Investors turn to stamp collecting

Stanley Gibbons has seen its share of online sales double to £2.37m in addition to its in-store success. Photograph: Martin Argles Stanley Gibbons, the stamps and historical signatures dealer, has reported increased profits, thanks to investors switching to collectibles as a hedge against soaring inflation. The benefits of investing in collectibles as an alternative asset class have never been clearer," said the company's chairman, Martin Bralsford. "The investment argument is fast becoming too compelling to ignore - not only do rare stamps and historical signatures provide a means of diversification and a safe haven in difficult economic conditions, but also provide a hedge against inflation." He said because collecting was an "all-consuming passion," the prices of rare stamps and historical signatures showed no correlation... [read full story]