Spectrem research shows that 23% of High Net Worth individuals invest in collectibles (which includes artwork) with that percentage rising to 32% with Business Owners, who perhaps have more flexibility with their spending than Corporate Executives (only 16% of whom purchase collectibles).

Affluent collectors vigorously added to their Fine Art collections in 2006, with auction house Christie’s International reporting record sales of $4.67 billion, up 36% from 2005. Recognizing the changing global economic landscape, Christie’s expanded services into emerging markets such as Dubai, China and Russia.

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