We have seen the previous industry trends, from construction & property, steel, oil & gas and plantation.
Which industry do you think would be in the limelight next? Do you believe when they say the next trend would be the wellness industry? I do felt the same as well. I am in the opinion that pharmaceutical and healthcare industries would be the next trend. What do you think?

Two industries that will perform no matter what:

Food & Beverage
Healthcare

The next trend is technology; in order for China to advance to the next level, it must equipped itself with the necessary technology to enhance its fuel efficiency, to control pollution; to build a global brand like Samsung, Nokia, Siemens; to increase food production for its people.

My guess is those industry that related to environemental product which make existing production or product more environmental friendly, like catalysts that reduce pollutant, a niche market etc.

Enviroment friendly is the next trend.
Many country just start to notice the important of this.

What do you think of waste management companies? Since governments everywhere encourage recycling, and that we would be running out of dumps, these companies should be playing a better role in the future?

Locally, not good.

They are too much political link, Indah Water is the typical example.

My opinoin only.

Jordy,

Which country?? Which part of the world?? In general, I would say watch China and India. Ask yourself what is needed by China and India. For example, there are quite many waste water treatment projects in China and India. Some Malaysian companies are involved with that.

As for Malaysia, we are and will be in deep slump / recession for the next few years. Hopefully, we can recover but we may never recover.

Dreamer

I know the political risks locally, but lets discuss globally

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Added on July 20, 2008, 6:50 pmSo, you still feel the BRIC will be the next focus? But don't you think the markets there are a bit overvalued?
I am not sure though, but as for China, I think the market has cooled off a little (dropped from a high of 5,000 to the current 2,800). I hope I am not wrong though, but is there any risks of going into these countries now?

What about in US? Is there still investing potential there?

This post has been edited by Jordy: Jul 20 2008, 06:51 PM

Jordy,

In your original post, you are asking about industry trend. Now, you are talking about stock market. What actually you are interested in?? For example, just because the trend of growth is in India and China, it does not mean you invest in the stock market of China and India. One of the trend is large number of nuclear plants will be built in China and India. You could invest on uranium producing country or people with those technology to build large number of nuclear plants. Ditto on waste water treatment and so on..

A good company is not equal to a good stock aka good investment. They are NOT the same. The stock might be over-valued.

Dreamer

dreamer, I think I get your point there. Well, I am more interested in figuring out the next global trend that is going to hit us, and be invested in equities of companies in that particular industry. Like those that foresaw the trend of increasing crude oil prices and invested early into those oil & gas companies would have been harvesting good returns by now. I know it is nearly impossible for an ordinary individual to predict the future trend accurately, but there should be a way to figure out the next possible trend IF we knew where we are heading into

The reason for me to believe that the next trend could be in pharmaceutical and healthcare is very simple. As our average lifespan is getting shorter due to advances in technology and increasing pollution, people would tend to seek medication or supplements to sustain a healthier and longer life. There will be more people getting sick especially with the unhealty lifestyle that most of us are going through, so the growth rate in pharmaceutical companies should increase. I might be wrong though, so please correct me if you think I am going into the wrong direction

This post has been edited by Jordy: Jul 21 2008, 12:56 AM

Jordy,

1) During California Gold Rush, not many people found gold. But, Levi's jean was founded and Levi got rich from selling jean to people looking for gold.

2) You would have MAKE a lot more money if you speculated on alternate energy companies instead of OIL and GAS companies.

3) I believe OIL and GAS is in for a shock correction. There is NO SHORTAGE. And, the Americans are adapting more fuel efficient cars. This is habit changing and the long term demand will be down.

<<The reason for me to believe that the next trend could be in pharmaceutical and healthcare is very simple. As our average lifespan is getting shorter due to advances in technology and increasing pollution, people would tend to seek medication or supplements to sustain a healthier and longer life. There will be more people getting sick especially with the unhealty lifestyle that most of us are going through, so the growth rate in pharmaceutical companies should increase. I might be wrong though, so please correct me if you think I am going into the wrong direction >>

4) Idea is RIGHT but the reasons for the trend is WRONG.

5) The reasons for growth in pharmaceutical and healthcare is because

A) China and India -> More people can afford healthcare.

B) People in developed countries has longer life span

But the problem with pharmaceutical is GENERIC DRUG. Which is a big industry in India. It drive down the prices.

First law of marketing . The market is formed by PAYING CUSTOMERS. If people do not have MONEY to buy your stuff, they CANNOT be your potential customer.

Dreamer

dreamer, thank you for your wonderful insights. I appreciate it very much

if a company is in a good environment, but the management team is bad
no matter how the industry performs well, the company still cant growth rapidly

my opinion is we no need to keep guessing on which industries will become the next limelight, as an investor, we should focus on searching for the best companies which have a good perform in management

What you said is partly correct. I agree most of your points.
But you tend to forget something, that is in order for you to gain a much higher return, management + environment go hand in hand.
Well, lets make a simple (yet illogical) example. If now crude oil falls to $10 because demand has mostly shifted to biodiesel or something.
What can the management of an oil major do to sustain the company's growth? The profitability would not be sustainable and the management need a few years just to restructure the company to tap into biodiesel. Still, it takes a few more years just to catch up with the others.
The market is forward looking, and we need to keep seeking for the best possible combination of management + environment in the future.
As what Warren believes, we need to invest in a company which even a "fool" can run. Management won't be there forever, but if the business is in a good environment, then it will generate the profit automatically

Jusr my opinion

next trend Service industry.....................Sure

Bro, service industry is TOO wide la
Airlines, logistics, designing, education, restaurant, etc all also service industry.
Please narrow down your choice and reasons you believe so thank you

I think YTL power is one. They involve in UK waste water treatment plant wessex. Maybe their next move is to china

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Added on July 31, 2008, 9:25 pmChina now is facing increasing difference between old and young age era. The old folk number will increase whereas the younger generation number will decrease. Not good for their economy.

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Added on July 31, 2008, 9:29 pmLike you all have mentioned, environment is becoming crucial as global warming issue . Water shortage is one of the concern too. I think ytl power is potential as ytl power is cash rich... just my view. PLS comment

This post has been edited by darkknight81: Jul 31 2008, 09:29 PM

The next trillion business - Health & Beauty
People are more healthy aware - stay healty
and want to look beautiful - so cosmetic beauty products are going to selling well

IT Technology > Food & Beverage > Healthcare.