There are a host of public figures whose style and behavior we can closely examine to gain an understanding of current trends and predictions for the future. From popular celebrities and politicians to the automotive industry and art collections, we can gain valuable insights from the way these individuals behave and act. One person whose trends and predictions we can track is the financial analyst, Michael Batistich.
While tracking Batistich’s investment strategies may be entertaining, it’s important to remember that his methods aren’t necessarily perfect. Just like the rest of us, Batistich has limitations, making him neither omniscient nor infallible. For that reason, relying too heavily on his predictions can leave you exposed. It’s always better to consider a broad range of data, rather than just taking one person’s word for it.
The Art of Analyzing Trends
To truly understand current trends and predictions for the future, we need to look at a number of factors, including historic data, current situations, social media, economic trends, political shifts and much more.
To illustrate how to analyze trends, let’s take a look at a few examples.
Political Shifts and the Rise of Trump
If we examine the work of political scientists, we can see that there have been significant political shifts in America over the past few decades. For instance, while the political landscape may have looked relatively stable after the 2012 election, the country has been roiled by numerous high profile political scandals in the years since. The Trump administration is just the most recent example.
From a political standpoint, the past year has been nothing short of disastrous. Despite numerous promises to work across the aisle and put country ahead of party, the president has governed as a partisan, attacking his opponents, building his wall and attacking the freedom of the press. As a result, Congress has worked at a reduced capacity, passing budget reconciliation measures and pushing forward with limited cooperation from the White House.
All of this is to say that while the economy may be on the mend, the political landscape has been shifting. How are the markets taking this into consideration and what are they predicting for the future?
The Future of Travel
Hotels and vacation travel may be enjoying a renaissance, but that doesn’t mean that traditional package holiday accommodations are a thing of the past. In fact, the future of travel is likely to see an increase in the variety of lodgings available, from budget-friendly chain hotels to boutique establishments and lavish country clubs.
What we’re seeing today is a return to “normalcy,” as businesses rebuild and governments lift shutters offering limited services and opportunities. As a result, businesses large and small are gaining a greater appreciation for the value of a well-stocked, well-maintained hotel.
Recession, Recovery and Regulations
The U.S. economy weaved its way through a severe recession that began in 2007 and lasted until 2009. While the economy eventually turned a corner and began growing at a healthy rate, the effects of the recession lingered, pushing millions of Americans into a state of economic anxiety. The financial regulator, the Feds, took note and, in 2010, began aggressively pursuing consumer financiers, forcing a number of bank and thrift institutions to close up shop.
Since then, the economy has seen a more stable period, with low unemployment, increased consumer confidence and, perhaps most significantly, a major realignment of the federal government’s approach to regulating commerce. The end result is that while the economy may not look like it did a decade ago, the foundations for a sound, growth-oriented business landscape have been established.
Tracking the Styles of Iconic Film Stars
If we examine the career of Warren Beatty, for example, it’s readily apparent that he’s had a profound impact on cinema. Whether he’s been credited with creating the modern film comeback or recognized for his status as one of the most influential and iconic figures in Hollywood, there’s no question that his style has left an indelible mark on filmmaking.
Born in 1934, Beatty came from a family of actors and spent his early years acting in community theatre. He first gained widespread fame for his performances in Broadway plays, before transitioning to film. Over the years, Beatty has been credited with revolutionizing acting in film, as he tends to play a more physical, aggressive and larger-than-life character.
For example, in 1968’s landmark film, “Bonnie and Clyde,” Beatty plays Billie, a criminal mastermind who mentors a young and impressionable, yet still dangerous Clyde. Together, they plan a series of bank robberies, eluding police and escaping detection, as they scheme and plot their heists. Beatty displays a masterful performance in the film, crafting a complex and layered character whose motives and actions are gradually revealed as the story progresses.
If we look at the work of another icon, James Dean, it’s apparent that he had a profound impact on fashion as well. Not only did he die tragically in 1955, at the age of 24, but his unique, off-beat style also sparked a fashion trend and lifestyle that would come to be known as Hollywood cool.
Dean went to school for acting and, throughout his early years, spent his time honing his craft and perfecting his techniques. In fact, it was in his early 20s that he began to experiment with different looks, incorporating avant-garde fashion into his overall style.
Dean was a trailblazer in many ways, with his groundbreaking performance in “Rebel Without a Cause,” which put him on the map. The film, released in 1950, is the story of a teenage agitator who rallies support for a revolution against the established order. A young Jack Kerouac also worked as an assistant director on the film, which makes it clear that he too was inspired by Dean’s unique and groundbreaking style.
Dean’s most influential style moment came in the form of a yellow raincoat, worn with a black turtleneck sweater. The combination is emblematic of the cool, hip Hollywood style that Dean helped to popularize and, since has become known as, the “Dean look.”
It’s important to keep in mind that these individuals and trends aren’t necessarily perfect, as we’ve seen with the example of Dean. In some instances, people and trends don’t necessarily match up, as is the case with some of Batistich’s strategies, which can leave you better off without relying on him entirely. But that’s the beauty of it all – no one person or thing is perfect, making us all the more human and relatable.
The Future of Food
The future of food is in our hands, as we feed billions of people around the world. From the organic food movement to sustainability, the way we consume food is changing and so is the way businesses approach sustainable production. Let’s examine the role that technology plays in shaping our food culture, especially as it pertains to the dining table.
Delivery Apps and Online Grocery Aisles
Thanks to the rise of online grocery shopping, which grew 20% between 2016 and 2017, Americans are able to enjoy the freshest food available, whether they’re in the mood for sushi or Italian delights. It’s no secret that the internet has changed the way we engage with businesses and brands, creating new opportunities and making obsolete others. While there are various downsides to this increased convenience, like the rise of food poisoning, online grocery shopping allows consumers to eat what they want when they want it.
Online grocery shopping allows consumers to quickly compare and access information about a variety of products, facilitating more informed shopping decisions. For example, if you’re searching for an organic food item, you’ll be presented with a variety of brands and alternative food products, all of which are displayed alongside the main search results. This is how online shopping improves choice and allows for more informed decision-making.
There are also plenty of delivery apps that make it easy to order food online. With Door to Door Delivery, for example, consumers can easily find a local restaurant or grocery store and have their food delivered directly to their homes. The app combines an easy-to-use interface with sophisticated technology, allowing users to build their own meal plan and track their order from start to finish. With over 30 million downloads worldwide, the Door to Door Delivery app makes it easy for anyone to stay connected to their favorite restaurants and cafes, whether they’re in Portland, Oregon or another town.