Rare Gretzky card case from Sask. family attic is back up for auction after Ontario real estate agent couldn’t pay the winning USD$3.72 million bid — Here's 3 other assets worth betting on

Investing in precious metals

Precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum can be attractive assets to invest in. As of 2023, the annual average return of gold was 13.8%.

You can either have physical ownership, like bullion, or products that give exposure without taking ownership, such as equities or derivatives.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) give investors ownership of the proportion of gold or silver that underlies the fund, without taking physical ownership of the actual metal.

Gold derivatives, like futures and options, allow investors to buy or sell gold at a set price in the future. These are typically for more experienced investors and may involve larger investments, leverage and complex trading.

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Fine art can yield impressive results

Commodities aren’t the only alternative investments to consider if you’re looking to spread your risk outside the stock market. The art market has been consistently growing over the past few decades, and certain pieces have yielded impressive returns.

Beginners should hone in on emerging artists and research online marketplaces where contemporary artists are getting visibility.

Start by analyzing the market, visit auctions and galleries, and learn about different types of art and artists.

However, it’s also possible to invest in shares of art through funds, such as Yieldstreet, which brings contemporary art to the auction block.

Wine connoisseurs have options for investing

Similar to artwork, wine is a collectible investment that often outperforms the stock market.

Digital platforms like Vinovest, which is similar to a robo-advisor, have broadened the scope of wine investing, reaching younger people across North America.

Wine has outperformed the S&P 500 since 2006 — so if you’re looking for a passive investment with higher-than-average returns, wine might be just the thing.

Bottom line

Whether it's art, wine, precious metals or hockey cards, alternative investments such as collectibles are worth considering if you’re looking for higher risk with the potential for higher rewards.

As for the Gretzky cards, Heritage Auctions will be reoffering the case in an upcoming auction — with Arshawsky suspended from bidding.

Sources

1. Canadian Securities Institute: Investing Strategies of the Future: From Alternatives to Personalization