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.