What to Watch at Davos 2020
Every global person of interest has gathered in Davos, Switzerland, this week for the fiftieth World Economic Forum (WEF). It’s going to be firey, that’s for sure.
Between now and the 24th, the world’s super-elite will network like mad among thousands of talks, high time to nod vigorously at ambitious goal-setting efforts about contemporary global challenges. There may even be time for some skiing. But what’s in it for the investor?
Superinvestor Ray Dalio will be there to hear how the food and beverage, construction, and agricultural industries are worst affected by a heating planet. Without healthy soils and a stable climate, the seeds of the Earth can’t be harvested as raw materials. The price of agricultural commodities will soar, and market gains won’t come close to offsetting the social losses.
The WEF released a timely “dire straits” report on Sunday, claiming that half the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) would be lost if climate culprits carry on. Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, 17-year-old environmental activist Greta Thunberg will get her moment to rival President Trump on the issue.
All the other attendees will jet out to the ‘carbon neutral’ forum to try to force the US President back on his trade waring with China and Europe. If Gold suddenly spikes, it’s because someone important stormed off early.
As for efficacy, the ‘Davos Method’ is to build relations and tease promises out of possible change agents. Even after the fact, it’s worth staying tuned for surprise cease-fires and settlements that could lift markets.
High in the Swiss Alps, this is an invite-only assembly. Tickets for the rich and powerful are topping at over $50,000, so we’ll bring you the inside scoop in a daily special feature. From eating less meat to averting world crises, what seeds of change will be planted this time out?
