02-07 Winners and Losers

Anything that impacts the globe will change people’s habits and interests. It is a new world of winners and losers.
Something more sinister, however, is happing in the US. The combination of poor air quality linked to the wild fires in California, the spread of Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter issue seems to be resulting in a breakdown in American society. A difficult time for anyone engaged in law enforcement.
The issue for those of us interested in public policy is the changes that are taking place during the pandemic will have long-term implications?
Restaurants, for example, have been doing a major home delivery business. Hot food, your own wine and no tipping. Sounds good to me. This will change the nature of the business.
And what about home deliveries of basic food items. Another change in consumer habits. I actually like shopping, but home delivery is a godsend for seniors.
Working at home, which has been happening globally during the pandemic is going to be permanent for a large percentage of the workforce. Not sure I would want to be in the office rental business. I can certainly see a situation developing where workers come into the office for say a day or two a week only.
What everyone is noticing is promises by politicians to never be caught again without access to basic medical equipment and medicines. So anticipate domestic production of medical protection equipment and vaccines.
The world preparing for a second wave of Covid-19 is nothing less than a global wave of nationalist fervour.
Obvious losers are the retail sector and travel. As someone who was a regular cruiser it looks like this business is dead for several years into the future.
Obvious winners are the big e-commerce technology companies like Amazon. They are on a hiring and building binge everywhere.
The more interesting issue for Americans is whether their love for cheap imported consumer goods will be replaced by stronger domestic spending on health and welfare.
Look to companies to use new labor saving technologies like robotics and 3D printing to bring production home. And sell it as a response to the nationalistic forces unleashed by the pandemic.