What I am watching in 2024 Chapter One

What I am watching in 2024-Chapter One

Hello Friends, let's dive into the unfolding drama of the U.S. presidential election; it's like watching the next act of a captivating tech saga. Donald Trump, a familiar face from 2020, is again stealing the show in the Republican polls, even with a few legal curveballs thrown his way. But, just like in the tech world, it's not only about the competition; it's about how the business leaders will innovate and navigate this political landscape.

Now, let's talk finance. Private credit is on the brink, facing a potential wave of defaults. Imagine the financial realm as a sleek device undergoing constant upgrades. The '80s leveraged buyouts have transformed into the sleek "private equity," and the once enigmatic "shadow banking" has rebranded itself into the chic "private credit" and "direct lending." This financial evolution has birthed a colossal $1.5 trillion titan, where companies now turn to the likes of Apollo and Ares for loans, ditching traditional avenues.

Transitioning to the world of organized labor is a narrative playing out like a breakthrough product launch. Organized labor took center stage in 2023, securing monumental victories in battles with Hollywood studios and the auto industry. Is this a labor movement revolution akin to a groundbreaking product unveiling? The debate is as intense.

Now, let's talk about environmental consciousness – a topic close to my heart. The SEC has been working on a new script for the corporate world, setting the stage for climate-related disclosure rules. Think of it as the next major iOS update. In 2023, Gary Gensler, the SEC chair, proposed these new rules, with the spotlight on a controversial requirement for large companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain. The drama will unfold further in the spring when these rules are finalized.

And then there's the workplace shake-up – reminiscent of the era when personal computing revolutionized how we work. In late 2022, ChatGPT burst onto the scene, thrusting AI into the limelight. In 2023, companies embarked on integrating this technology, akin to the early days of personal computers. The impact on jobs remains a mystery, much like the anticipation surrounding a new Apple product. As we step into 2024, brace yourselves for companies making decisions about AI that could reshape the workforce landscape.

So, my friends, buckle up for this incredible journey through the intersection of politics and business. As with any great innovation, the twists and turns will keep us on the edge of our seats. Stay tuned for the next chapter – it's bound to be revolutionary.

Bob Stone

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