1) U.S. weekly jobless claims hit nine-month low; productivity rebounds
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-economy/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-at-nine-month-low-productivity-rebounds-idUSKBN20020K
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits has significantly decreased and the economy is set to grow at a moderate pace. With low productivity, compressed profit margins, firms have become more cautious while hiring. Labor market strength is helping to underpin consumer spending, supporting the economy, now in its 11th year of expansion. But tepid productivity remains a challenge and is one of the reasons the economy has struggled to achieve the Trump administration’s target of 3% annual growth.The Prototypical customers nclude, labor department, employees, trade unions, producers, consumers, economists.
An opportunity definitely exists here, majorly because low productivity levels affect the level of investment in the country.With job cuts ad low employment rates can definitely impact the level of productivity as well.
2) Coronavirus: The economic cost is rising in China and beyond
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51386575
While death tolls are on the rise in China and other countries, the economic costs are rising globally. Strict regulations and preventative measures especially in Wuhan which is currently under lock down, has led to restrictions on travels which has negatively impacted business, airlines and tourism industries. With customers avoiding public places, restaurants, cinemas and grocery stores are also feeling the impact, especially with Lunar new year coming up, these shops have had to experience losses due to the decline in sales. And for manufacturers selling goods abroad, there may be some issues with buyers becoming more reluctant to buy from China.
Prototypical customers; International retailers -IKEA and the coffee shop chain Starbucks, residents of countries affected by the virus, hospitals.
This is an opportunity definitely difficult to exploit as its on the rise and currently has no cure for it.
REGULATORY TRENDS
Tackling Tobacco: January 2020 Legislative & Regulatory Roundup
Local lawmakers have voted for the ban of the sale of flavored tobacco products which will go into effect in 6 months includes all items like flavored cigarettes, electronic cigarettes cartridges, cigars, etc. The Florida Senate is considering a bill to raise the state's legal minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21, a move that would match the new federal rule. If passed in the state Senate, the legislation would move to the Florida House of Representatives.
The prototypical customers would include the tobacco industry and the individuals from ages 18-20. This opportunity would be difficult to exploit and I see this as an opportunity because tobacco is really harmful
To Limit Abortions, Kansas Lawmakers Target State Constitution
After the Supreme Court ruled that the constitution protected abortion, republican lawmakers decided it was time for a change and aimed to amend the state constitution to weaken such protections to bolster regulation and restrictions on the procedure. The legislation has already passed the state senate with 2/3rd majority vote and the House is expected to consider the amendment which explicitly states that it doesn't require government funding nor secure a right to the procedure. This opportunity can be exploited if it doesnt earn enough votes at the ballot. The prototypical customer are the women whose rights are being taken away from them.
Hi Maha,
ReplyDeleteI found the unemployment article really interesting and think it's great that the U.S. has had a recent minimum in unemployment being filled out. I also really enjoyed learning about the corona virus and how dangerous it could be becoming. Also the abortion and tobacco laws are so relevant in today's culture that these were the perfect articles to pick.