This is Your Land

Farm and forest ownership may provide a balance of income, inflation protection, personal satisfaction, and much more to consider.

Executive Summary

This is Your Land image

In recent years, interest in farm and forest investments has been renewed, and more and more clients are seeking information on investing in arable land. This uptick in interest is attributable to many things. Given the financial crisis, more investors are seeking tangible assets that they can see and touch. And concern has been growing over possible future shortages of the world's natural resources. Additionally, arable land is not as prevalent as it once was, and decreases each year due to urbanization, desertification and changing weather patterns.1

Investing in land could be beneficial to the client for several reasons. Owning farmland or timberland may be a buffer against inflation, what with commodity prices putting pressure on other products. It is also a way to achieve portfolio diversification without investing in riskier stocks or bonds. It offers investors a potential solution when clients are seeking out real assets. And it is largely unaffected by the extreme movements of the financial markets, given that the land or product itself should always be able to serve a purpose. "We're seeing a lot of good signs and key indicators in today's real assets market," says Dennis Moon, head of the Specialty Asset Management team at U.S. Trust. "We think now's the time to seriously take a look at farmland and timber."

READ THE FULL VIEWPOINT

A private wealth advisor can help you get started.

Find an advisor

1 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. 

Investment, insurance and annuity products:

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value
Are Not Deposits Are Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency Are Not a Condition to Any Banking Service or Activity

Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Asset allocation, rebalancing and diversification do not guarantee against risk in broadly declining markets.

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

This material is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. Additional information is available in our Client Relationship Summary. 

This material does not take into account a client’s particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. There are important differences between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the type of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences, particularly when determining which service or services to select. For more information about these services and their differences, speak with your Merrill financial advisor.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Merrill Private Wealth Management is a division of MLPF&S that offers a broad array of personalized wealth management products and services. Both brokerage and investment advisory services (including financial planning) are offered by the Private Wealth Advisors through MLPF&S. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and client rights and Merrill’s obligations will differ among these services. Investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal investment.

The banking, credit and trust services sold by the Private Wealth Advisors are offered by licensed banks and trust companies, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and other affiliated banks.

Trust, fiduciary and investment management services, including assets managed by the Specialty Asset Management team, are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”), and its agents.

Bank of America Private Bank is a division of Bank of America, N.A.

U.S. Trust Company of Delaware is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Insurance and annuity products are offered through Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc., a licensed insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

© Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Patent: patents.bankofamerica.com