From art and whisky to gold, investors are turning to tangible assets
There is rising demand for valuables — and a safe place to store them — amid political uncertainty
London — From safety deposit boxes in leafy west London to high-security facilities housing gold and silver in Frankfurt, companies that store valuables are expanding to meet demand. A rush into haven assets that began during the financial crisis is getting a new lease on life from an upsurge in populist politics and a quickening of inflation. Two firms say they plan to open vaults in Europe capable of holding more than $112m in gold, offering customers lower costs than exchange-traded products and protection from rising prices. "Inflation is a key concern for many of our clients," said Ross Norman, CEO of bullion dealer Sharps Pixley, which operates a gold vault within walking distance of Buckingham Palace. "A safe haven asset isn’t just about what you buy — it’s also about where you keep it." Political surprises such as Britain’s decision to leave the EU and the election of Donald Trump as US president have shaken investors over the past year. At the same time, negative interest r...
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