THE STARTING POINT DOES NOT MATTER
So, what should be your next investment opportunity?
Could it be the stock of a publicly traded company, an apartment in the heart of the city, or perhaps a piece of the digital future with cryptocurrency?
The range of investment options is almost boundless. The variety that investors can access today with just a few hundred francs is truly astonishing, especially when compared to the limited options available to previous generations:
- Equity in companies big and small, local and global, accessible directly or packaged in funds
- Debt instruments ranging from government bonds to peerto-peer lending, alongside niche offerings like catastrophe bonds and tax lien certificates
- Pretty much all the resources Mother Earth has to offer including energy sources, precious metals, and agricultural products
- Digital realms of currencies and assets, spanning cryptocurrencies to NFTs
- Real estate fragments, from residential properties to unique investments like parking lots or lands
- A kaleidoscope of collectibles: designer fashion, sports cards, vintage toys, rare books, luxury vehicles, fine wines, and more
- Art, gems, and jewelry
- Intellectual property stakes from patents to music rights
- Tangible assets such as franchises, restaurants or shops Virtual investments, including digital avatars and virtual land in burgeoning online worlds
- Unique assets like sports teams, artistic talents, and animals from horses to koi carp
And this non-exhaustive list keeps growing day by day. The main point here is:
There are literally millions of ways to invest, extending far beyond the handful of stocks frequently mentioned in the news. While the typical image of a successful investor may mirror a financier like Warren Buffett, who has expertly navigated the financial markets, history is replete with savvy investors and collectors who have amassed fortunes by putting their money into a variety of asset types.
So, what are the main takeaways here?
First, the best way to reconnect with the investment world is to let curiosity lead the way. Behind pretty much everything that surrounds us lies an investment opportunity. Just look around you: the painting adorning your wall, the origin of your morning brew, the technology behind your screen, the homes in your neighborhood—each holds a story, a lesson in economics, waiting to be uncovered. And this isn’t about seeing dollar signs everywhere but understanding the value in the world around you.
Secondly, by doing so, investment opportunities will naturally present themselves to you. And all you have to do is to assess them if they resonate with you.
Is one type of asset better than another? No. Only a banker can claim that investing in a stock is better than buying vintage bags or a Picasso. And that is simply not true.
Whether your affinity lies with traditional stocks, real estate, or the frontier of cryptocurrencies and NFTs, what is important is the step you take to start. The starting point does not matter. I would also argue that the more an asset type aligns with your interests, the more naturally you will invest the effort to conduct thorough due diligence on your investments.
Personally, I’ve consistently invested in the stock market while also nurturing a passion for collecting rare books and contemporary memorabilia, both of which have been financially rewarding for me.
What matters is that you begin. Over time, diversifying your investments will become a natural progression of your growing curiosity and confidence.
So choose an investment that sparks your interest, and together and let’s try to assess if it is a sound economic decision to invest in it.