Copy article

Off the beaten (investment) track

ended 01. July 2025

National newspaper journalist is writing a piece on investments and asset classes that are off the beaten track and slightly niche but which could fit well into certain investor portfolios, most likely as a satellite holding. This could range from fine art, antiques and Banksies/Basquiats to wine en primeur, precious metals and NFTs. Anything off the wall but which has the potential to deliver returns at the right level in the right portfolio., fire away with your suggestions. If you've got examples of returns to back it up, add them too. The quirkier or less well known, the better. 

3 responses from the Newspage community

Copy all

Copy

Editor
Scott Gallacher
Director at Rowley Turton
As a financial adviser, I’d generally urge caution when it comes to non-mainstream investments. Many niche assets can be illiquid, volatile, and hard to value, making them risky for the average investor.

But for those willing to speculate, my advice is to focus on an area where you have your own specialist interest, hobby, or passion. That way, even if the financial returns don’t materialise, you still get personal enjoyment out of the asset.

For me, it would be trying to spot the next classic car trend and buying a future classic—not necessarily as a pure investment, but as a hobby that might pay for itself if I’m lucky. For someone else, it could be collectible board games, retro computers, musical instruments, or even rare books.

The key is never to commit more than you can afford to lose. Treat these investments as speculative ‘fun money’ rather than part of your core financial plan.
Copy

Editor
Tony Redondo
Founder at Cosmos Currency Exchange
As a currency broker, I have several clients with satellite holdings in a diversified portfolio, including collecting rare coins and banknotes. This requires a deep knowledge of minting errors, historical context, or limited runs, but rare coins have delivered 5–8% annual returns over long periods, with exceptional pieces far exceeding this. Coins and banknotes are compact, easy to store, and have intrinsic value if made of precious metals. The condition is critical—a single scratch can slash value. Another quirky example is the sneaker resale market. Prices have exploded by 20–30% annual returns for rare models (e.g., Air Jordan 1s, Yeezys) over the past decade, driven by urban culture, limited-edition releases, and collaborations with artists like Banksy or brands like Louis Vuitton. These asset classes are unconventional, often illiquid, and carry unique risks, but they’ve shown significant returns under the right conditions.
Copy

Gareth Hazelden
Director at Atlantic Capital Markets
I know shares aren’t considered offbeat in the traditional sense, but some stocks are certainly off the beaten track. Everyone knows what Barclays or Sainsbury’s do but have you heard of Rocket Lab or The Metals Company?

These are stocks I personally own and am a big fan of. If SpaceX is Coca-Cola, then Rocket Lab is Pepsi and it’s quietly delivering. I bought it at just over $3, and it’s now trading around $35.

Then there’s The Metals Company. I picked it up at around $1, and it’s now trading at $6.60. They’re not digging underground they’re mining the seabed. With over 70% of the Earth’s surface covered by ocean, you have to ask: what’s waiting to be discovered in the depths? From a long-term thematic perspective, it’s a compelling narrative.

These types of stocks are ideal as satellite holdings niche, speculative, but with powerful tailwinds if the story plays out. And part of a balnaced portfolio