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8 factors that could change economies and markets forever
The effects of COVID-19 are vast. Individuals, businesses and governments around the world have faced personal and financial impacts. As a result, material changes to spending patterns could have long-term implications as new habits emerge.
Columbia Threadneedle Investments Portfolio Manager Pauline George sums up eight factors that could permanently change economies and markets. Long-term investors should take note and continue to rely on their Ameriprise financial advisor for personalized financial advice.
PEAK GLOBALIZATION
Companies will start to think more about where stuff comes from — both in terms of consumption and supply chains. They will question over-reliance on certain countries. Diversification of manufacturing could mean changes in manufacturers’ capital spending.
CASH TO CARD ACCELERATES
The use of credit cards could grow as people are forced to shift from offline to online shopping and as many physical stores no longer accept cash for hygiene purposes.
HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Rules and regulations will step up, particularly in China where pressure will grow to regulate its food industry given the source of the virus outbreaks. We’re also likely to see more telehealth, including mental health coaching and video-based medical consultations. Issues like antibiotic resistance and other global health challenges could get more attention now that the world understands the economic impact of health crises.
WORKING FROM HOME BECOMES MORE ACCEPTED
Companies are now forced to enable working from home, and it could become a more acceptable way of working. This has implications for computer equipment and cloud computing investment, as well as commercial real estate and travel, as companies evaluate their need for office space and business trips.
PERCEPTIONS THAT TECH AND PHARMA ARE SHIFTING
We’ve all relied heavily on technology platforms, including social media, during the isolation period. In the longer term, tech firms will benefit from stronger user growth and rising engagement, while privacy concerns and government attacks may diminish. Pharmaceutical companies may also see a less adversarial environment as they work to develop drugs and therapies to address COVID-19.
ONLINE CONSUMPTION GROWS
Online consumption is rising, especially for groceries, education and broader retail. What started out of necessity for many may perhaps become the norm. This is likely to accelerate certain trends already occurring within retail (e.g., fewer physical locations) and online grocery delivery (which was already growing 100% year-over-year for some retailers).1 The set of online experiences is also likely to grow — many gyms are switching to streaming exercise classes, and many schools and universities have shifted to online courses. It’s possible that these changes could become permanent.
RISE OF THE GREEN AGENDA
Countries are now seeing the benefits of cleaner air and waterways, and they may try to find ways to maintain these positive changes post-outbreak. Boosted by fiscal stimulus, we might see a greater push for the green agenda and rising investment in things like renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure.
THE RISE OF MORAL CAPITALISM
Companies may have a fundamental reset and look more toward their purpose like their impact on the environment, their customers, community, employees and the supply chain. Corporate scrutiny may also accelerate in a post-COVID-19 world.
Market and economic resources
Ameriprise has additional market resources and timely economic insights from financial experts to help keep you informed about current market and economic realities — and how you might be affected. Visit the Ameriprise market volatility resources page for expert analysis and perspectives, audiocasts and other resources.
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