I’ve been speaking with a lot of my Private Clients recently, and what we’ve been discussing has some relevance here, so I figured I’d share it with you before getting into the meat of today’s newsletter:

Wealth isn’t built by following headlines or jumping on the bandwagon after it’s left the station; it’s built by reading the signals no one else is watching… and moving before the crowd even knows where to look.

This sounds simple, and obvious, but let me assure you, even the most sophisticated investors I work with once had trouble accepting this fact.

I get it… putting your money in a region that is not widely recognized at the mainstream level takes gut. Well, more than guts, it takes conviction.

It takes a conviction in the logical, rational signals you have identified and actually taking action. 

Right now, Paraguay is the market most of the world has overlooked, and NOT for good reason. 

It’s funny, ask someone about Paraguay, and I doubt they could even point it out on a map, let alone tell you one good reason as to why it’s a booming country with incredible Plan-B potential.

Now, ask someone with vast experience in offshore living and investing about Paraguay and prepare to listen to an impassioned speech.

Simply put, those of us who know what is going on here know very well that this is a country that is NOT to be overlooked.

Today, I am going to get into some of the reasons why Paraguay should not only be on your radar but should make up a significant part of your portfolio. 

Read on and allow me to explain… 

Doubling Down On Energy

Without energy, nothing else matters, and Paraguay has figured out a way to harness, utilize and profit from this invisible gold in ways that few other countries have. 

Beyond laying claim to the Itaipú Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric plants on the planet, which produces enough clean power not only to meet Paraguay’s domestic needs but to export the surplus straight into the massive Brazilian grid next door for a profit, Paraguay is still not done. 

The dam alone would be impressive, however, they’ve gone further, launching the world’s largest floating solar power plant which is going to add another an exceptional volume of energy to an already resilient grid.

This isn’t some symbolic project; it’s designed to anchor Paraguay as one of the lowest-cost energy hubs in the Americas.

For investors, this matters in every way that counts. 

It means lower operating costs for manufacturers setting up shop here. 

It means that a wide range of businesses can flourish without the power constraints that plague other nations. 

It means logistics companies, agricultural businesses, and exporters will have a competitive edge baked into their bottom line. 

And it means the country becomes a magnet for the kind of multinationals that bring jobs and in turn, bring prosperity into the country. 

If you’re thinking long term, you have to connect the dots: energy surplus attracts industry, industry drives population growth, population growth drives housing demand, and rising demand inflates asset values. 

For us, this is the play here. 

If you’re an investor, you need to understand why this matters in terms of the security it adds to your portfolio when you hold Paraguayan real estate or other hard assets, like land here. 

It needs to be made very clear that the energy is amongst the most important sector, if not the most important sector.

Energy is the foundation of all economic activity.

Cheap, reliable energy lowers manufacturing costs, spurs industrial development, attracts multinational corporations, reduces inflationary pressures domestically and ultimately, supports stable, long-term GDP growth.

When you invest in Paraguay, you are investing in a country that has the backbone of the energy sector.

Again, this can’t be under appreciated or overlooked; the secondary affects of investing in a country that not only understands the importance of a vast and reliable energy supply, but is investing to unlock more of it, is a clear signal that the country is inviting growth. 

Now, compare the energy situation in Paraguay with that of the global backdrop…

Europe is scrambling for alternatives to Russian energy, because you know, “Russia bad”, Asia is watching their manufacturing edge decline due to energy costs (this is probably the main reason China announced a major investment in nuclear projects a couple of weeks back, too, by the way).

Even the all mighty USA, has to be careful how they tread in their tariff discussions with Canada, because at the end of the day, without Quebec supplying energy to the Northeastern states… well, it would be a cold and dark outcome for those in Vermont, New York State… and beyond.

So, if you have been under appreciating the power of what energy production means to a country, step back again think again, because the importance can not be overstated. 

Water Water WATER: The Ultimate Global Hedge

We are living in a world where access to fresh water can no longer be taken for granted… 

…the above statement could be one you just graze right over, or it could be one you sit with for a second, and let me tell you, if you sit with this thought for a second, you will feel very uncomfortable.

The very thought of water being so scarce that countries are willing to go to war over it is very scary, yet very real.

Many of us won’t have to deal with this; however, our children will.

Like I said, a very scary, yet very real reality that is heading our way.

Years ago, there was a great movie called The Big Short… Steve Carell, Christian Bale and Ryan Gosling… great film, highly recommend.

Now, here’s the thing: The movie was about one oddball investor who knew the housing market in the United States was propped up by air and thus convinced the biggest financial institutions in the world to let me take short positions against their mortgage-backed securities…. 

…to make a long story short, he was right, they were wrong, and he took them for billions.

Michael Bury, played by Christian Bale, was laughed out of rooms, ridiculed and looked at as a complete wing-nut, until he was correct in his thesis, of course.

Now, the reason I share this with you is because Michael Bury (the real Michal Bury), is now heavily invested in water stocks.

Beyond just this small example, we’re already seeing it; investors, countries and major corporations are shoring up their relationships and building inroads with others who have greater access to this liquid gold. 

Now, you may be wanting me to get to the point, so, that is what I will do.

It is not common knowledge outside of agricultural circles that Paraguay has one of the largest freshwater reserves in the world: the Guaraní Aquifer. 

The Guaraní Aquifer is one of the largest underground freshwater reserves on Earth.

This isn’t just national insurance; it’s an asset. 

As countries around the world dry up and face shortages, Paraguay’s access to freshwater will give it a seat at the biggest and most important tables. 

For investors, this means you’re placing your capital inside an economy that will become extremely important on the global stage. 

When you invest here, you’re filling your portfolio with assets tied to a market that will be in an incredible position to compete on the global stage. 

This is how smart capital survives - by sitting inside ecosystems designed to endure.

If energy is the heart, water is the lifeblood that runs through it.

And here again, Paraguay is in a league of its own.

This matters more than most people realize.

Admittedly, I am still wrapping my head around this and the implications going forward. 

Given that the coming decades will not just be shaped by technology or capital, but rather resource scarcity, I think it goes without saying that investing here is a long-term play in every sense of the term. 

Think about it this way:

A real estate project, a logistics business, or a manufacturing play in a water-rich country carries less risk, less volatility, and more long-term upside.

When the global system shakes, Paraguay stays steady.

And that steadiness?

That’s investable.  

Currency Stability: The Guaraní, A Solid Play

Emerging markets are notorious for burning investors alive on currency swings.

Argentina, for example, has seen hyperinflation wipe out generations of wealth. 

It even happened to Mexico in the 80s… 

But Paraguay?

The Paraguayan Guaraní has quietly avoided the worst of it and, in fact, has remained incredibly stable throughout its history. 

The Paraguayan Guaraní has been one of the region’s most stable currencies for decades, holding its ground against the dollar even as its neighbour Argentina has been moving from crisis to crisis. 

Currency risks can eat investors alive.

You can nail the right sector, the right project, even the right timing… and still lose half your returns if the local currency melts down.

The Paraguayan Guaraní is different - it has quietly delivered what most Latin American currencies fail to: stability. 

This isn’t luck; it’s the result of conservative fiscal management, business-friendly monetary policy, and a cultural preference for avoiding the kind of reckless borrowing that wrecks economies.

For you, the investor, this means you’re stepping into a market where you can hold assets in local currency without lying awake at night. 

You’re buying into a system where inflation doesn’t shred your returns, where local banking remains reliable, and where you can compound your gains without watching the backend collapse. 

This is the kind of hidden advantage that sophisticated investors hunt for and that almost no retail buyer understands until it’s too late and their profits have been eroded by no direct fault of their own. 

As someone who has been screaming the importance of currency diversification for years, I hope you take good note of what I am saying. However, don’t just take it from me…

… Last week, Warren Buffett made headlines when he mentioned people should seek diversification in currencies. Coming from one of the most profitable investors in history, his words should carry weight.

Now, for offshore investors like us,  this is the equivalent of finding a high-yield bond that doesn’t blow up in a crisis.

It lets you compound returns over time without constantly hedging against collapse.

Bottom line is that Paraguay is one of the few Latin American markets where you can think long-term… and that’s an edge you should not underestimate.

Deal of the Week: Introducing “Leblon” Where Scarcity Meets Strategy

This is a rare one, folks, so read carefully…

I am thrilled to be able to introduce you to Leblon, a 21-unit luxury development tucked inside Ciudad del Este.

Leblon is an apartment complex that is being developed inside an already developed gated community of elegant low-rise homes. 

Leblon is a part of the Terranova gated community, which means you (or your future tenants) will be able to enjoy access to paddle courts, soccer fields, and basketball courts. 

Not only is 21 units a scarce play, the uniqueness of this development puts this offering in a league of its own…

…there will be no Leblon 2, 3, or 4. 

Not now. 

Not next year

Not ever.

That is because Leblon is literally being built inside an existing community, and there is no more space inside to be able to build any more.

This IS THE only luxury apartment building in town that sits inside a gated community.

When you step into Leblon, you’re not surrounded by looming towers or crammed city blocks…

…you’re surrounded by elegant two-story homes, which means you’re guaranteed lifelong, protected views. 

This is the kind of urban tranquility you almost never find inside a city that is growing at the rate in which Ciudad del Este is. 

Now, here’s what makes this deal even more interesting

Leblon isn’t fighting for the “aspirational” middle-class renter, who is going to be stretching their budget to live here.

Leblon was built intentionally to attract a true high-end buyer… and it’s doing so in a way that cost-effective. 

When Leblon launched, two other comparable luxury projects hit the market at the exact same time… and Leblon came in significantly lower in price.

And the lower price isn’t because it cuts corners or skimps on features.

In fact, Leblon delivers things its competitors can’t match.

Not only does Leblon feature a ground-level pool, every unit comes fully equipped with cupboards, air conditioning and kitchen furniture… meaning when you buy here, you’re not starting with an empty box that requires furnishing from top to bottom. 

But here’s what really pushes this deal over the top...

Leblon taps into one of the most elite demographics flowing into Ciudad del Este…

I am talking about Brazilian businessmen who cross the border back home to work but want their family bases in Paraguay, and Judges from the Paraguayan Supreme Court who work just blocks away yet demand security and sophistication in their dwellings. 

The people who will be looking to rent these units from you are not price-sensitive.

They care about quality, location, security, and exclusivity… and they’re willing to pay a premium when those things line up.

So, as far as the numbers go, here is what you’re looking at…

For just $153,714, you can secure a 95 m², 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit, with delivery scheduled for May 2026.

This is not just about purchasing a rental unit. 

It’s about having a stake in a permanently scarce, high-demand, hyper-targeted luxury segment. 

Once these units are sold, they’re gone forever, which means supply is capped in the most desirable corner of one of Paraguay’s fastest-growing cities.

The surrounding low-rise homes guarantee that your panoramic views will never be blocked by towers and given this development is within walking distance from Plaza City mall, the literal heartbeat of the region, you will be attracting discerning tenants who want to be closer to the action without sacrificing peace and privacy.

This is an incredible entry point into the top end of a market just starting to wake up…

I am talking about the kind of buy-and-hold play that compounds value quietly and steadily.

To learn more about whether investing in a rental unit in Leblon is the right move for your unique situation, send my partner, Fernando, an email to expat@greenparana.com 

By the way, Leblon’s slogan in Portuguese translates to “good life”.

It’s also the name of the fanciest neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro…

So yes, when I say this development is hyper-targeting a certain type of renter, I am not mixing words. 

What Are You Waiting For? 

By the time this country, let alone Ciudad del Este, hits the Financial Times or by the time Bloomberg sends a correspondent to cover Paraguay’s rise, the window will have closed.

The pricing will have doubled as the “crowd” will have arrived. 

Do you really want to be the person who is saying, “I almost bought in when no one was looking.” 

I am handing you the chance to own a rare, appreciating asset inside that ecosystem before the noise begins.

The question is: will you take it?

Write to Fernando now at expat@greenparana.com to set up a time to discuss the best approach to entering the Paraguayan market for your unique situation.

You have nothing to lose except upside, so I highly suggest that you take the time to learn more by speaking with Fernando.

Speak soon,
Mikkel

PS. Look, I’ve been investing across emerging markets for years, and I’ve learned one brutal truth: once the crowd arrives, the opportunities fade. Don’t be the one telling the story of the deal you almost did. Be the one reaping the rewards that come from having high-end renters putting hands-free cash in your pocket every single month. Plus, I’d be willing to bet that by the time Leblon is complete, the market value of your unit is going to have increased by at least 20%…. Not a bad play even for the short-term investor, I must add.