Demographic disturbances
Populations are shifting significantly. Unprecedented ageing is occurring in mature economies, income growth is driving changes in developing countries, and rapid urbanisation is driving increased demand for infrastructure, housing and services. This creates structural growth opportunities in certain areas, though there are also pronounced risks from growing fiscal burdens. Changing patterns of labour participation, such as education later in life and the growing proportion of women in the workplace, also contribute to these shifting dynamics.
Age of the aged
Improved medical technology, combined with lower birth rates, means that populations in many developed countries are ageing. In fact, 2018 was the first year in recorded history where people aged 65 and older outnumbered children under the age of five.
Ageing populations pose a number of issues for countries, including the challenges of funding social and medical care and providing pensions that span these much longer retirements to so many people, all from income generated from a (proportionally) smaller working population.
Additionally, the elderly have different spending priorities and needs, so the consumer, health-care and housing sectors may all be affected.
The emerging consumer
In many emerging economies, the population changes look quite different. The rapidly growing middle class in Asia is changing the consumer sector significantly, along with having profound implications for our planet. It will be a challenge to support the billions of Earth’s inhabitants under any circumstances, let alone when millions more people are hoping to live lives defined by convenience, choice and consumption.
With rising incomes comes a growing desire to live in urban centres, hence why many of these same countries are seeing rapid urbanisation. These ideas are captured by our population dynamics theme, which we think is crucial for understanding the complex world in which we live and invest.
Our key areas of focus
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Ageing populations
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The developed world is exhibiting ageing population after 50 years of benign demographics. This will drive demand for products for the elderly – both consumer and financial. Government spending on pensions and health care will rise, and this represents a fiscal challenge to many countries.
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The growing labour force in emerging markets
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Demographic changes are driving labour-force growth in many emerging-market countries, which can support economic growth in countries able to employ this greater pool of labour, but might lead to social unrest in countries that are unable to make use of new workers. Rising employment supports the number of people entering middle-income groups, in turn driving growth in consumer segments.
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Education
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Closely tied with changing demographics is an increase in focus on education, including re-education of the workforce as working age is extended.
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Urbanisation
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The percentage of populations living in cities is rising. Rapid urbanisation is a feature of both developed and emerging markets, and will drive growth in demand for infrastructure, housing and services.
Of course, our themes don’t exist in a vacuum
In many mature economies, populations are ageing, which has serious implications for health-care services. The economic impact of ageing populations is a key consideration of our healthy demand theme.
As the world’s population gets bigger and richer, our planet will struggle to keep up with demand. Earth matters considers the impact of environmental issues on the economy.
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These opinions should not be construed as investment or other advice and are subject to change. This material is for information purposes only. Any reference to a specific security, country or sector should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell investments in those countries or sectors. Please note that holdings and positioning are subject to change without notice.