Uncertain Times, Uncertain Europe

Brexit, EU, Russia, the US and global chaos what is safe?

I am reminded of the turbulent times we live in within Europe, Switzerland and the UK as we see an even more chaotic time in the UK as Parliment takes control of Brexit from the official government and Prime Minister May. Last week while visiting my bank and connections within the bank this became a topic of discussion in Zurich.

While I will not officially name the bank it is one of the global banks located in Zurich, Switzerland. I met for an appointment with a UK specialist within the Zurich headquarters. I checked in, gave them my name and was directed to to elevator. Security being what it is, I stepped in and the controls were automatically set for a secure floor. I was greeted by security exiting the elevator and lead to my contacts room. As I have recently moved toward expanding my business and had decided they will be an effective part in this expansion we met to discuss business matters.

The conversation naturally lead to how best to move toward an account for the expansion as I am partnering with SVN out of the United States and we all deal with global commercial real estate. The discussion was baswed on how we can best work together, and how as the account will serve business internationally how do we place this account. Is it best based in the US? the UK ? or Switzerland? At the end of our first discussion we made the choice to place it either in the UK or Switzerland. As we looked at this process, the discussion of what is currently taking place in the UK and Brexit came up. A concern for myself was that of security and consistancy of currency given the current market instability so often discussed with Brexit at this moment. I was informed that while the account may be based in the UK he would ensure that it was a US Dollar account providing more security given what is taking place at the moment.

Being curious, I asked why we woulld base a UK account but have it as a dollar account at present. My source then becan to explain that the major banks (Those based in Switzerland and Europe) already had a plan in place for the possibilities to come. "We are prepared for runs on some banks, possible collapse of some markets and that is why we suggest either the US Dollar based account in the UK or the Franc account based in Switzerland" he said. Being somewhat informaed about the market and international politics, while it did not come by total surprise I was taken back by how prepared these banks are at this point and just how grave market uncertainty is.

This also took me back to my time as I was just comming into adulthood of the .com speculation and in my time as a Realtor in the US the bubble driven by speculation. This also brought me back to my core principals and beleif in real estate as the only real or one of the only real tangable assets to invest in. Outside of Gold, Silver and a few other assets used as a form of investment real estate is a tangable asset that should the worst come about can be held and will in time recover if and when something catastrophic occurs. While the market will always provide fads and new and unproven trends like that of blockchain and crypto-currency, and stocks are around for trading, a bad year, CEO or company error in judgement, or in some cases the possibility of EMP issue could wipe out a lifetime of strategy, real estate is a physical, tangable asset that will remain.

Some may be offended by this, skeptial or even laugh this, however, as stated before how many dot com companies still remain? It is not my intention to move investors away from these new, innovative, yet unproven investments, my only comment on this is be sure what you invest you can afford to loose! On the other hand, as we see with Brexit and market instability in some countries and regions globally the other comment becomes beware of where you place you`re investment when investing into real estate. Additiionally, beware of what type of investment you move into in real estate and when. I can say without reservation that my life in Switzerland has provided me with a different view point. While the Swiss market is considered a "safe" market depending upon you`re ability to invest in this market and not at all one of the sexiest things to do right now, it is a great ROI, secure, and provide ongoing profitability for decades to come. Switzerland est. in the 1200`s has always been a standard for security of assets and there is no reason for this to change over the next several decades. Switzerland has also been a place of neutrality for all, in the second world war it was a well known secret that all governments could place assets securly here with peace of mind knowing that their accounts and assets were safe. While some of this has changed with the moving on of time, the demand of governments for more transparency and the desire to collect more taxes from citizens of other countries the security of the real estate markets here, and ownership will always remain secure.

As we continue to see changing geo-political landscapes, chaotic economic circumstances and an ever evolving world, Switzerland will continue to offer a standard to the world of safe Investment, security of assets and particularly in my view point an outstanding opportunity to invest in real estate securing ones investments with a view toward the longevity for a return on investment. Keeping in mind, that this must be done the correct way and with the correct partner who has the knowledge, global experience and understanding to move that forward. I am fortunate to now be partnered with a global organization (soon to be complete) who shares that view and is in their own way moving into the future with an innovative disruptive model in SVN. As I move forward working for several groups, funds, and investors in securing their own future I am grateful to have this opportunity in this land, at this time. While we face uncertain times in an uncertain Europe and on an uncertain global stage, market and personal industry Knowledge will remain key to investors for the protection of their current and future assets. Brexit may be an issue for investors and markets for many years to come, Russia may prove problematic, even US politics may play a role in investment markets in future, however, the Swiss market will always be a safe haven.

If you would like to know more about investing in the Swiss market, how we can make it work for you, how we can assist you`re clients, and what the differences are in how we can assist you please either IM me here on LinkedIn.com or check my current site at www.alpsinvestors.com. I can also be reached via email and we anticipate having an SVN contact for you in Switzerland soon!