Investing in trading cards, particularly in athletes like Giannis Antetokounmpo, has emerged as a compelling alternative investment strategy with its own set of advantages.
Unlike stocks or gold, trading cards offer a lower entry point and a more accessible form of vetting. Investing in trading cards presents a distinctive advantage over stocks due to the simplified diligence and vetting process. Unlike the complex financial reports, shareholder meetings, and market analyses associated with stock investments, the diligence for trading cards is seamlessly integrated into our everyday experiences.
Each time we tune into a game, decide whose jersey to purchase, choose the latest sneakers, opt for a specific video game, or buy tickets to a match, we naturally contribute to our wealth of knowledge about athletes. This innate familiarity positions us to efficiently navigate through a deck of trading cards, swiftly discerning which players are immensely popular, those worth serious consideration, and those that may not be viable investments at all.
This intuitive vetting process streamlines decision-making, making trading cards an accessible and engaging investment avenue for those well-versed in the world of sports.
Let's break down the numbers to illustrate the potential returns over the past decade.
Starting with a nominal investment of $1, Giannis Antetokounmpo's rookie cards have displayed a remarkable growth rate of around 17.2% per year, reaching a current value of $1500. This contrasts with the S&P 500's annual average return of 13.05% over the same period and a gold investment's growth of approximately 3.98%.
The key distinction lies in accessibility – while one can only obtain one trading card for a dollar, stocks and gold require a more substantial initial investment. There are ample players across sports that could reach this type of return, and Giannis isn't the only player in this tier in his sport. There are tons of rising stars every year, making every draft and season an opportunity for investors to get in at the baseline prices.
related: Trading Cards are the Real Life NFTs
However, it's crucial to acknowledge the risks associated with trading cards, including market volatility, speculation, and the athlete's performance and behavior. Successful card investments hinge on factors such as an athlete's consistent excellence, avoidance of controversies, and staying injury-free.
Invest in performance not hype, a legend could be worth more than gold.
Despite these challenges, the trading card market, with careful risk management and informed decision-making, stands as an intriguing and potentially rewarding investment for those seeking a familiar yet distinct avenue for financial growth.
