TORONTO — The global economy is entering a period of turbulence. Rising interest rates in the U.S. and Europe, inflationary pressures, and stock market volatility are pushing investors to search for new capital destinations. Against this backdrop emerges f1rst.auction, a platform that combines cars, containers, strategic mineral resources, and luxury goods into a single investment ecosystem.
Shift in Global Capital
According to PwC, by 2030 the volume of alternative investments will reach $23 trillion. The main growth will come from real assets — from logistics and raw materials to luxury.
The reason is simple: stock markets have become less predictable. The S&P 500 delivered an average annual return of about 7% between 2022 and 2024, while U.S. inflation reached 6–7%. In Europe, the situation is similar: deposit yields remain below inflation.
In this environment, investors are seeking instruments that not only protect capital but also generate income.
Cars: Liquidity for Gulf Clients
The automotive segment of f1rst.auction is primarily aimed at Middle Eastern clients.
- Contracts are signed remotely.
- 10% is paid upfront, the remainder after shipping confirmation.
- Delivery takes 14–18 days within Europe and 37–39 days to Gulf states.
Cars remain popular because they are simple and tangible. They act as the “entry point” for investors who may later move into more complex instruments.
Containers: Investing in Global Trade
Logistics has become a key sector of the global economy. According to Drewry, in 2024 the volume of container shipping grew by 12%, while average rental rates rose by 18%.
Through f1rst.auction, investors can buy containers and lease them to transport companies. Returns range from 15% to 35% per month.
For investors from Oman and Bahrain, containers have become an alternative to real estate — but more flexible and liquid.
Mineral Resources: A Strategic Asset
The leading direction remains investment in resources.
- Gold: entry from €300,000, returns up to 36%.
- Lithium: €750,000, returns up to 41%.
- Palladium & Platinum: €850,000, returns up to 42.5%.
- Rare stones: €1 million, returns up to 48%.
These segments are strategic. The International Energy Agency forecasts a fivefold increase in lithium demand by 2030. Palladium and platinum remain essential for the auto industry and energy.
For Gulf states, such investments are part of national diversification strategies.
Luxury: Prestige as Capital
The luxury goods market in 2024 reached €362 billion (+11% vs 2023).
Through f1rst.auction, clients gain access to auctions featuring Rolex, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton. For them, it is not just lifestyle but a way to preserve capital.
According to Bain & Company, the value of rare watches and accessories grows by 5–8% annually.
Financial Architecture
A key feature of the platform is payment flexibility.
- SWIFT transfers are used by clients investing in gold and luxury.
- USDT cryptocurrency is applied in lithium projects, containers, and palladium deals.
According to f1rst.auction, more than 40% of transactions are processed in cryptocurrency, reflecting a global trend: capital is becoming digital.
Europe and the Middle East: A New Link
The economic logic is clear: Europe remains the supplier of assets, while the Middle East is the source of capital.
- Germany and the UK supply cars.
- Switzerland and Italy — luxury.
- Czechia and Africa — lithium and rare metals.
- The Middle East finances these projects, reaping high returns.
Thus, a new economic bridge is forming.
Risks and Challenges
Despite the appeal of the model, experts point to several risks:
- Commodity price volatility,
- Geopolitical factors (sanctions, export restrictions),
- Regulation of cryptocurrency transactions.
However, the multi-sector model reduces vulnerability: if one segment slows, others can offset it.
Conclusion: A New Capital Architecture
f1rst.auction is not just an auction platform. It is an example of a new model for the global economy.
- Cars provide liquidity.
- Containers ensure stability.
- Resources deliver high returns.
- Luxury preserves prestige.
For investors, it is a tool for diversification. For Europe, it is a way to export assets. For the Middle East, it is a strategic step toward a post-oil economy.
The main conclusion: the future of investments is tied not to abstract indexes, but to real assets. f1rst.auction demonstrates how digital platforms can integrate into the macroeconomy and shape a new architecture of capital.