🚀 May 2025: Performance Update
While equity markets recovered much of their April losses, they remained volatile—underscoring once again the stabilizing role of alternative assets within diversified portfolios. Our analysis shows that 14 of our asset classes either appreciated or held steady in May. Precious metals, art, and gemstones in particular benefited from limited supply and targeted demand—a trend echoed in recent reports by leading international investment firms.
The highlight of the month came with the early and highly successful exit of Duncan McCormick’s striking 2023 painting There’s a Storm Comin’. This exceptional asset delivered a net return of +25.9% for Splint investors in just 10 month, well ahead of schedule. The sale was fueled by soaring international demand for McCormick’s work, supported by prestigious commissions and strong auction results. In the end, a determined private collector secured the piece for their permanent collection—marking a remarkable investment outcome in an otherwise turbulent market environment.
đź“Š Solid performance in alternative assets
- Average performance: +0.6%
- Positive/stable asset classes: 14 out of 18
- Valuation methodology: Monthly revaluation based on current market prices, auction results, and B2B acquisition conditions.
🏆 What are the best-performing alternative assets right now?
- Precious metals (+4.9%) - Platinum was the clear winner: a 1kg platinum bar was revalued at +7.7% following a sharp price increase (source: LBMA).
- Art (+1.6%) - Strategic acquisitions below market value and strong auction results for selected artists drove performance gains. A standout this month: David Yarrow.Many of our editions are now sold out—a key advantage, as Yarrow’s pricing model involves increasing prices as limited editions sell through. Early investors benefit from attractive value appreciation, with the last remaining works consistently fetching top prices. Example:The Siberian by David Yarrow: +14.1% increase—part of a now fully sold-out edition.Other artists also performed well, such as Katherine Bernhardt (Pepsi: +16.3%), thanks to targeted purchases below gallery price (53% discount) and conservative valuations.
- Gemstones (+1.5%)Colored gemstones such as a 12.36ct Blue Sapphire – No Heat rose +6.9% in value, driven by wholesale acquisition terms and high demand.
- Sports cards (+1.3%) - The boom in the high-end segment continues: the Aaron Judge 1-of-1 Rookie Card was revalued following new record prices for comparable cards at auction (Card Ladder Index).
đź’Ľ May Investment Highlights
- Katherine Bernhardt – Pepsi (2019): +16.3% - Acquired 53% below gallery price, conservatively valued—an artwork with strong potential by a rising US artist, represented by one of the world’s most prestigious galleries.
- Blue Sapphire – No Heat – 12.36ct: +6.9% - High-grade colored gemstone, purchased at wholesale conditions—33% below B2C market price.
- Nike x Louis Vuitton Air Force 1 “Purple” F&F: +5.1% - Extremely rare (1 of only 15 worldwide), acquired below market value in May. The most sought-after colorway of the series.
- Rimowa x UNICEF Heart Case (1-of-3): +3.8% - Limited charity edition, acquired favorably as a design collectible.
- Porsche 911 Turbo (996), 2003: +3.3% - Youngtimer in concours condition, purchased below the market price of comparable vehicles.
- Domaine d’Auvenay – Bonnes Mares, 2014: +3.2% - Rare Burgundy wine, conservatively valued at €22.8k with current minimum prices at €25k (wine-searcher.com).
🔍 Conclusion: Stability & Perspective
May has impressively demonstrated that alternative assets offer substance, diversification, and protection against market turbulence—an edge increasingly valued by institutional and private investors alike. Our selective acquisition strategy, conservative valuations, and broad diversification enable sustainable returns with limited risk.
Looking to diversify with real assets? Explore our curated alternative investment offerings backed by data and global market insights.
Note: All performance figures are based on internal valuations and current market data. Sources and further details are available upon request.
The average performance across all categories in April was +2.5 % which is a sign of robust value retention despite challenging conditions.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic risks and global trade tensions, several alternative asset categories showed resilience in March. Once again, standout gains were driven by niche collector segments and successful below-market acquisitions. This month reaffirmed that holding low-correlated assets to traditional markets enhances overall portfolio stability during periods of uncertainty.
