Identifying Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends

1. For this first opportunity, it comes from a story that is a positive story but is what I feel allows for opportunity within. I found this story on CNBC and the the title is "Homeowners are sitting on $6 trillion in available cash, but they're not tapping it." Basically, this story highlights the fact that homeowners equity is at an all-time high, but nobody is really doing anything with it. I believe there is an opportunity lying in this given information simply because there is $6 trillion that is not being used that can potentially be put to work. I also think it is clear who the potential customer for this opportunity is and it is the homeowners who are compiling records amount of equity overtime on their homes and properties. I think this opportunity will be relatively difficult to exploit because when you are dealing with people's money I think people can become very hesitant and protective. This is also different from typical consumer purchases as we are dealing with larger sums of money, and as the article states, larger sums than ever before. I personally see an opportunity in this particular situation perhaps because of my greed. I think many people will see that they now have more untapped money than ever and see it as a good thing and never think twice about it. I think this is a good change to multiply your money and take advantage of the prospering house market.
2. For this next opportunity, it comes from a more broad economic trend in 2018. Throughout many periods over the span of 2016-2018 the United States has seen the unemployment rate decrease to very promising rates. This is where I believe it pays to be cautious but also continue to exploit these positive trends. I think there is an opportunity to help people who are unemployed secure jobs as there are more jobs in the economy now. This information comes from various sources and general knowledge, as many reports have come out showcasing the lowering unemployment rate. I think an opportunity exists here simply because the economy is a topsy-turvy thing and the unemployment rate will never be 0 so there will always be opportunity there. The most likely customer would definitely be unemployed people in the U.S. I think this opportunity is relatively easy to exploit because people will always be looking for jobs.
3. This opportunity comes from a regulatory change as of earlier this summer, when it was ruled that e-businesses, those without a physical presence in a particular state, may be subject to sales tax. I found this as a part of an article on businessnewsdaily.com. I think this can lead to an opportunity because now there are an entire segment of businesses that are needing to deal with an aspect of business, and a very important aspect being taxes, that they have never had to deal with before in this capacity. The most likely customer is obviously e-businesses who are affected by this tax change. I think the circumstances makes this opportunity a relatively easy one to exploit, however I feel there are already many businesses and services that handle this aspect. I see the opportunity because I believe whenever there is an obstacle, there is always a way to get through that obstacle and come out better and more prosperous on the other side.
4. A very relevant topic and trend in the news today is the United States and their role in international trade. There have been many reports and conversations of varying trade talks, especially with China. As a result, there may be new trade regulations or policies that are put into place that will affect businesses both in the United States, and globally. I think this is where the opportunity exists, and I believe so because many companies rely on trade and the unpredictability of these particular rules and regulations. The most likely customer for this opportunity is definitely business that rely heavily on international trade. I think this opportunity will be difficult to exploit as there a lot of hoops to jump through when it comes to international trade and the current political climate that is coming with it.