Alternative investments up, stocks down despite EU agreement

Stocks fell on Monday despite the successful EU Summit, reminding us of the worth of alternative investments

The FTSEurofirst 300, which tracks the value of Europe's 300 largest companies, dropped by 1.9% on Monday (December 12) despite Friday's positive EU Summit.

A number of US banks also suffered major losses in the wake of the EU's decision to accept stricter financial controls.

Citigroup was down 5.6% on Monday, Bank of America fell by 4.8%, while JP Morgan dropped by 3.6%.

The uncertainty of the stock market both in Europe and the US highlights the need for a diverse portfolio to spread the risk.

Alternative investments such as rare collectibles can provide a superb level of return for investors.

And when it comes to the best returns in the past decade, rare autographs are the place to look.

Figures from the industry-respected PFC40 Autograph Index, which has tracked 40 of the most sought-after signatures since 2000, make for exciting reading.

The average autograph on the Index is up 14.84% pa since 2000: evidence that these alternative investments are well worth considering for your portfolio.

The Index features key historical figures such as Fidel Castro.

Castro's communist principles, which have pitted him directly against the US for the past five decades, have ensured his prominence on the political scene.

Fidel Castro's signature

Today his signature is in great demand.  

His autograph has increased by 22.20% pa since 2000, from £325 ($510) to £2,950 ($4,600), on average.

A letter signed by Castro and other imprisoned Cuban revolutionaries in 1953 sold for $6,500 at Bonhams in February 2007.

We have a superb official decree signed by Castro currently available for £2,750 (approx. $4,290).

As with all our stock items, you will also receive our personal lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

Take a look at the Castro-signed decree for yourself.

Or to discuss the investment potential of rare autographs, contact us at:

info@paulfrasercollectibles.com

+44 (0) 117 933 9503

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Images: Lars Aronsson