The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[flatlander_60048]

I've probably been a little jaded as well. Several of the names listed are the result of Financial Engineering, it remains to be seen whether the acquirers (3G, Buffett, etc.) will be successful in maintaining the brand while downsizing what they believe to be a bloated corporate structure.

That said I do believe that the increasing middle class in emerging markets is likely to be a future growth story. We are just living thru the one of those worldwide deflationary cycles that come about once or twice a century. These conditions exist due to a combination of demographics and debt. Due to these conditions I'd rather buy stock in companies that will remain necessary and integral to their respective economy at Wilbur Ross type levels of distress.

I think a very investible theme is governments, businesses etc trying to meet the needs of aging baby boomers while not bankrupting the taxpayers. I think genetic testing, bio-similar drugs fit this motif.

I Still find this one of the more informative boards everything just needs to be considered in terms of the economic/global context.

FL