Well, the signs have been there for ages...
Like China's first-ever wine auction netting total sales of $1.3 million... Or the magnificent $710,600 World Record sale of the 1897 One Dollar Red Revenue Stamp...
China's markets have been going from strength to strength. And now it's official: the People's Republic has overtaken Japan as the world's second largest economy.
What's more, experts predict that China will supersede the United States as having the world's #1 economy. And this could happen as soon as 2030.
China currently has an estimated 870,000 new millionaires - that's certainly more than there are in Britain...
And I can also see the country emerging as the #1 collecting capital of the world; perhaps in an even shorter space of time.
The People's Republic has proven itself to be especially open to the possibilities and benefits of alternative collectible investments in recent times.
China's 1897 One Dollar Red Revenue Stamp sold for a World Record $710,600 earlier year this year |
Take stamp collecting, for instance. You can't mention philately anymore without referring to China and its markets. The country currently has 18 million dedicated stamp collectors.
Better still, China's stamp collectors are of all ages. This is in contrast to Britain, where future stamp collectors and investors are more likely to be of retirement age.
By the year 2031, 25% of Britain's population is likely to be over the age of 65 (it's been shown that older people are prone to resuming childhood hobbies, like philately).
But in China, the stamp collecting demographic has endless opportunities. And it's easy for you to get involved, thanks to the magic of the internet...
For example, in the same month that China was announced as the world's #2 largest economy, the largest-ever auction of Chinese and Asian stamps (in dollar sales terms) was held in Hong Kong.
From a red stamps to a red classic car: vintage autos like this Honda S600 could be at the forefront of China's growing passion for classic car investments |
Via the web, you were as welcome to take part in the HK$61,479,230 ($7,917,650) event as anyone, participating in landmark sales including that of the legendary "Emerald Lady" stamp.
One of the great rarities of the Qing Dynasty, the historic surcharge specimen from 1897 realised a final price of HK$2,990,000 ($385,070).
In other words, whether you're looking for big money rarities or entry-level investment opportunities, these are very exciting times for the worldwide collectibles markets.
Record attendances greeted Vinexpo, Asia's largest wines and spirits show earlier this year |
And it isn't just stamps. Acker recently held a rare fine wines sale comprising 1,500 lots.
But here's the thing: the lots were based in different parts of the world, from the US to Asia.
Or how about classic cars? Mercedes Benz has seen increasing numbers of wealthy Chinese individuals paying up to £100,000 ($150,000) for their luxury and classic automobiles.
And it isn't just China...
As we reported last week, the number of India's millionaires is up 51% in 12 months - and they're investing in art, stamps and even ancient swords
But the best part about all this is the opportunities this presents to you as a collector. As China's collectibles markets grow into the world's #1, the possibilities are yours for the taking.
And they are accessible to you via a simple click of your mouse.
For now, best of luck and happy collecting!
Paul
