Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

Economic Trend: Interest rates are rising

• Source: https://www.thebalance.com/top-usa-future-economic-trends-3305666
• I think this opportunity exists because the economy's rates are always fluctuating. There is also data with statistical evidence of rising interest rates. 
• The typical customer for this opportunity is consumers. A lot of consumer activity is based on interest, price, and inflation levels. Higher interest rates means that loans will cost more, but savers will earn more on deposits. 
• I saw this opportunity because interest rates ultimately have a lot of influence on decisions that people make, whether they are financial or consumption-based. 

Economic Trend: Consumer spending could fuel economic growth

• Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucemccain/2016/01/03/five-key-economic-trends-to-watch-in-2016/#3181d8633ff7
• This opportunity exists because labor markets have been rising, and there is data to back this up.
• This opportunity affects nearly all people in society including both businesses and consumers. Economic growth is something that is affected by all members of society. 
• I saw this opportunity because interest rates had risen back in 2016, and since then a lot of people have had concern over how that would affect economic growth. 

Regulatory Changes: An opportunity to implement a new technique that analyzes DNA faster.

• Source: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hr510/summary
• This exists because the bill passed both the House and Senate, and according sources, it is likely that the President will sign it. 
• This typical customer for this opportunity includes members of law enforcement, forensic teams, and healthcare professionals. Having faster ways to analyze DNA will help speed up cases and diagnoses. 
• I saw this opportunity because unlike other regulatory changes I saw, this is one of the few that wasn't based on economic principles. 

Regulatory Changes: An opportunity to provide funding for more advances in weather research and forecasting.

• Source: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hr353/summary
• This opportunity exists because Senate passed it as an amendment that strengthens the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It authorizes $25.8 million every fiscal year from 2016 to 2021. 
• The customers for this regulatory change are the administrators of the NOAA. It gives them more money to prioritize weather research and public safety.
• I saw this opportunity because we are currently in the midst of a hurricane, and I've been following weather reports more than I usually do so this stuck out to me.