Alternative Investing Report - October 28, 2025

*as of 10/27; Sources: S&P, BTC, FTSE, DJRE, CL50

The fall art auction season continued in Paris last week, and in conjunction with Art Basel Paris, the six sales held by auction houses Sotheby’s and Christie’s generated $212 million in sales, a 30% increase compared to 2024. The highlight was Sotheby’s Surrealism and Its Legacy and Modernites double auction, which saw $104 million in sales, a 50% increase from last year. The standout lot was the Modigliani painting “Bust of Elvira,” which sold for $31.3 million, more than tripling its high estimate of $8.7 million.

➨ TAKEAWAY: Paris’ results continue the positive momentum that the art market has shown this fall, and that the French art market has shown this year. Through the first half of the year, art auction sales in France were up 4.7%, the only increase among the major art markets globally. Next month’s major auctions in New York will close the book on 2025, and there is optimism that this year will mark a turning point for the market after years of struggle.

🚀 Another Polymarket funding round: The crypto-based prediction market that just raised a $2 billion round at a $9 billion valuation is already eyeing its next funding round, at a valuation of up to $15 billion.

🏢 Industrial sector stability: While the national industrial vacancy rate rose in Q3, it was by just four basis points, and the net absorption rate climbed 148% compared to Q2. That rising demand combined with a multi-year low in new construction bodes well for the sector going forward.

🪙 Ferrari token: The luxury car company is creating a digital token, “Token Ferrari 499P” that members of its exclusive Hyperclub can use in an auction for a Ferrari 499P, a car that has won street straight Le Mans endurance races.

🎨 M.F. Husain market: The late Indian artist set a record for the most expensive modern Indian artwork earlier this year, and in part because of his controversial style, his market is growing and attracting more attention.

🏡 Luxury housing: The national benchmark for what is considered a luxury home — 90th percentile in price — dropped by 0.5% in September to $1.24 million, while Atlanta, Denver, and Minneapolis offer the most space for the money.

🎬 Luke Skywalker card: A 1977 Topps Luke Skywalker “rookie” card sold for a record $268,400, more than tripling the last sale of $78,000, just ten years after selling for $311.

Even dream of owning a golf course? Seminole Lakes Country Club, a Par 62 course in Punta Gorda, FL, was just put on the market for $2.5 million. Along with the 18-hole course, the property features putting greens, a pro shop, a restaurant and bar with a full liquor license, and a private dining area. There is also an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and five lighted tennis courts, three clay and two hard. And if golf carts are a perk, don’t worry, there are 77 of them.

_{^*Not all pre-IPO companies will go public or be acquired, and not all IPOs or acquisitions are or will become successful investments. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against market loss. Securities offered through EquityZen Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.}