🚀 April 2025: Performance Update

In an environment of increasing volatility in the stock markets and ongoing uncertainty surrounding macroeconomics and global trade conflicts, alternative asset classes are once again demonstrating their strength. Their low correlation with traditional financial markets provides stability — and, in some segments, even dynamic growth.

Despite significant fluctuations in global financial markets and uncertainties regarding trade policy and interest rate outlooks, alternative investments showed a robust sideways movement in April. Segments with high collectible value or limited supply in particular were able to achieve notable gains. Once again in April, the diversification advantage of physical assets proved effective, as they developed independently of the stock market.

📊 Stability in Volatile Markets

The average performance across all categories in April was +2.5 % – a sign of robust value retention despite challenging conditions. While precious metals (-3.6 %) and watches (-2.8 %) came under selling pressure, other segments – such as LEGO, sports cards and luxury travel luggage – impressed with strong performance.

LEGO (+2.5 %) benefited from increased retail prices and seasonal demand, while record auction prices for trading cards (+1.9 %) and sports cards (+0.9 %) provided a boost. Travel luggage (+1.5 %) also increased significantly in value ahead of the summer season.

🏆 Top Categories in April

🧱 LEGO (+2.5 %)

The LEGO Harry Potter Bundle II (90 sets) rose by an impressive +9.0 % in April. Retail price premiums for coveted sets and an active secondary market supported the growth. Still investable on Splint.

📈 Trading Cards (+1.9 %)

New auction records are driving the category: The sealed Pokémon EX Dragon Frontiers display rose by +7.7 %. The growing demand for rare booster displays confirms the long-term trend in the trading card market.

🧳 Travel Luggage (+1.5 %)

 Seasonal effect and collector focus: The Rimowa x UNICEF Heart Case (1-of-3) appreciated by +3.2 % in April. Limited editions in the luxury segment are proving particularly valuable.

🏈 Sports Cards (+0.9 %)

Strong auction results are driving momentum: The Aaron Judge 2017 Immaculate Quad Rookie Patch Auto 1-of-1 rose by +6.9 %. New records are creating momentum, especially in the U.S. sports segment.

🖼️ Art (+0.7 %)

While auction markets are currently showing little momentum, targeted below-market acquisitions achieved considerable performance contributions. Two positions are particularly noteworthy:

• Rudolf Stingel, Untitled (2009): +9.5 % – A typical example of the strategy to strike on undervalued works by contemporary blue-chip artists.
• Damien Hirst, End of Days (2003): +7.6 % – The British superstar continues to demonstrate pricing power in the secondary market.

Both works remain attractive positions in curated art portfolios with a conservative valuation approach.

💼 Top Investments – Still Time to Invest:

• 🎨 Rudolf Stingel, Untitled (2009): +9.5 % – Attractive entry, conservatively revalued – Blue-chip art with further potential.

• 🖼️ Damien Hirst, End of Days (2003): +7.6 % – A market-strong work by one of the most important living artists.

• 🚘 Porsche 911 Turbo (996), 2003: +5.5 % – Sought-after youngtimer with collector potential.

• 🍷 Domaine d’Auvenay – Bonnes Mares 2014: +4.1 % – One of the few positive performers in the wine segment.

• 🧳 Rimowa x UNICEF Heart Case (1-of-3): +3.2 % – Rarity with design focus and stable collector value.

• 🥃 Macallan 50 Years Old Red Collection: +3.1 % – Limited edition with strong brand value.

• 👟 Nike Air Jordan 3 Drake vs. Wayne White: +2.0 % – Culturally relevant sneaker with stable demand.

📊 Splint vs. Traditional Markets

While April was negative for many stock indices – including the S&P 500 at -5.25 %, SMI at -1.81 % and EuroStoxx 50 at -1.68 % – alternative investments on Splint once again preserved their stability.

Especially compared to broad equity market volatility, Splint categories like art (+0.7 %), LEGO (+2.5 %) or sports cards (+0.9 %) showed robust development. Once again it is evident: the low correlation of physical collectibles protects portfolios in uncertain times.

🔍 Key Takeaway: Stability and Opportunity Through Diversification

Whether sealed trading cards, design objects or limited art – physical assets with cultural value are in demand during times of crisis. With targeted sourcing and conservative valuation, we create above-average return opportunities in a challenging environment.

💼 Looking Ahead

In May as well, inflation, interest rates and geopolitical factors will influence the markets. We remain vigilant and selective in order to secure attractive off-market deals early. Splint remains your gateway to unique, tangible assets – with value, substance and potential.