🚀 August 2025: Performance Update
📊 August in Review
Alternative assets posted a robust +0.8% average gain in August, extending the summer’s growth trajectory. With 16 out of 18 categories showing positive or stable returns, the Splint Invest portfolio continues to highlight the strength of tangible and cultural assets in uncertain economic times.
August was defined by unprecedented momentum in Sport Trading Cards, which surged past historical benchmarks, making headlines across collecting communities and investor circles alike.
Meanwhile, Precious Metals, Whisky, and Diamonds added further depth to the month’s outperformance, reflecting strategic category positioning and favorable market tailwinds.
🏆 Category Spotlight: Sport Trading Cards Shatter Records
August saw global trading card sales reach $416.84 million, smashing the previous monthly record of $314.5 million set in July. The Cristiano Ronaldo CardLadder Index alone rose over 37%, while Kobe Bryant's index climbed 11% month-over-month, now nearly 50% higher year-on-year.
This red-hot market translated directly into portfolio strength, led by premium-grade, slabbed, one-of-one cards:
• Cristiano Ronaldo 2021 Prizm Auto 1/1: +17.02%
• Lionel Messi 2023-24 National Treasures Auto 1/1: +12.37%
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 2022 Prizm Auto Patch 1/1: +4.59
📈 Solid Growth Across the Board
- Average performance: +0.8%
- Positive/stable asset classes: 16 out of 18
- Valuation methodology: Based on current market prices, auction results, and B2B acquisition conditions.
🏆 Best Performing Asset Classes
🥇 Sport Cards (+3.5%) – Fueled by global demand and scarcity, high-grade sport cards continued their ascent. The month’s record-breaking trading volume reflects broader collector and investor enthusiasm.
🥈 Precious Metals (+2.6%) – Silver led the rally in August, marking continued confidence in inflation-hedging commodities.
🥉 Whisky (+2.0%) – Steady revaluations in high-quality whisky bottle assets helped lift the category, reinforcing its reputation as a slow but stable performer.
Pokémon (+1.7%) – The Pokémon CardLadder Index is now up 71% year-over-year, and gained another 5% in August, continuing its impressive rally. Our Van Gogh Pikachu (PSA 10) card was revalued upward by +4.85% based on latest auction comps.
Art (+0.9%) – August was another strong month for Art, with multiple assets appreciating thanks to conservative entry points and increased gallery valuations:
- David Hockney, No. 18, The Yosemite Suite: +17.02%
- Philip Tsiaras, Love in the Time of War: +14.69%
- Henry Hudson, Portfolio of 4 Works: +12.16%
- Kenny Scharf, Gee, 2019: +11.17%
💼 August Investment Highlights
| Asset | Performance | Category | Reasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Hockney, No. 18, The Yosemite Suite, 2010 | +17.02% | Art | Below market purchase; strong demand |
| Cristiano Ronaldo 2021 Prizm Auto 1/1 | +17.02% | Sport Cards | CR7 Index up +37%; conservative revaluation |
| Philip Tsiaras, Love in the Time of War | +14.69% | Art | Gradual markup from below-market entry |
| Philip Tsiaras, Deus Equus | +13.79% | Art | Gradual markup from below-market entry |
| Lionel Messi 2023-24 Auto 1/1 | +12.37% | Sport Cards | Messi Index up +28% |
| Henry Hudson, Portfolio of 4 Works | +12.16% | Art | Gradual markup from below-market entry |
| Kenny Scharf, Gee, 2019 | +11.17% | Art | Gradual markup from below-market entry |
| Ruby - 2.02ct | +7.23% | Diamond | Conservative markup from B2B acquisition |
| LEGO Land Rover Bundle I | +6.71% | LEGO | Strong seasonal demand |
| Van Gogh Pikachu Cards (PSA 10) | +4.85% | Pokémon | Based on recent online sales data |
🚫 No August Exits – But September Kicks Off with Action
While there were no category exits in August, the next Pokémon exit has been scheduled and will be executed during the first week of September. The asset has achieved a healthy return, capitalizing on the strong growth trend in the category.
🔍 Conclusion: A Market in Full Momentum
August confirmed a defining trend of 2025: collectible asset classes are booming, and Splint Invest is positioned at the forefront. From strategic acquisitions in Art and Precious Metals to early positioning in the blazing hot Trading Card segment, our performance underscores the value of diversification, timing, and expert sourcing. As we enter September, we maintain our focus on disciplined valuations, responsive exits, and unearthing off-market gems.
Let the momentum carry us forward.
