When it comes to investing, some consider that there is more to life than ISAs, cash stocks and shares.
Alternative investments have risen in popularity in recent times, especially among those who have money to invest and do not wish to invest in the stock market or property. Those with an interest in collecting more tangible assets, such as antiques or works of art, could also find that their investments yield higher returns that the stock market.
However, the reality is that as with all investments, prices can go down as well as up. Alternative investments are more often than not long-term ventures, as it can take some time for them to achieve any significant increase in value.
If you want to maximise the chances of success, you should carry out some research into your field of interest, and you should also consider seeking professional guidance.
Above all, when choosing alternative forms of investment, you should have a genuine interest in the field you have chosen - not only will your judgement become more informed, but you will gain real enjoyment from the process of buying and selling.
As accountants we are able to advise on the taxation consequences of alternative investments, but we are unable to advise on the wisdom of this type of investment and therefore we would strongly advise that you should seek expert guidance before embarking on an alternative investment programme.
Examples of alternative investments include the following:
Art may be a matter of personal aesthetics, but the markets treat art like any other commodity, and the business of investing in it is based on a simple principle: you buy a piece and hope its value increases.
However, success in the art marketplace is not easy for the amateur. The proliferation of artists and sheer quantity of works, media, periods and styles can make collecting a daunting prospect, and values can fluctuate alarmingly.
Here are some tips for the beginner:
Fine wine is not just the preserve of the very wealthy. It offers good opportunities for the ordinary investor too. In May 2016 ten bottles of Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1945 set a new record as one of the most expensive wine lots ever sold at auction. The lot sold for US $343,000. Apart from resisting the temptation to drink your assets, it is important to:
Stamp collecting is a popular hobby around the world, and is also considered by some to be a viable investment. Stamps have the added benefit of being small and portable, compared to many other tangible investment options.
In 2014 in New York a rare British Guiana 19th century postage stamp sold for a record $9.5m - approximately one billion times its original face value.
However, if you are looking to get a return on your investment, you should consider the following:
Collecting coins is another popular hobby, which can also be considered as a means of investment for the future.
The value of a coin will depend on a number of factors, including the age and availability of the coin, its condition, e.g. whether it is dented, scratched or stained, and trends within the precious metal market.
Again, it can be advisable to specialise in a particular area or time period, when collecting coins.
These are coins which are composed mainly of a precious metal and have little additional value beyond that of the metal itself, trading at just over the price of the metal they contain.
Krugerrands are a good example of a gold bullion coin which has proved popular over the years. The original krugerrands contained one ounce of fine gold, although the coin is now available in other sizes. Bullion coins are also available in silver and platinum.