UK invests in memorabilia
2006-05-31 12:47
London - Some Britons are prepared to invest in memorabilia of celebrities such as England footballer David Beckham or U2 rock band leader Bono to earn money for retirement, according to a survey by Aon Consulting on Tuesday.
A survey of 1 680 adults showed 29% of respondents said they would consider celebrity memorabilia as an investment option for their pensions.
Property and timeshare properties were the most favoured area at 58%.
At a time when public confidence in traditional pension
investments has been hit by concerns about market volatility and
the costs of covering an ageing population, alternative
investments in property, antiques, vintage wines and timber are
growing, Aon said.
"The average UK investor should be wary of directing too
many funds towards the latest investment craze of buying signed
photos of today's hottest celebrity or relying on a dusty bottle
of Bordeaux to appreciate in value, without initially seeking
proper investment advice," said Ian Dearnley, a client
relationship director at Aon.
Among other details, 70% of respondents said they would consider alternative investments. Some 34% said they would consider classic cars, and the same percentage would look at evergreen forests.
- Reuters