Tag Archives: investors

Brazil looks Set to Remain Popular with Investors, claims AAA

May 5, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business

Sustainability receiving Boost from Investors, claims FRA

May 3, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Forestry investors are helping to boost sustainability, claims FRA.

Seattle, United States, May 3, 2012 — Forestry investors are helping to boost sustainability, claims Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

FRA, along with a host of other experts, are claiming that the increased interest in alternative investments, and particularly ethical investments, is helping to boost the importance of sustainability around the globe.

A recent article in the Financial Times also highlighted how investment in sustainable real estate is also helping to boost the demand for green buildings, with more and more investors realising the benefit of putting their cash towards an ethical project.

“There’s no doubt that green investments are proving more popular these days, explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. He added, “Investors are largely disillusioned with the state of economy and the fact that the banks held all the power for so long.”

FRA claims that the tide is changing and that investors are increasingly looking at ways to contribute to a more sustainable way of living and investing.

Forestry investment is one of the areas that has attracted a huge amount of attention in recent years. Investing in sustainable timber plantations offers a lower-risk option for investors who are keen to make an impact with their cash. “Investing in timber is less risky as you don’t have to harvest and sell your timber when your trees reach maturity – you can always hang onto them and watch them continue to grow until the price is right,” explained Collins.

This, teamed with the fact that timber demand is soaring in emerging markets such as India, China and Brazil, means that prices are set to rise in the coming years. “Investing in timber grown in Canada or Brazil through firms like Greenwood Management offers a uniquely profitable and ethical choice that will help investors get a taste of green investments for as little as around $15,000,” concluded Mr Collins.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media 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

Dubai back on Real Estate Investors Wish-List, says AAA

April 26, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Just a few years after a price crash among properties in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), investors are starting to return to the country, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, April 26, 2012 — Just a few years after a price crash among properties in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), investors are starting to return to the country, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi is hoping to attract wealthy investors who may be looking for an alternative investment asset class to invest in. It wants to buy up UAE real estate with the funds raised through the commercial property fund. The fund is expected to effectively establish whether there is an appetite for these kinds of investments in the Middle East.

Although Dubai property values made a very high profile nose-dive a few years ago, investors are once again heading back to the UAE, with the hope of investing in a bargain and seeing values rise once more. The region is increasingly seen as a secure region surrounded in unrest and many Middle Eastern investors are thinking of moving their investments to Dubai as a result.

Real estate in general is growing in popularity among alternative investors, claims AAA, which advocates alternative investments of all kinds. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “The equity markets are highly volatile at the moment, and investors risk losing money overnight if they fall suddenly.”

He added, “This is leading to an increased interest in real estate and other alternative asset classes, such as forestry, social impact investing and precious metals.”

AAA claims that many of these asset classes are less correlated with equity markets, meaning they are less likely to drop in value when the economy takes further slides. They are also good diversifiers against risk.

AAA supports environmentally responsible projects and investments into sustainable forestry plantations and renewable energy projects. Firms like Greenwood Management, which runs plantations in Brazil, offer foreigners the chance to invest in timberland with a modest initial investment.

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

Business

Brazil is Attracting Alternative Investors, says AAA

April 14, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Brazil is attracting a huge amount of investment attention at the moment, claims AAA, who urges investors to consider the Latin American country as a place to make some cash.

Boston, MA, USA, April 14, 2012 — Brazil is attracting a huge amount of investment attention at the moment, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), who urges investors to consider the Latin American country as a place to make some cash.

A large number of people who had never before considered alternative investments are now taking a closer look at some possibilities in emerging economies, such as Brazil, China and India. “It’s not as easy as it once was to invest in stocks and shares and make your fortune in the US,” claims AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

“Instead, many of us are looking to alternative asset classes, such as real estate, forestry and impact investing in countries that are experiencing rapid economic growth.”

Brazil is set to host the Olympics in 2016 and the FIFA World Cup in 2014. Both of these events have ensured that the local steel industry is booming. AAA said that this has meant growth for the demand for sustainably produced charcoal.

Mr Johnson explained: “Measures have been taken to discourage the steel industry from using unsustainable timber in their charcoal. As a result, plantations, such as the one managed by Greenwood Management, are likely to see huge demand for their ethical products.”

Plantations, such as the ones managed by Greenwood, usually focus on fast-growing, hardy species that can be used in charcoal manufacture, furniture making and construction. AAA said that the demand for timber from sustainable sources is likely to increase further in the coming years as China and India continue to seek out raw materials.

Anyone interested in investing in Brazilian timber plantations can do so from as little as around $15,000. “AAA advocates ethical forestry investment as a way to make a difference while making money.

“Ensuring timber is grown using sustainable forestry management methods helps locals to safeguard the future of the industry for the next generation,” added Johnson.

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

Business

Bamboo could prove a Good Investment, says AAA

April 4, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Investors seeking a new, sustainable plantation investment could consider investing in fast-growing species like bamboo, explains AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, April 4, 2012 — Investors seeking a new, sustainable plantation investment could consider investing in fast-growing species like bamboo, explains Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Bamboo is being celebrated by many as a new ‘super material’ which can be grown quickly in plantations, which also help to absorb carbon from the atmosphere if managed sustainably. The mature plants are harvested, while others continue to grow in a sustainable cycle, which means there is always standing bamboo forests, always harvested bamboo to use in construction and always habitat for animals and forests for people to enjoy.

“This sustainable plantation model has proven successful as a means of providing an ongoing supply of materials, while helping to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

The real selling point of bamboo is that the material can be used as a hard alternative to timber, or can be used almost as a material or fibre in weaving or in garment making. It can also be eaten. There is said to be 1,500 uses for the material, which grows fast and helps people living in poorer counties to make a living.

The World Bamboo Organization’s president, Michael Abadia, explains, “From the field and the forest to the factory and the merchant, from the design studio to the laboratory, from the universities to those in political power, people are more and more aware of this potentially renewable resource.”

AAA, an ethical and alternative investment advocacy group, has long-been a supporter of sustainable forestry investment. Plantations of species like Eucalyptus and teak, run by firms like Greenwood Management, offer a great opportunity for investors who want to diversify their portfolios.

Now, it is adding bamboo to its list of recommended asset classes for very similar reasons. “Many of us are pulling away from traditional stocks and bonds, with our sights set firmly on ethical and environmentally-responsible asset classes instead,” stated Mr Johnson.

Media 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 New of Timber Future Price Hike

March 29, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

FRA has welcomed news that lumber prices in the US are rising off the back of a lack of credit in the lumber distribution industry.

Seattle, United States, March 29, 2012 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed news that lumber prices in the US are rising off the back of a lack of credit in the lumber distribution industry.

The research and analysis consultancy said that prices have risen 30 per cent in the past five months and that this was being prompted by distributors increasingly buying futures as a hedge in light of a lack of credit. They are finding it difficult to obtain the credit they need to buy lumber with cash, so they are resorting to futures.

Leonard Commodities analyst, Brian Leonard, told Reuters, “Distributors are having trouble buying lumber in the tight stocks environment and also they can’t get capital from banks so they’re buying futures.”

“This is great news for timber investors,” claimed FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, who added, “more and more people are looking to the timber industry as a possible asset class, due to its flexible nature and the fact is does not correlate closely with equities.”

Recent figures show interest in lumber futures is up 18 per cent since January, while spot lumber prices have also risen by 12 per cent so far this year.

Leonard explained the attraction of buying up futures: “One contract of lumber is now worth about $28,000 and you can own a futures contract for $2,100. They’re buying on margin, which is what the futures market is for.”

“I have customers who have a good 50 to 80 percent more volume in futures than they used to own,” he added.

FRA is a keen promoter of forestry investment and supports projects such as those run by firms like Greenwood Management, which runs plantations of non-native, fast-growing tress species and offer investors the chance to buy up section of plantation land. Greenwood runs its projects in Brazil and Canada and investors can start with as little as $10,000.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media 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

Buy Real estate in Brazil, says AAA

March 7, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

AAA is urging alternative investors to consider buying up real estate in Brazil, as it offers many opportunities for those who want to buy a tangible asset in a growth region.

Boston, MA, March 07, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) is urging alternative investors to consider buying up real estate in Brazil, as it offers many opportunities for those who want to buy a tangible asset in a growth region.

Brazil, being one of the largest countries in the world, is not short of space and beautiful property. The nation, AAA points out, has also enjoyed major economic growth in recent years, meaning that many in its population have new wealth and a new appetite for real estate as a result. “This is a great time to buy up property in Brazil,” claimed AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

He added, “There is an abundance of property in the coastal regions, and in Rio and Sao Paulo, that all offer a decent investment opportunity for anyone looking to diversify their investment portfolios with a tangible asset class that is less correlated with the equity markets.”

There are several steps that foreigners need to take before buying up Brazilian property, added AAA. These include getting hold of a Brazilian tax registration card, which can be obtained by joining a local Brazilian consulate and having documentation, such as birth certificates, translated into Portuguese. Mr Johnson also warns that it can take up to two months to establish a post office box in Brazil, which is necessary as the card will need to be posted there.

Using a local broker, who speaks English, can be useful to ensure you don’t miss an important element of the transaction process and can also help in sniffing out some of the best deals to be had, added Johnson.

AAA is an alternative investment advocacy group that supports alternative and ethical investments, including sustainable forestry projects in Brazil, such as those run by Greenwood Management. These projects allow foreigners to buy up sections of plantation land for 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

The Guardian and AAA back Oikocredit impact investment fund

March 6, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

A fund offering investors 2 per cent returns on ethical, socially responsible investment projects has won backing from The Guardian and AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, March 06, 2012 — A fund offering investors 2 per cent returns on ethical, socially responsible investment projects has won backing from The Guardian and Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The newspaper and the alternative investment advocacy group are both supporting the Oikocredit investment fund, which is based in the Netherlands and provides small loans to help people living in developing countries. A recent article in the broadsheet explained that Oikocredit was first launched as a faith-based fund back in 1975, but that its roots do not affect the investment decisions it makes.

The fund started off facilitating churches’ loans to marginalised people in developing countries. It now offers “life changing” loans to projects and people in countries including Uganda and the Ivory Coast. One of the projects it has helped is the Cocovico women’s market, which was set up in 2008 by a group of village women in order to help them sell their produce without paying the fees charged by other markets.

Investors can expect a modest annual return a well as the knowledge that their cash is helping to change lives of vulnerable people all over the world. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson said, “We fully support these kinds of small-scale loan projects in the developing world as the model has worked so well for so many people.”

“Many entrepreneurs and small businesses owners in less economically and politically sound countries have no access to finance at all, and therefore, their ideas and business often fall at the first hurdle. Impact investing project such as these truly create a win-win situation.”

AAA is an advocacy and research organisation that promotes ethical and alternative investments of many kinds. Not least investment in forestry as both a profitable and ethically sound option. An example is the sustainable plantation projects run by Greenwood Management in Brazil.

Media 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 urges Investors to seek out RISI Forestry Industry Report

March 1, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

FRA is urging those interested in alternative investments to get hold of a copy of the new RISI Global Tree Farm Economics Review.

Seattle, United States, March 01, 2012 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) is urging those interested in alternative investments to get hold of a copy of the new RISI Global Tree Farm Economics Review.

The review is a comprehensive look at the market for investing in sustainable plantation projects and other timber investment schemes all over the world.

The report looks at the various trends, economic and political factors that could impact the industry and investment returns for those with money in the industry.

FRA, which is a research and analysis consultancy, was keen to highlight the reports findings regarding China’s use of timber imports. The report confirms that China’s timber demand has increased in recent years and shows that the timber supply deficit in the country increased by 30 per cent in 2011 to 152 million cubic metres.

The figures show that China’s import of pulp, lumber, logs and woodchip reached record level last year.

“These figures are bound to cheer timber investors as they show that China’s demand for timber is ongoing and should provide a strong market for timber exports,” explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

The reports also reviewed the major timber producing countries of the world in terms of their performance for timber investors and also their general outlook. The report’s co-author, Robert Flynn stated, “The Review is specific enough to be useful, but broad enough to cover the very wide range of geographic and product variations in type of timber investment projects.”

The report also outlines the benefits and risks involved with timber investment in each of the included countries. FRA supports forestry investment schemes such as the sustainable plantation schemes run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, which help to reduce the pressure on native trees to provide charcoal and other timber products.

“We believe that investing in timber is a good bet in view of the growing demand for wood products in emerging economies,“ concluded Mr Collins.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

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

Business

Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI) Investor Lawsuit could end with $20million Settlement

February 22, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

A settlement in a lawsuit for certain investors in NYSE:CRI shares was proposed and all NYSE:CRI stockholders should contact the Shareholders Foundation.

San Diego, CA, USA (February 22, 2012) — The Shareholders Foundation announces that a settlement in a lawsuit filed on behalf of certain NYSE:CRI investors was proposed.

Investors who purchased Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI) shares, between March 16, 2005 through November 10, 2009, and investors who purchased prior to March 2005 and still hold any of those CRI shares have certain options and should contact the Shareholders Foundation at mail(at)shareholdersfoundation.com or call +1(858) 779 – 1554.

In November 2009 a lawsuit was filed by investors alleging Carter’s and certain of its officers and directors with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The plaintiffs alleged that Carter’s statements and filings between March 16, 2005 through November 10, 2009 were allegedly materially false and misleading.

In September 2011 the parties entered into mediation and in December 2011 a motion for preliminary approval of partial class settlement was filed. Pursuant to the proposed settlement several defendants agreed to pay $20million to end the lawsuit. The settlement still needs final approval by the judge.

Meanwhile certain directors at Carter’s, Inc. still face another lawsuit recently filed by a current long term investor in NYSE: CRI shares. The plaintiff alleges that between 2004 and 2009 former Executive Vice President of Sales at children’s clothing marketer Carter’s Inc. allegedly manipulated the amount of discounts Carter’s granted its largest wholesale customer in order to induce it to purchase greater quantities of Carter’s products. He allegedly then concealed his actions by persuading the customer to defer subtracting the discounts from payments until later financial reporting periods. The plaintiff claims that certain directors caused Carter’s Inc to publicly issue false financial results by improperly reporting millions of dollars in margin support payment to major wholesale customers in incorrect periods and as a result the defendants caused Carter’s to improperly recognize revenue on millions of dollars of product sold via wholesale customers.

Carter’s later had to restate its historical financial statements for the fiscal years 2004-2008 and in late 2010 the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged the former Executive Vice President of Sales of Carter’s, Inc for allegedly engaging in financial fraud and insider trading.

Those who purchased Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI), including those who purchased CRI shares as early as 2005 or 2004 and currently hold those NYSE CRI shares, have certain options and should contact the Shareholders Foundation.

Media Contact:
Trevor Allen
Shareholders Foundation, Inc.
3111 Camino Del Rio North
Suite 423
San Diego, CA 92108
Tel: +1-(858)-779-1554
E-Mail: mail@shareholdersfoundation.com
Web: http://www.shareholdersfoundation.com