A Different Perspective on Alternative Investment Opportunities

Feb. 1, 2010 - PRLog -- Amelia Island, FL - Interview with: Clayton Press, Managing Partner, Clayton Press LLC

There is no immediate, definitive answer to the question of which investment opportunities offer the potential for rewards in the current economic environment. But quick decisions, without adequate due diligence and risk assessment, will not easily lead to prosperity. There are numerous opportunities available, according to Clayton Press, Managing Partner of the management consulting practise Clayton Press LLC, with clients in North America and Europe. A speaker at the marcus evans Alternative Investments North America Summit Spring 2010, taking place in Florida, February 21-23, here he discusses the major issues concerning family offices and Chief Investment Officers, who are investing in alternative asset classes.  

What investment opportunities has the crisis created in this sector?

Clayton Press: Investors are looking for value and certainty. They are going back to basic industries and moderate risk opportunities. There are specific sectors, particularly those that have had a strong influx of government funds such as transportation, energy, construction and green technology, where growth and investment are both necessary and assured.

I work with family offices and philanthropic investors, therefore I may have a different perspective. In my opinion, the overarching issue is actually providing value irrespective of the type of investment. Are investors actually obtaining value from their investments? There has been an enormous amount of change over the past two years in terms of investment strategies – the investors with whom I work are now more conservative and cautious, and looking for genuine longer-term value. There was a time when they were basing decisions on short-term ROI promise, rather than decisions based on years of tracking industries and understanding business fundamentals.  

What are the most promising areas for institutional investors to gain exposure in? What do you think will perform particularly well in 2010 and what would you not recommend?

Clayton Press: If I use the US as a model and look at where government investments have been channeled, I believe that there is great potential in some very basic infrastructure industries, especially certain aspects of infrastructure construction or redevelopment, such as roads and transportation, water, energy, and specific green technologies. There are attractive prospects in health and insurance reform for a variety of investors who are looking for new ways to serve clients. My clients are generally interested in investments that provide concrete benefits and tangible value; I cannot emphasize this strongly enough.  

Higher risk, speculative investments certainly remain interesting, but somewhat taboo among my client base. Many non-profit organizations, for example, experienced extraordinary damage during the September 2008 financial crisis and thereafter. Their recovery has been slow, hence, like private investors, they are working to rebuild.

To view the complete release, please visit http://www.me-uk.com/summit/newsletter.asp?eventid=16009&...