Every year, Saxo Bank (サクソバンク) releases a series of ‘outrageous predictions’ that the senior team believe could come to fruition within the next decade. While some may seem far-fetched, others provide food for thought around potential future scenarios. In this article, we will look at Saxo’s predictions for 2022. We will explore their implications if they were to come true, and whether any has as we are fast approaching the end of the year.
Fossil fuel abolition plans for 2022 will be deadlocked
While many countries have adopted greener energy policies and are actively transitioning away from fossil fuels, much work still needs to be done. Some experts believe that the 2022 deadline will not be met due to complexities in infrastructure investments, lack of economic incentives for consumers, and difficulties in balancing energy supply and demand.
The consequences of this setback could be far-reaching:
- Reduced investment in renewable energy technologies.
- Continued reliance on fossil fuels.
- Increased levels of air pollution.
- Increased greenhouse gas emissions.
It would pose significant challenges for mitigating global climate change, which has become one of humanity’s most pressing issues today.
Despite this setback, Saxo Bank believes that we can still progress toward our clean energy goal. For one, we can learn from the strategies and tactics used by countries that have successfully phased out fossil fuels to date. We can also leverage emerging technologies such as smart grids, energy storage systems, and microgrids to improve our current energy infrastructure.
Ten months into 2022, it seems that the chances of seeing fossil fuel abolition before the year ends are slim. Governments around the world have been issuing new licenses and permits for fossil fuels, and proposed fossil fuels penalties for the EU have been challenged.
US inflation rates will hit a record high since WW2
The US economy has recently seen many positive developments, including falling unemployment rates and robust economic growth. However, this progress has not been without challenges: rising inflation levels have put significant pressure on consumers and businesses.
Some experts believe these inflationary pressures could continue to rise in the coming years, potentially reaching record-high levels unseen since World War II.
If this prediction were to come true, the consequences would be far-reaching. For example, higher prices for essential goods such as food, clothing, and housing could significantly impact low-income households struggling with affordability issues.
In addition, businesses may face increased production costs and reduced profits due to higher input costs and an overall increase in the cost of doing business.
Despite these challenges, there are steps that we can take to help mitigate rising inflation rates. For one, policymakers can identify and implement policies that promote economic growth and stability, such as low-interest rates or investment incentives.
Businesses can focus on driving innovation in targeted areas, such as automation or other labour-saving technologies. Ultimately, it will take a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address this issue effectively.
In the past year, countries around the world have been hit by high inflation. In the US, the inflation annual rate hit 8% in September. While not a record high since WW2, inflation has been climbing steadily for months and shows no signs of stopping. The Euro area saw an average annual inflation rate of 10%, and developing Asia saw an average annual inflation rate of 7.6%.
Young people will leave Facebook
In recent years, there has been a significant decline in the number of young people using Facebook. Experts believe this trend is due to several factors, including concerns about privacy and data protection, the rise of other social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat, and the increasing use of messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger.
If this prediction were to come true, it would have significant implications for businesses operating on Facebook. For one, they would need to re-evaluate their marketing strategies to appeal to younger audiences moving away from traditional social media platforms. In addition, they may need to explore new revenue streams to remain profitable as usage declines.
Despite these challenges, there are steps that businesses can take to address this issue. For example, they can focus on creating engaging and interactive content and investing in social media marketing strategies tailored to specific demographics. They can also use data analytics tools better to understand the needs and preferences of their target audiences. Ultimately, it will take a concerted effort from all stakeholders to reverse this trend effectively.
Ten months in 2022, this prediction has come true – partially. Indeed, the number of active Facebook users have been dropping, decreasing by roughly 2 million in the three months leading up to the summer of 2022. How this situation continues to develop remains to be seen, but we have been looking at a slight downtrend for a while now.
Hypersonic technology will lead the space race
Over the past several years, hypersonic technology has become a significant focus for governments and businesses worldwide. It is mainly due to its many potential advantages, including faster travel times, lower fuel consumption and excellent military capabilities. Experts believe that this advancing technology could even lead to a new space race in which countries compete to be the first to test and develop hypersonic spacecraft.
If this prediction were to come true, it would have significant implications for businesses operating in the aerospace sector. For one, they would need to invest heavily in research and development efforts aimed at developing hypersonic technology and related infrastructures such as satellites and launch vehicles. In addition, they may need to alter their business models to focus more on commercial applications of this technology, such as launching space tourism.
Indeed, in 2022, hypersonic technology has been used in the development of space assets, namely in the use of satellites, with China and the United States leading the race.
Conclusion
Saxo’s annual ‘outrageous predictions’ report is a valuable resource for businesses and policymakers interested in keeping up with the latest trends and developments in technology, economics, and other vital areas. Ten months into 2022, it has been interesting to investigate if any of these outrageous predictions have indeed come true or will in the remaining two months.