In an era of increasing market volatility, investor interest is shifting toward real assets. Cars, shipping containers, strategic minerals, and luxury goods are becoming tools that not only diversify portfolios but also deliver higher returns than traditional instruments. One company that has successfully combined these directions into a single platform is f1rst.auction.
Paradigm Shift: From Funds to Real Assets
According to PwC, the global alternative investment market could reach $23 trillion by 2030, with raw materials and logistics as the main growth drivers. In recent years, investors have faced a paradox: classic instruments generate minimal returns. Bank deposits in Europe yield just 2–3% annually, the S&P 500 fluctuates, and inflation in developed economies exceeds 5%.
Against this backdrop, investments in physical assets appear not simply as an alternative but as a necessity. Containers, cars, rare metals, and luxury items are becoming the “new standard” of capital allocation.
Automotive Segment: Steady Demand
One of the core directions of f1rst.auction is premium cars. In 2024, the luxury auto market grew by 8%, despite stagnation in the automotive sector overall. The main buyers remain clients from the Middle East and Africa, where European cars are seen as a status symbol.
The model is straightforward: a client signs a contract online, pays a 10% down payment, and transfers the remaining balance only after shipment confirmation. Delivery takes 14–18 days across Europe and up to 39 days to the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
For the company, this ensures a stable revenue stream. For clients, it is an opportunity to acquire an asset with fast execution.
Containers: A Tool for Stable Income
Shipping containers are emerging as a new form of investment. According to Drewry, demand for container shipping rose by 12% in 2024, while the average rental cost of containers increased by 18%.
Investors at f1rst.auction purchase containers (ranging from standard 20FT to refrigerated and tank models) and earn income by leasing them to transport companies. Returns are 15–35% per month, far above classic fixed-income tools.
This segment stands out because it follows a rental business model — only applied to global logistics. At the same time, investors can receive payouts both to bank accounts and crypto wallets.
Minerals: The Strategic Resource of the 21st Century
The strongest growth driver remains minerals and precious metals. In the context of the energy transition, demand for lithium, platinum, palladium, and rare earth elements is growing exponentially.
BloombergNEF forecasts that lithium demand will increase fivefold by 2030, while palladium and platinum prices will remain high due to limited supply.
f1rst.auction’s model is simple: investors acquire a share in a real project — a mine, processing plant, or export contract. Minimum entry levels range from €300,000 for gold to €1 million for diamonds and rare stones. Returns are as follows:
- Gold — 32–36% per month
- Lithium — about 41%
- Platinum and palladium — up to 42.5%
- Rare stones — up to 48%
From an economic standpoint, such high returns are explained by three factors: resource shortages, direct contracts with exporters, and flexible financial schemes.
Luxury: Capitalizing on Style
The luxury segment continues steady growth: according to Bain & Company, the global luxury market reached €362 billion in 2024.
Through f1rst.auction, clients gain access to European auctions featuring Rolex watches, Louis Vuitton accessories, and collectible jewelry. For investors, this is not only prestige but also a long-term asset, as rare watches and stones appreciate by 5–8% annually.
Financial Architecture: SWIFT and USDT
A distinctive feature of f1rst.auction is its flexible financial system. Clients can use either SWIFT transfers or USDT cryptocurrency.
- SWIFT is typically chosen for gold, diamonds, and cars.
- USDT is more common for containers, lithium, and palladium.
According to internal company data, more than 40% of transactions are now conducted in cryptocurrency, reflecting the global trend of financial digitalization and reduced dependency on banks.
Comparison with Competitors
Traditional auction houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s, or Copart specialize in narrow segments. f1rst.auction integrates four directions, diversifying risks across them.
For example, if the car market slows down, income is offset by containers or metals. This makes the model more resilient compared to narrowly focused players.
Conclusion: A Multi-Sector Model as Crisis Protection
By combining cars, containers, minerals, and luxury goods, f1rst.auction exemplifies a new investment architecture.
- Cars provide liquidity.
- Containers generate steady income flows.
- Minerals deliver super returns.
- Luxury preserves prestige and long-term value.
For investors, this means diversification and access to segments that were once closed to private players. For the market, it signals that the future of investing is less about abstract financial instruments and more about real assets shaping the global economy.
f1rst.auction shows that the new era of capital lies in the union of digital platforms and strategic resources.
