What makes antiques sure values investments?

According to the Art Market Poll Center, between 2008 and 2009, most of the art market specialties have collapse. But each specialty has suffered of a different level of decrease depending on two major ideas: are the artworks antiques or contemporary? Are the client collectors or investors?

Between 2008 and 2009, before and after the global financial crisis, all the art market can be divided in three groups.

The first one has largely suffered of a major decrease in both prices and buying intentions rates. The related specialties are mostly contemporary art. Between 2008 and 2009, the global market for contemporary art lost 23.63% in value and buying intentions. Traditionally, this market is much more subject to speculation than the other fields of the art market; the few real collectors can't support the market and all the investors polluting this market's health.

The second one has less suffered from the crisis. The related specialties are mostly Old Masters and 19th Century arts. Between 2008 and 2009, the global market for Old Masters lost less than 11% in value and buying intentions. The Old Masters market is more run by collectors than speculators; therefore a collector doesn't sell its collection at the first sight of a collapse in prices. So Old Masters are more stable since the clients are either less reactive than contemporary art ones, or they are simply following a different collecting logic.

The last one hasn't suffered from the crisis. The related specialties are niche markets such as stamps, coins, antique weapons and books. Between 2008 and 2009, the global market for "collection items" lost 1.6% in value and buying intentions. These fields are perfect examples of specialties totally disconnected from the financial market, and run buy pure collectors.

As an investor you are looking for a sure value? First focus on the buying motivations of the collectors and you will find your way.

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