Economic Trends:
1. Economies Overseas Rebound
An article titled 5 Biggest Trends That Will Affect Your Money in 2018 on Money.com identifies current events that are affecting the way global economies interact. Some of these events provide opportunities for both small and large-scale investors and entrepreneurs. The record-breaking bull-market in the United States suggests this continuing trend, however the growth abroad has shown even greater numbers, with emerging markets rising more than 30%, and an expected global GDP growth of 3.2%. The prototypical customer is anyone willing to invest in mutual funds focused on investing in undervalued stocks in the European and Japanese markets. This can be achieved by almost anyone today who has access to trading platforms and/or personal brokers.
I believe I recognized this opportunity because of my experience and interest in global markets. When studying markets diligently and looking for specific trends, opportunities often arise, but capitalizing on these opportunities at the right time is very difficult.
2. Trucking Wages and Safety
According to a response to an article in the New York Times, the booming U.S. economy is recreating the opportunities for truck drivers that were lost in recent recessions. With the productivity in domestic production growing the past few years, the need to transport goods within the United States has become increasingly more necessary. This provides an opportunity for those seeking to fulfill an increasingly important role in the U.S. delivery system for great pay, as well as those innovators seeking to improve the delivery system itself through the use of new technologies. Driverless vehicles are among these rising technologies, and although it may be difficult to exploit at the moment, it still provides opportunities to work towards the future.
I noticed this opportunity because I have heard in recent news that there has been a short supply of truck drivers, despite the pay being so great for a non-degree occupation. I found the article interesting in my search for an appropriate article to discuss in this assignment.
Regulatory Trends:
1. Deregulation of Environmental Effects
In the past year, regulations that prevent damaging practices to the environment have gone out the door, and with that, raised awareness for this issue amongst hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people around the world through many forms of social media. The raise in awareness provides opportunities for many different entrepreneurs and customers depending on how it’s exploited. The sale of products that donate a portion of each sales revenue to a charity or cause has provided customers with an opportunity to help certain causes simply by buying a product that attracts them. The owners of these companies are profiting off of these sales, while also donating money to their cause of choice. This has become increasingly popular with recycled plastics from the ocean, that are formed into products such as bracelets, and sold to the public.
I saw an opportunity in the environmental issues were seeing today because it is an issue that hits very close to home and has devastated my community and neighboring communities. The opportunity for people to clean the ocean, make a profit, and donate portions of their revenue all at the same time is a very attractive idea.
2. Tariffs and Trade Policies
International trade policies have gained a lot of attention since Trump took office. According to Business News Daily, worsening relations with China means that companies should start preparing for higher prices from suppliers, whether it’s essential raw material or capital equipment, by purchasing these products now. This can provide a great opportunity for the suppliers to provide even larger than usual quantity sales, and for companies who need materials to acquire these materials at a low price due to such large quantities. Although it is a large investment, worsening trade relations may deem it promising.
I believe I noticed this opportunity because of the recent classes that I’ve been taking. These classes have put me in a certain mindset and made me more aware of supply and demand practices and the effects of certain regulations on the outcomes of these practices.
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the articles you found! I think you found great opportunities in these. The reasons you found opportunities in these things also interests me. I like that it is personal experienced based, such as from the classes you take and the things you are interested in. I think having that vantage point really helps when looking for opportunities in the little things like articles and news stories. Good job!
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteI am SO for the concept you discussed in Regulatory Article 1. I think the concept of customer loyalty to a brand who also donates a portion to a good cause is a beautiful thing. I think anything brands do to help clean up the environment and donate to environmental causes is a step in the right direction. I also found your article on trucking wages to be very interesting. I think the concept of self-driving cars and trucks is a scary yet resourceful idea that could eliminate jobs, but also open the door for new possibilities and technological advances. Could it solve the problem of driver shortage? Absolutely, but do we really want self-driving robot cars on our roads with us? Guess only time will tell.
Max,
ReplyDeleteThe article you chose to record are very interesting and insightful. You learn a lot about how the economy is affected on a wider scale than just the U.S. I really found your first economic trend article discussing the economy overseas. Too many people in the world just care about their own countries economy and haven't come to the realization that other nations economies actually does have an affect on your own. A lot of your economy includes foreign trade and tariffs. You even discussed this in one of your regulatory articles. The president of the U.S has had a huge impact on the U.S foreign trade and tariffs. Trump has help strengthen the economy even though there are people who don't believe in the way he goes about things.
hello maxwell, i always enjoy reading your work it amazes me how much you care about the ongoing global economies, detailed in your first article; "the record breaking bull market...continuing trend". i feel this sentence was imperative at getting your point across to anyone interested in investing in money mutual funds. i would have liked for their to be some mention on other forms of investing, maybe to make it more comprehensive.
ReplyDeleteMax,
ReplyDeleteAll of the articles you posted about were very interesting, however the deregulation of environmental effects caught my attention the most. Helping the environment doesn't always have to be boring or a hassle because if people would change their perspectives, our community would be happier and cleaner. Cleaning the ocean, allowing your creatiity to make a product and later selling it, is an efficient way of positively afffecting our environment.