A number of industries that have so far fallen under-the-radar, from solar energy, electric cars and the so-called ‘internet of things’, are at their tipping point now, Jane argued, and will soon become obvious and mainstream areas for investors to consider in portfolios.
The aftermath of Brexit and the election of US president Donald Trump has also pushed the idea of de-globalisation to the fore, with an increasing number of people seeing a trend for more competition between nations.
Jane, manager of Miton’s multi asset fund range, said: “We seem to be at a point in financial markets where many of the old norms are likely to end and need to be alert not just to the opportunity to invest in the new emerging industries as they tip into the mainstream, but also to avoid those industries and asset classes which are likely to be disrupted much more quickly than we are programmed to expect.”
He argued that solar power would only rise in popularity as it became a cheaper source of energy, as would the use of electric cars as technological advances make them a more viable option for consumers.
A number of apps and internet-using devices have also been recently launched, suggesting to Jane that this is another area currently at a ‘tipping point’ in its lifespan.
“This area also seems to be at the point of becoming a mainstream investment thesis. In recent months we have seen the launch of a number of ‘internet of things’ devices into the consumer space which start to offer real benefits to consumers, whether it is the Amazon Echo device to control a huge range of connected devices or the Phillips Hue remote controlled lighting,” Jane said.