 years, is obviously keen to promote the advantages of this alternative asset at a time when traditional markets are looking vulnerable and far less attractive than they once were.

“Risk averse investors are steering well clear of traditional investments,” said FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins. He added, “It’s refreshing to hear a high profile investment expert speak so confidently about the potential returns available through forestry investment.”

FRA supports investment in sustainable forestry, through firms like Greenwood Management, which runs several plantations in Brazil in which individuals or institutions can invest upwards of EUR10,000.

FRA claims that forestry is a solid bet as it is far less affected by larger economic trends and timber prices have been on an upwards streak for many months thanks to rapid infrastructure and construction growth in Asia.

Mr Collins also added, “Investing in timber is also a safe bet from an ethical standpoint as sustainable forestry plantations and other similar projects are helping to provide countries like Brazil with alternatives for charcoal other than using native trees.”

FRA claims that investing in managed forestry can also help developing countries, such as Brazil, to thrive and begin to understand the value that can be gleaned from standing forests, as well as from timber.

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

Forest Owned by Brewery Wins FSC Re-certification

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The forest land owned by Asahi Breweries in Japan has once again retained its Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, reported Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Bainbridge Island, WA, November 10, 2011 – The forest land owned by Asahi Breweries in Japan has once again retained its Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, reported Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy that promotes sustainable approaches to forestry and forestry investments, has welcomed the reports from the Scientific Certification Systems, which re-certified the forests.

Asahi bought the Shobaru and Miyoshi forests during World War II as a means to safeguard its access to cork. However, the brewery group then set about producing high quality timber products from the forests by using the best forestry practices. As a result, the forests won FSC certification for the first time in 2001 and has managed to hold on to the certification ever since.

Dr. Robert J. Hrubes, Senior Vice President of SCS, said, “FSC “Asahi Breweries has demonstrated its commitment to preserving a valuable forest resource.”

He added, “FSC certification provides independent recognition of the company’s efforts to support its community and natural resources.”

The area certified covers some 1,169 hectares on which mainly cypress and cedar trees grow. The forest is operated with a policy of long-term rotation, which helps to ensure the sustainability of the forest.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, has spoken out to welcome the news of the re-certification, “Asahi Breweries forests are a great example of how forestry – if carried out sustainably and with responsible practices in mind – can be a lucrative and long-term investment option.”

For those interested in a shorter-term forestry investment with similarly strong ethical credentials, Greenwood Management has acres of fast-growing non-native plantations in Brazil.

These plantations can be invested in by anyone with as little as EUR 10,000 to spare and who is looking for an ethical, alternative investment option. Mr Collins added that the plantations help to provide alternatives to native timber for the production of charcoal for the booming Brazilian steel industry.

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 reports on ‘forests for food’ claims

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Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has reported on claims from the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) that the world’s forests can play a vital role in feeding those living in developing countries.

Bainbridge Island, WA, November 04, 2011 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has reported on claims from the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) that the world’s forests can play a vital role in feeding those living in developing countries.

Although forests undoubtedly provide industry with the essential raw materials it needs to develop and expand, forests are also important for feeding the world’s hungry, claims the CPF. It adds that policymakers and international development agencies need to bear this role in mind when planning how forests should be managed.

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN, which is an active member of the CPF agrees with the claims. Its Assistant Director General, Eduardo Rojas-Briales, stated, “Forests and trees on farms are a direct source of food and cash income for more than a billion of the world’s poorest people.

“They provide both staple foods and supplemental foods. To enhance these benefits, governments and development partners should increase investments in support of sustainable forest management and rehabilitation of degraded forest lands,” he added.

FRA, which is a research and analysis consultancy supporting sustainable forestry and forestry investment, lent its support for the call for the importance of forests in the feeding of the world’s poor, to be considered when forestry management policy is established. Its analysis partner, Peter Collins, stated, “We agree that important consideration should be given to the important role and standing forests and sustainable forestry management plays in the developing world.

“We believe in supporting projects that boost the volume of forest and in emerging economies, such as the plantation project run by Greenwood Management and other similar businesses in Brazil. These projects add to the country’s forested land and also help to prevent the deforestation of native forests,” added Mr Collins.

Agroforestry has been touted as a viable solution that allows forests to be managed for timber, while helping to provide crops and livestock for food. The World Agroforestry Center’s Director General, Tony Simons, explained, “Agroforestry provides a climate smart agriculture alternative that can increase food production and improve farmers’ incomes and living standards.”

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