Skip to main content

Looking at the future up close and now - Australian Investment Education

This week I have had the opportunity to spend some time in Southern California and man it has been an eye opener. Technology and the use of it is so mainstream and so far ahead that it really shines a light on several investment themes – themes that we have been using to bank profits and themes that will continue to play out in the year or two ahead.
Whether you profit from them or not is up to you, but at least you can’t say “I wish I’d known about that”. I know one thing for sure, I will be banking profits from this weeks research.
A three minute chapter of activity would sum it up. I was in Starbucks (not for me, for my wife, as I drink coffee) and the lady in front of me ordered her drink, paid for it and acquired all of her loyalty points on the mobile app conveniently operated from her iPhone.
Amazingly 11% of Starbucks sales are now conducted in this way more than any other single retailer – more than 4m transactions a week, I have subsequently researched.

The start of the future

Leaving the “coffee” store I couldn’t help but notice the lady had hopped into her Tesla car and was silently cruising out of the Carpark. These are stealthy machines – in fact the only sound I could hear as she whipped past was her laughing on the telephone.
I dropped by the Tesla showroom the other day at Century City – suffice to say business is great and they are literally flying off the production line with almost as much gusto as the zero to 100 in just 4.2 secs! Add to that your right to drive in the car pool lanes and you are laughing and actually stand a chance of testing the performance in the heavy LA traffic! Given the attractive price of electricity and solar power, the cost of running the two tonne beast is practically zero.
Speaking of test drives, a stop by for the obligatory visit to Apple gave me a chance to check out the new Apple watch. Looks great and even if you don’t want one, you’ll probably get one anyway, as the functionality, including the Starbucks app, is off the charts!  Not my cup of tea, no pun intended, but at least being battery powered it won’t take up a valuable slot in my watch winding safe!  I am currently holding Apple in my portfolio and look set to close out on expiry for a tidy profit. Tesla has been missing for a while in terms of my holdings but could be making a re-appearance so watch this space.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Success Secrets of Millionaires: Learn from Andrew Baxter's Habit Guide

  If you're aiming to build real wealth, discipline isn't optional—it's essential. Becoming a millionaire goes beyond buying stocks or investing in real estate. It starts with how you think, what you do daily, and how consistently you show up. Start With Discipline: The Foundation of Wealth Building Discipline is the core habit behind long-term success . It’s not about talent or luck—it’s about consistency. Most self-made millionaires developed their wealth by doing what needed to be done, even when it wasn’t easy or convenient. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to become more disciplined. Start small. Make your bed. Keep your workspace clean. Exercise regularly. These micro-habits build the momentum needed for bigger changes down the road. Daily Habits Matter More Than Big Goals Real success doesn’t come from dramatic lifestyle shifts—it comes from small, intentional actions repeated daily. The key is to show up, follow through, and stay consistent. When discipl...
Post a Comment
Read more

Understanding Interest Rate Cuts: How They Affect You, the Market, and Insights from Andrew Baxter

  Interest rates play a crucial role in shaping various facets of the economy, influencing loan costs, housing markets, and consumer spending patterns. Recent fluctuations in interest rates , particularly in countries like the United States and Australia, have sparked discussions about their potential impact on economic conditions in the near future. Analyzing Interest Rate Cuts: Benefits and Drawbacks Australia’s recent decision to reduce rates by 25 basis points marks the first cut in recent years, igniting significant debate over its implications. Homeowners with variable-rate mortgages stand to gain, but there are fears that the cut may be excessive. For mortgage holders, this decrease could facilitate faster debt repayment and enhance their ability to spend. Conversely, many Australians without mortgages may not experience any direct advantages from this change. On the downside, retirees who depend on interest income from bank deposits are likely to face reduced returns. Rate ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Australian or U.S. Stocks: Which Delivers Better Returns? | Andrew Baxter Insights

  In today’s fast-changing market landscape, knowing where to invest your money has never been more critical. Both the Australian and U.S. stock markets offer unique advantages, but understanding their differences can give investors the confidence to make more informed decisions. This article explores key distinctions, market trends, and essential factors to help guide your investment strategy. The Power—and Pitfall—of Local Bias Australian investors often gravitate toward domestic equities, and for good reason: there’s comfort in familiarity. Local companies are household names, operate in a shared timezone, and are heavily weighted in Australian-managed funds. This can create a home-country bias that leads to an overweight in Australian stocks. However, Australia's market represents less than 2% of global equities, while the U.S. accounts for nearly 45%. A globally balanced portfolio should reflect that reality—though in practice, many portfolios fall short. Performance Snapshot:...
Post a Comment
Read more