Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

“US-China trade war: New tariffs come into force”

I found this opportunity while reading an article on the BBC main website in the business section. With the US and China going toe-to-toe in a tariffs war, pricing of goods are increasing and may not stop until a compromise is met, but in the meantime there are points to exploit on either side. Goods like coal, copper scrap, fuel, have all found their way into China’s list of added tariffs. Thus, potentially leaving China’s industrial market hungry for manufacturing materials and fuel sources, like coal. This opportunity seems easily exploited with the right tools and knowledge. Our calm level-headed US president does not seem to have any intentions to reduce tariffs on goods, leaving China’s demands looking for a new supplier. I am sure others have seen the tariff war between China and the US; however, as an individual who has worked as an A/C mechanic, I can see that the mechanical aspect of the industrialized Chinese market is going to need these metals to continue production.

“Amazon deal shakes healthcare sector”

Amazon, the power-hungry superpower, has decided to expand into the medical field by buying PillPack. Pillpack is a multimillion dollar pharmaceutical company that prepackages prescription drugs in individual bags for a more efficient experience. I found this article on the BBC business section and it immediately caught my attention. Knowing that amazon is expanding into the pharmaceutical market where the majority of costumers are elderly people who struggle with technology may leave room for improvement. Setting a third-party system to make sure that each elderly individual gets there prescription and knows how to order there prescription may be beneficial to everyone. This opportunity may present itself to be difficult as Amazon seem to like to keep business within the family, so a third part may not be welcomed. I came up with this idea because I’ve seen my grandma trying to use a remote, I have never seen some staring at something with such confusion. Thus, leading to my understand that elderly people need a helping hand when it comes to the use of technology.

GM recalls 1.2 million vehicles

Also, I found these articles on the BBC and on the ABC News website. GM has recalled 1.2 million SUVs and pick up trucks for issues with power steering. As technology advances in vehicles more and more variables are added that can go wrong. Implementing a firm that extensively evaluates technologically advanced devices may led to less malfunctions as the bad products are weeded out. The costumers for such a firm can be car manufactures and or other tech-savvy companies that need to place a product safety rating. This opportunity seems relatively difficult to start since you’d have to build a name for the companies. If not its stamp of approval, quality and safety, will mean nothing to the consumer. Reason I saw this opportunity is that I understand the conscious safety buyer and that when deciding to invest in something it is priceless to have someone reassure your decision.

Use it or lose it

“Use it or lose it” is a popular saying in today’s sociality, especially as the fitness industry grows. The fitness industry has grown rapidly over the past few years, with new supplement products overfilling shelves, new gym locations popping up all over cities, and Instagram models promoting a ridiculous physique while calming no use of steroids. However, this market is targeting young adults leaving the elderly out of the equation. There is an opportunity for a whole new market. Cities like Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL., where 18.7 percent of the population are 65 and above, according to Forbes magazine, would be a place start. Implementing bus services for pick-ups, facilities created to keep elderly people active, and offering classes from nutrition to exercise. I think with a fitness community distracted on competing for one target audience it may be easy to become the leader in elderly fitness/health. My reason for seeing this opportunity is that I understand the importance of remaining active. Watching the elderly people in my life stay sedentary not because they choose not to, but because they lack opportunity.