Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

Economic Opportunities

Saudi Oil Attack Is Unlikely to Dent U.S. Economy

Where opportunity was found: https://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-oil-attack-is-unlikely-to-dent-u-s-economy-11568539800

What leads you to believe that this information suggests an opportunity might exist: An opportunity exists based on this information because oil is a product that is high in demand in the united states and the rising of its prices is likely to make many consumers very upset. Therefore, there is a new unmet need for lower priced oil.

Who do you think is most likely to be the customer with the opportunity: Individuals who are dependent upon their cars and need gas are likely customer’s. Especially if they use their cars and need to fill their tank frequently.

Is the opportunity relatively easy or difficult to exploit? Why?: This opportunity is relatively easy to exploit as the transportation industry has a lot of room for improvement and has already been growing. Alternatives to oil and gas have already become options for consumers and I feel as though rising gas prices could contribute to a demand for electronic cars or other opportunities.

Leon Cooperman says the Fed made a mistake cutting rates: ‘You’re screwing the savers’

Where opportunity was found: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/19/leon-cooperman-says-the-fed-made-a-mistake-cutting-rates-youre-screwing-the-savers.html

What leads you to believe that this information suggests an opportunity might exist: It is an issue for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rated because individuals who are interested in saving their money are now being negatively impacted as a result of this decision. There is a need for a stable location for people to hold their money that is not properly being met.

Who do you think is most likely to be the customer with the opportunity: The most likely customer with this opportunity would definitely be individuals who are saving their money currently who will be impacted by the rates being cut.

Is the opportunity relatively easy or difficult to exploit? Why?: I believe this issue is not a particularly easy opportunity to exploit, as coming up with a saving alternative for individuals that will compete with the dropping rates does not seem particularly easy. However, the article states that the business community is facing uncertainty because they do not know where to place supply lines or build their plants. In this way, there may be opportunities to provide more clarity to businesses who are unsure about what to do due to these changes in the economy.

Regulatory Trends

New York Bans Sale of Flavored E-Cigarettes

Where opportunity was found: https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-bans-sale-of-flavored-e-cigarettes-11568762536

What leads you to believe that this information suggests an opportunity might exist: This information suggests an opportunity exists because e-cigarettes are highly used around the world and there are now many individuals left angry as a result of their ban.

Who do you think is most likely to be the customer with the opportunity: Individuals who are addicted to smoking and trying to quit as well as young adults in high school and college who are addicted to vaping.

Is the opportunity relatively easy or difficult to exploit? Why?: I believe there is a lot of potential to exploit this opportunity as long as a solution can be made that can satisfy the addiction of the people trying to quit smoking as well as not get new people addicted.

So long straws and stirrers!

Where opportunity was found: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-laws-2019-us_n_5c2c195fe4b0407e9085d41f

What leads you to believe that this information suggests an opportunity might exist: A new law is going into effect that is reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic products (such as plastic containers and straws). Restaurants in New York are now banned from using foam products such as takeout containers. Additionally, in the District of Columbia, single use straws and stirrers are not allowed and in California straws must be specifically requested by customers. This provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop an environmentally safe alternative to single use plastic to help satisfy the need for these containers, straws, etc.

Who do you think is most likely to be the customer with the opportunity: I believe the restaurant industry facing these bans and regulations would benefit the most as well as restaurant’s customers that enjoy using straws and takeout boxes.

Is the opportunity relatively easy or difficult to exploit? Why?: I believe this opportunity is relatively easy to exploit because there are many materials that are biodegradable and not harmful for the environment that may make great alternatives to plastic.