Washington — In the early 2020s, the investment landscape began to change faster than in the previous decade. Rising inflation in developed countries, high volatility in stock markets, and the technological shift toward “green energy” redirected investor interest from traditional instruments to real assets. One of the notable players in this transformation is the European platform f1rst.auction, which unites four segments: automobiles, shipping containers, mineral resources, and luxury goods.
Capital Shift: From Funds to Assets
According to PwC, the volume of alternative investments will reach $23 trillion by 2030, with resources, logistics, and luxury goods driving growth. In an environment where the average S&P 500 return in 2022–2024 dropped to 7–8% annually and European bank deposits yield less than 3%, the attractiveness of assets generating monthly income has become clear.
F1rst.auction has aligned with this trend by offering private investors access to markets that were once reserved for corporations and sovereign funds.
Automotive Market: Stability for Liquidity
The automotive sector remains a key part of the platform.
- Deal structure: 10% down payment, balance after shipment confirmation.
- Delivery times: 14–18 days within Europe, 37–39 days to the Middle East.
- Target audience: private clients from the Gulf states and Africa.
Cars provide relatively modest returns but ensure high liquidity. In 2024, luxury car sales grew by 8%, sustaining investor demand.
Containers: Rental Income and Rising Demand
The second direction is container investments.
- Profitability: 15–35% per month.
- Mechanics: the investor buys a container, which is then leased to shipping companies.
- Market: according to Drewry, demand for container shipping grew by 12% in 2024, while average rental rates rose by 18%.
This segment is perceived as the equivalent of real estate — but in logistics. For investors from Oman and Bahrain, it has become an alternative to bank deposits.
Mineral Resources: A Strategic Sector
The main source of excess returns for f1rst.auction is strategic resources.
- Gold: entry from €300,000, returns up to 36% per month.
- Lithium: from €750,000, up to 41%.
- Palladium/Platinum: from €850,000, up to 42.5%.
- Rare stones: from €1 million, up to 48%.
The demand is driven by structural shortages. BloombergNEF forecasts a fivefold increase in lithium demand by 2030. Palladium and platinum remain indispensable for the automotive and medical industries.
The platform’s advantage is that it works directly with mining companies and traders, removing chains of intermediaries.
Luxury: Capitalizing on Status
The luxury market reached €362 billion in 2024 (+11% compared to 2023). Through f1rst.auction, clients participate in European auctions, purchasing Rolex watches and Cartier jewelry.
For investors, this is a tool for long-term capital preservation. According to Bain & Company, rare models of watches and gems appreciate by 5–8% annually.
Financial Architecture: SWIFT and USDT
The f1rst.auction model reflects new financial trends.
- SWIFT remains the preferred choice for traditional assets (gold, luxury).
- USDT is used in 40% of deals, particularly in lithium, palladium, and container segments.
For the Middle East, cryptocurrency has become not just an alternative but the primary settlement method.
Geopolitical Factor
The platform operates at the crossroads of global interests. Europe supplies assets — automobiles, resources, luxury. The Middle East provides capital.
For Saudi Arabia and the UAE, investments in lithium and palladium align with their green energy development plans. For Europe, it is a way to attract private capital into strategic industries.
Risks and Challenges
Despite the attractive figures, the model carries risks:
- Commodity price fluctuations: if lithium demand temporarily decreases, returns may fall.
- Geopolitics: export restrictions on resources could affect projects.
- Regulatory barriers: cryptocurrency settlements remain a controversial issue in many countries.
However, the multi-sector structure mitigates risks: if the automotive market slows, containers or metals compensate for the decline.
Conclusion: A New Capital Architecture
F1rst.auction exemplifies how digital platforms are shaping the new architecture of capital.
- Automobiles ensure liquidity.
- Containers generate stable income.
- Resources deliver excess returns.
- Luxury provides prestige and long-term value.
For investors, it is an opportunity to diversify. For Europe and the Middle East, it is a new economic bridge.
The main takeaway: the future of investments lies in real assets integrated into digital platforms. F1rst.auction demonstrates that 21st-century capital is moving not toward abstract funds but toward resources, logistics, and luxury goods that form the foundation of the global economy.
