UK most investors keen on Alternatives claims AAA

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

Romanian Real Estate Popular with Alternative Investors, says AAA

Alternative investors are turning their attention towards real estate in Romania and Bulgaria, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, May 12, 2012 — Alternative investors are turning their attention towards real estate in Romania and Bulgaria, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that real estate is still a popular alternative asset class to those who are shying away from equities while the economy remains volatile. In Europe, investors who were putting their cash into property in Ireland and Spain have now moved their investments to Bulgaria and Romania.

AAA is basing its analysis on a speech from Denise Hamer of Schoenherr Lawyers, who spoke at the recent IPD/Property Investor Europe (PIE) Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Conference. He talked about how the emphasis for investors has returned to Eastern Europe, where economies like Romania and Bulgaria are set to emerge as the better bets in terms of investment.

Mr Hamer said that it was an exciting time for real estate investor in these regions: “It’s going to be very dynamic and volatile, a very exciting investor atmosphere.”

Signs such as the news that a new shopping centre in Romania’s Ploisesti is already 70 per cent let, suggest that real estate is in demand in the former Eastern bloc country.

Returns could be particularly good on real estate assets bought in the capital Bucharest, which is slowly seeing tourism return and signs of prosperity emerge.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said that real estate and other alternative asset classes offer investors the chance to diversify their portfolios against risk. “These kinds of assets – including wine, art, timber, commodities and precious metals – are not as closely correlated with equities as other more traditional asset classes. As a result, when equity markets lose value, these asset classes hold their value.”

AAA particularly supports ethical investment opportunities, such as the forestry plantation projects that Greenwood Management and other firms run in developing countries like Brazil. These projects offer people the chance to buy up a tangible section of plantation and reap the rewards on an ongoing basis.

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

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

AAA claims Alternative investment will be boosted by Euro elections

The latest news that election results in France and Greece reflected strong anti-austerity sentiment could lead the way for even more interest in alternative asset classes, claims AAA.

Boston, MA, May 09, 2012 – The latest news that election results in France and Greece reflected strong anti-austerity sentiment could lead the way for even more interest in alternative asset classes, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The weekend’s elections in France and Greece reflect the fact that the French are unhappy about the bail-outs delivered to Greece and other struggling EU nations. Meanwhile, the Greek election results showed that the Greek are equally unhappy about the austerity measures brought in by the outgoing leaders in exchange for the bailout cash.

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, explains that this ongoing uncertainty about what will happen next in the Eurozone, could lead to even greater demand for alternative investments.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “following a short period of relative calm in the Eurozone, these elections really couldn’t have come at a worse time.

“For those looking to invest, the anti-austerity sentiment will bring with it more concern about the volatility of the stock exchanges. This, in turn, will lead many to look to less traditional asset classes such as real estate, precious metals and timber.”

AAA claims that there is little doubt that the election results will cause increasing concern about the Eurozone debt crisis. This could lead to millions being wiped from equity markets overnight and open-minded investors will be sure to look elsewhere for long-term risk-averse investment strategies.

AAA supports a large range of alternative investments, but is keen to promote ethical options, such as impact investing and investing in sustainable forestry projects. “We believe that investing in forestry can have far-reaching benefits, such as helping to safeguard the future of the industry in developing countries for generations to come,” explained Mr Johnson.

The organization claims that projects run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil offer great investment opportunities as they are not closely correlated with equities and offer good long-term return on investment.

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Brazil looks Set to Remain Popular with Investors, claims AAA

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.”

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

AAA support Health care Benefits of Impact investing

A new form of impact investing could lead to a rise in life expectancy by helping to deal with the causes of health problems, according to analysts and AAA.

Boston, MA, May 05, 2012 – A new form of impact investing could lead to a rise in life expectancy by helping to deal with the causes of health problems, according to analysts and Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

A new white paper from researchers at UC Berkeley argues that Health impact Bonds and similar impact investing routes can help save lives in developing countries and at home. The paper, that was also put together with help from Collective Health, suggested that these bonds help to address the underlying social problems that cause people to make unhealthy choices that can affect their long-term health.

The researchers’ white paper follows claims that the majority of increase life expectancy in the US has come as a result of lifestyle, social health care, cleanliness and hygiene, rather than from better care once ill.

It is, then, advantageous to try to deal with the root cause of ill health rather than simply ploughing money into more and more care once people have already become ill.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, explained that impact investing can help in some very straightforward ways. “Money invested into socially and environmentally responsible projects can go towards anything from building clean water wells in Africa to providing education on healthy eating seminars in inner-city America.

“Either way, it’s a lot more ethical than investing in stocks and shares,” added Johnson.

Health Impact bonds can help projects such as the efforts to cut asthma in Fresno, California, through a simple education process, helping people remove mold from their homes and get new air filters and soft furnishings.

AAA claims that impact investing has brought benefits to many areas of the world and that investing in sustainable forestry projects can help communities in developing countries to safeguard their forestry industry for generations to come. “Investing in projects such as the Health Impact Bonds and Greenwood Management’s plantation schemes in Brazil can ensure investments make a real difference,” 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

Investing in whisky can pay off claims AAA

Although the wine investment market is going through a tough spell at the moment, investing in whisky could still be worth considering for those who want to turn a hobby into a money-spinner, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, May 3, 2012 — Although the wine investment market is going through a tough spell at the moment, investing in whisky could still be worth considering for those who want to turn a hobby into a money-spinner, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that there is money to be made from investing in rare Scotch and other whiskies, that could grow in value over the coming years. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, explained: “many of us are looking for a true alternative investment strategy, which will leave us clear to avoid dealing with stocks, shares banks and bonds. Whisky could be the answer.”

One of the major draws for whisky investors is rare one-off releases, such as John Walker and Sons Diamond Jubilee Whisky, which is priced at £100,000. Although this does come at a high price, the exclusivity of this asset could prove its winning characteristic in a few years time, claims Mr Johnson.

This is not based on rumour, but on fact. “The top-performing ten whiskies gained 400 per cent of their value between 2008 and 2011,” claimed Mr Johnson. Gains of 245 per cent were recorded for the top 100.

Some less expensive whiskies can also prove profitable and a little less risky, claimed AAA, which advocates a wide range of alternative investments. It added that single malts from producers like Macallan and Glenlivet can turn a good profit – particularly if you buy up some rare or older varieties, according to AAA.

As well as interest-based alternatives, like investing in art, wine, whisky, collectibles and real estate, AAA also promotes investing in forestry and timber. “Fast growing timber species, like teak and eucalyptus, can be grown rapidly and sold for a huge profit once the trees reach maturity,”explained Mr Johnson. Those interested in investing in such plantations can contact Greenwood Management about their sustainable projects 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

AAA welcomes news that Japanese Pension Funds are turning to Alternatives

A new survey by JPMorgan Chase has found that Japanese pension funds are eager to invest more in alternative investments – and particularly in hedge funds.

Boston, MA, April 26, 2012 – A new survey by JPMorgan Chase has found that Japanese pension funds are eager to invest more in alternative investments – and particularly in hedge funds.

The move towards alternative asset classes is due to the fallout from a loss of pension holders money from investments in traditional assets, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), an alternative investment advocacy group.

AAA claims that Japan is in a difficult situation with a rapidly ageing population. Pension funds are under pressure after one fund lost $1 billion – prompting them all to considering less risky alternative funds, which can be effective in diversifying portfolios.

AAA, which supports a range of alternative investment options, claims that more and more institutional investors are turning to alternatives in order to steer clear of assets that are impacted by general economic trends. Alternatives, such as real estate, commodities and timber, tend not to correlate closely with equities, and, as a result, are less likely to drop in value when traditional assets lose value.

Japan is facing the first year in which its baby boomer generation is set to retire and its working population is expected to drop in number dramatically. It is trying different approaches to pension fund investment as a result.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, explained that this new alternative tactic in Japan reflects a general international trend towards alternative asset classes. He said, “following the global economic crisis, investors have changed their attitudes to investing and are looking for tangible assets to invest in that will offer long-term income.”

He added, “There is also a growing emphasis on ethical investments and investing in assets like real estate, precious metals, art and forestry offer an alternative that avoids dealing with stocks and shares and bonds – and banks.”

AAA supports ethical investments such as sustainable forestry projects like those run in Brazil by firms like Greenwood Management.

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

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

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

AAA welcomes Australian investment in Timberland

AAA has reported that a high profile institutional investor in Australia has invested heavily in forest land.

Boston, MA, April 24, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has reported that a high profile institutional investor in Australia has invested heavily in forest land.

QIC’s Alternative Beta Fund has invested heavily with US based forestry timberland firm Molpus Woodlands Group. The investment involves the fund buying up some 42,000 acres of forests that will be grown sustainably and harvested at a profit some time in the future.

The investment is part of the QIC Alternative Beta Fund’s goal to invest a much as $233 million in alternative asset classes including timber, commodities, infrastructure and insurance-led securities.

AAA supports alternative investment of all kinds – but particularly ethical investments and forestry investment specifically. Its analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said: “We are always happy to learn of major institutional investors putting their cash into alternatives, and particularly into forestry and timberland.”

Timberland has become an increasingly popular investment choice in recent years as it is far less volatile than equities and has regularly outperformed stocks and shares. It is also seen as a less risky asset class at a time when traditional investments have proven extremely volatile.

QIC’s head of Alternative Investments, James Dick, said, Timber has added significant value to our client portfolios in the past and we believe that it will continue to do so in the future.

“Timberland is an important asset class for QIC, as we like the low volatility, low correlations to equities and built-in inflation hedging characteristics that these investments provide. Timber has added significant value to our client portfolios in the past and we believe that it will continue to do so in the future.”

AAA supports a large number of timber investment funds and direct investment firms. Investors who want a tangible investment for their money often, like QIC, opt to buy up sections of plantation land or forests. Firms like Greenwood Management run plantations in which individuals can invest.

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

AAA claims Gold Prices could Rise to Record Levels

For all those who invested in gold in the past few months, their investment is paying off as gold prices have started to rise once more, says AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, April 21, 2012 — For all those who invested in gold in the past few months, their investment is paying off as gold prices have started to rise once more, says Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The price of gold is rising off the back of increasing panic in the Eurozone region. Gold is currently trading at around $1,700 per ounce, down from its record high of $1,900 last year, However, analysts, including Anthony Johnson of AAA, claim that gold prices could reach record levels once more in the coming years.

The view is echoed by analysts at Thomson Reuters who earlier this month predicted that gold prices could rise to a record $2,000 per ounce by early 2013 or even late 2012.

“All those who are looking for alternative investment to add to their portfolio should definitely consider precious metals, and particularly gold,” said Johnson, an analysis partner at AAA. The alternative investment advocacy group supports many kinds of alternative asset classes and promotes their value in diversifying portfolios for all kinds of investors.

Angelos Damaskos, who oversees the junior gold Fund in London told the website This Is Money: We believe this will continue to strengthen and even peak above the highs of last year, perhaps reaching $2,000.”

AAA says that investing in alternative asset classes, such as gold, art, timber, antiques and real estate, helps to spread risk in a portfolio. “Investors are increasingly looking to remove their cash from stocks and shares and invest it somewhere that is less volatile and not so tightly correlated with the general economic situation, “ explained Mr Johnson.

AAA supports investment in timber through plantation scheme like the one run by Greenwood Management and other businesses in Brazil, Costa Rica and Canada. “Timber is a less risky asset that continues to physically grow all the time.”

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Alternative real estate popular in Europe, says AAA

European investors are increasingly putting their money into alternative real estate, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, April 21, 2012 – European investors are increasingly putting their money into alternative real estate, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group said that a recent report from the Wall Street Journal pointed out that institutional investors are buying up unusual property, worth millions, as they look for alternative ways to make money away from the equity markets.

An example cited by the Wall Street Journal is Barclays Capital PLC’s plan to sell a majority stake in university Partnership Programme, which owns 22,000 student accommodation rooms, to Netherlands-based pension fund PGGM for £1 billion.

Another deal, also taking place in the UK, is Blackstone Group’s sell off of student accommodation blocks in London to Round Hill Capital for £400 million.

“There’s no denying that student accommodation is hot property at the moment,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson. He added, “institutional investors have had their fingers burned through their equity investments and are now looking to buy up property that they think will rise in value in the coming years.”

AAA said that this reflects the general attitude of investors at the moment, as they look to diversify their portfolios by seeking alternative asset classes.

AAA added that individuals can invest in real estate in emerging markets, particularly in Latin America, to get the very best deals in up and coming areas. It also recommends investing in sustainable forestry in these regions, as the entry investment needed is relatively low and returns regularly outperform traditional asset classes.

“Timber prices are set to rise in the coming few years and with opportunities to invest from as little as £10,000 through firms like Greenwood Management, which runs plantations in Brazil, there’s rarely been a better time to invest in forestry,” added Mr Johnson.

The demand for timber is increasing as a result of rapid economic growth in China, Brazil and India.

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Brazil is Attracting Alternative Investors, says AAA

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

Commodities could be Big earner for Alternative investors, claims AAA

Commodity investors are expected to reap the benefits of increasing prices this year, according to recent forecasts by Barclays Capital.

Boston, MA, April 11, 2012 – Commodity investors are expected to reap the benefits of increasing prices this year, according to recent forecasts by Barclays Capital. Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) would like to add timber to the list of commodities being recommended by experts.

Copper is one commodity that is forecast to see prices rise this year. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, which said that prices stood at about $1 a pound in 2004, rising steadily to $4 per pound in 2006. The price then plunged during the global economic collapse, rising to a high of $4.50 last year. Current prices stand at $3.90 and analysts expect it to rise in line with the further industrialisation of emerging economic such as India and China, which both have huge demand for Copper.

Gold is another favorite among the analysts, many of whom were found to be continuing their bullish trend about the precious metal when interviewed by Barclays Capital on the subject. Prices have risen hugely over recent years, hitting an all-time high of $1,917 in August last year.

However, it did lose some ground over the following months, finishing the year at a value of $1,600. Current prices are around $1,700 and demand is still high from the world’s central banks, suggesting that prices will continue to grow.

Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) is keen to ensure that timber is added to the list of promising commodities for 2012 investments. Its analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “The demand for sustainably produced timber is rising exponentially as a result of the economic growth in India, China and Brazil, which are all desperate to get their hands on raw materials.”

AAA claims that investing in forestry plantations run by investment firms like Greenwood Management, in countries like Brazil and Costa Rica, can offer an easy and relatively low-entry level introduction to ethically sound commodities investment.

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Bamboo could prove a Good Investment, says AAA

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

AAA champions Geldof’s Africa investment message

Campaigner Bob Geldof took the opportunity of the annual Superreturn International conference in Berlin to spend an hour extolling the virtues of investing in Africa, in a move that has been welcomes by impact investing advocacy group, AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, March 31, 2012 — Campaigner Bob Geldof took the opportunity of the annual Superreturn International conference in Berlin to spend an hour extolling the virtues of investing in Africa, in a move that has been welcomes by impact investing advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

AAA claims that Geldof’s speech roused interest in the opportunities that investing in Africa offers. He effectively massaged the egos of the private equity investor crowd with statements like: “You must go and kick the tyres. You are the guys who go where capital needs to go. Capital will only go where it is sent.”

He also spoke about the vast resources that Africa holds and how the investors should not be left behind, leaving the opportunity to others: “Do we leave this vast continent, with all the resources we will ever need, do we leave it to China? Eight miles from Europe, do we just leave it to them?”

Geldof is involved in his own Africa-focused investment vehicles, called 8 Mile, which has already attracted $200 million of investment.

AAA’s analysis partner Anthony Johnson said, “The timing of Geldof’ speech was perfect as impact investing and investing in environmentally and socially responsible schemes in the developing world is increasingly popular right now.”

He added, “The equity markets are still on very shaky ground and traditional investments are not looking as attractive as they once were.”

AAA supports investment in a number of ethical projects, Including the sustainable plantation schemes run by Greenwood Management and a number of other similar firms in Brazil, the US, Canada, Costa Rica and other high-forested regions.

Mr Johnson said, “Investing in timber is a popular option at the moment as demand is set to continue to grow off the back of economic growth in China and India. Demand for raw materials like Timber is set to exceed supply soon enough, which will drive prices skyward.”

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

AAA welcomes New on Institutional investors’ interest in Alternatives

Figures suggest that over a quarter of all searches carried out by institutional investors, relating to new mandates, are expected to be looking for alternative investments.

Boston, MA, March 30, 2012 – According to new figures from a survey carried out by eVestment Alliance in the US, over a quarter of all searches carried out by institutional investors, relating to new mandates, are expected to be looking for alternative investments. The news has been welcomed by alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), which supports many forms of alternative investments.

eVestment’s Casey Quirk spoke to some 30 investment consultants between December 2011 and January 2012 and found that those surveyed predicted that the alternative sector will be the most popular search category for institutional investors.

“This news is very welcome from our perspective as it illustrates the fact that alternatives are becoming increasingly attractive to institutional investors, as well as individuals, as a way to diversify the risk in a portfolio,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

The survey found that consultants expect alternative managers to be the subject of more than a quarter of searches carried out by institutional investors looking for new investments. The next two most frequently expected searches were domestic an international equities, which are expected to attract 19 per cent and 14 per cent of searches respectively.

AAA claims that the results show that the popularity of alternative asset classes, such as real estate, hedge funds and private equity, is continuing to grow as a result of the volatile equity markets. “Alternatives, such as hedge funds and real estate, as well as more left field alternatives, such as art, antiques, gold, forestry and even wine, are proving to be much more popular as here is evidence to show they are often outperforming equities in the current economic climate.”

AAA supports a range of alternative and ethical investments and concentrates much of its focus on environmentally responsible sustainable forestry investment, such as the plantation projects run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil ,Canada and elsewhere.

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

College Impact investing challenge welcomed by AAA

Highlighting the popularity of alternative investments is this year’s International Impact Investing Challenge at Northwestern University and the University of California, which has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, March 23, 2012 – Highlighting the popularity of alternative investments and impact investing is this year’s International Impact Investing Challenge at Northwestern University and the University of California, which has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The challenge, run by the universities’ business schools, sponsors some of their brightest and best financial minds to make ethical and profitable impact investing decisions, which will help onlookers to realise the benefits of this approach, according to AAA.

One of the schools involved is the Kellogg School of Management, whose associate director, Jamie Jones, said, “Now in its second year, the International Impact Investing Challenge encourages students from graduate schools around the world to identify strategies that create solutions for global social issues – as well as deliver financial returns.”

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson added, “This sums up impact investing very well because making an ethical choice, that will make a difference to people in the developing world, does not have to come at financial price. Positives social impact and healthy returns are by no means mutually exclusive and we’re glad that initiatives like this are helping to spread the word.”

Some of the ideas that the teams came up with last year included dealing with food shortages in India and developing clean power for larger, established economies, like the US. More and more people are realising that their cash can help facilitate environmental or social change, while making them more profit than it would sitting in a savings account, explained AAA.

AAA is an alternative investment advocacy group that also supports impact investment in developing economies around the world. It supports environmentally responsible investment projects such as the plantation schemes run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil. “These schemes help to increase plantation timber, which in turn, helps to reduce the reliance on natural forests,” 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

AAA Reports: Pension Funds Quadruple Exposure to Alternatives

Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has pointed out that the largest pension markets in the world have notably increased their exposure to alternative investments in recent years.

Boston, MA, USA, March 23, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has pointed out that the largest pension markets in the world have notably increased their exposure to alternative investments in recent years.

Analysis from Spence Johnson, the market intelligence firm, found that the top seven pension markets in the world increased their exposure to assets such as hedge funds, private equity and real estate, by 400 per cent between 2001 and 2011.

“This shows that the attitudes of institutional investors are moving with the times,” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson. He added, “It’s not just individual investors who are keen to diversify their portfolios to help protect their investments against risk.

“Indeed during these economically volatile times, more and more pension funds are increasing their alternative investments and edging away from more traditional investments, like equities.”

However, there is still a way to go before defined contribution schemes view alternatives in the same way as other traditional investments, claim analysts. Spence Johnson found that only around $1.7 billion of DC funds are invested in alternatives, compared with $450 billion that is invested elsewhere.

The figures do, however, show that it is the defined benefit schemes that prefer alternatives, with a much higher interest in less traditional investments than defined contribution pensions. Analysts claim that this is because defined benefit schemes are invested by experienced professionals, rather than the average “man on the street”, and alternatives are, therefore, likely to be a preferred option.

AAA supports many kinds of alternative investments, and focuses on promoting ethical choices, such as sustainable forestry and timberland investment through scheme such as that run by Greenwood Management in Brazil.

Mr Johnson added, “it’s becoming easier and easier to promote alternative asset classes as the experts know the benefits, as these latest pension figures clearly illustrate. Sometimes we feel we are preaching to the converted.”

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

AAA agrees that 2012 could be a Great year for Wine investment

vAn interview with UK-based wine investment fund, Vin-X’s founder and director, Peter Shakeshaft in myfinances.co.uk has underlined the benefits of investing in wine in the current economic climate, claims AAA.

Boston, MA, March 16, 2012 – An interview with UK-based wine investment fund, Vin-X’s founder and director, Peter Shakeshaft in myfinances.co.uk has underlined the benefits of investing in wine in the current economic climate, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

AAA is an alternative investment advocacy group that supports many kinds of alternative investments, including ethical and impact investing. It’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “many more investors are looking to alternative assets these days thanks to the volatility of the stock markets. Alternatives such as forestry, wine, art, commodities, currencies and real estate are attractive to those who want to spread the risk in their portfolios and protect against the impact of macro economic factors,” he explained.

Mr Shakeshaft said that investing in wine is a new market and that those who are new to this market will benefit from “dipping their toe” and beginning with investments of around £1,000 to £3,000 to increase their knowledge of the asset class and the market. He went on to add that 2012 could be the best year for investing in wine since 1993. He told myfinances.co.uk: “One reason [that 2012 could be a good year for investment] is that in 2011, the market had only its third price correction in 25 years.

“This means there are some superb opportunities in the market at the moment,” he added.

He also talked about how the consumption of wine in the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) is also adding to the value of some high-end wines. He went on to add that the entry level for investment is from around £1,000 and that returns are typically in double digits.

Another popular alternative that has similar entry requirements and returns is forestry investment. Investing in timber, through schemes such as those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, can offer investors a tangible asset for which demand is growing rapidly, said AAA.

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Brazil is a great place to invest, claims AAA

The news that the Brazilian economy has started to outperform many others, including the UK’s, has acted as a prompt for many to start looking for ways to invest in the growing country, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, March 13, 2012 — The news that the Brazilian economy has started to outperform many others, including the UK’s, has acted as a prompt for many to start looking for ways to invest in the growing country, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy firm, has always seen Brazil as a great place to invest in commodities, such as timber, and in ethical and social funds, through impact investing routes. However, the world is expected to start investing cash in Brazil in droves thanks to the latest figures from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).

Over the past ten years, the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China, otherwise known as the BRIC region, have offered a comparatively safe haven for investors keen to avoid investing in the volatile markets in the US and Europe.

Now, the figures show that this is even more the case as Brazil’s economy is officially the sixth largest in the world, leaving the UK in its wake. Analyst at the CEBR claim that within a few years, Brazil’s economy will be stronger than that of France and Germany, climbing further up the ranking of the world’s great economic super powers.

“Although last year’s 2.7 per cent growth wasn’t enormous, in the grand scale of things, Brazil continues to grow economically when many other top economies are still teetering on the edge of recession” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

He added, “There has rarely been a better time to invest in emerging economies and investors who want to diversify their portfolios could not do better than investing in sustainable forestry in Brazil.

“We support the plantation projects bin run by firms like Greenwood Management, who are offering a unique and low-entry route into Brazilian investment, with an ethical edge.”

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

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

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