Gotta Catch 'Em All The New Pokémon Card Gold Rush

From Childhood Hobby to Serious Investment

It appears those colorful cardboard squares from your youth are more valuable than you thought. While I was busy dealing with Zerg rushes and Dominion plots the human world has been quietly turning Pokémon cards into the new gold standard. Apparently these aren't just for kids anymore unless those kids have serious cash.

Outperforming the S&P 500 You Must Be Kidding

Unbelievable as it sounds reports indicate that during specific periods indexes tracking Pokémon card sales have surpassed the S&P 500's annual return. I find myself wondering if Jim Raynor is diversifying his portfolio with a Charizard or two. Scarcity and grading are major factors along with collectors willing to pay premium prices for pristine condition cards. Speaking of disasters have you heard about Mother Nature Grounds Flights East Coast Travel Chaos Ensues? Now that's a real market disruption. It is a different kind of storm but similarly affecting supply and demand just like these rare Pokémon cards.

The Logan Paul Effect and the Rarity Game

A Pikachu Illustrator card owned by someone named Logan Paul sold for over $16 million. Sixteen million Credits for a piece of cardboard. I could build a small Hydralisk den with that kind of money. Auctioneer Ken Goldin said these individuals are attempting to corner the market removing the rarest cards from circulation. This reminds me of Mengsk's tactics in the Dominion manipulate the market to retain power.

Condition Is Everything Apparently

Apparently the condition of a card is crucial. A card graded a perfect 10 commands a massive premium. This is reminiscent of needing the perfect Zergling rush timing. A slight delay and you're toast. Likewise a damaged card is virtually worthless except maybe as kindling for a campfire.

Pandemic Boom and Celebrity Hype

The rise in card sales during the pandemic shouldn't be a surprise. Everyone was stuck at home wondering what to do with their stimulus checks. Throw in some celebrity endorsements from the likes of Post Malone and Kevin O'Leary and you've got a full blown frenzy. I wonder if Kerrigan's ever considered endorsing a line of trading cards featuring powerful Psionic individuals? Perhaps not.

Alternative Assets or Risky Business

While some see Pokémon cards as a legitimate alternative asset the market is volatile and subject to hype. Card prices lack the stability and track record of traditional markets. Caveat emptor as they say or in Zerg terms 'Beware the Overlord bearing gifts.' So while some cards continue to outperform the market remember that even the most powerful Queen of Blades wouldn't advise putting all your eggs in one basket.