At present there are a number of macro trends which I believe have the potential to give certain companies an extra boost.
Three macro trends which I think investors should look to leverage are listed below.
Ageing populations.
There's no getting away from the fact that the global population is growing older. In fact, recent data shows that the global population aged 60 or above is forecast to more than triple by 2050. As populations age, I expect demand for aged care and healthcare services will rise strongly. Two companies which I feel are likely to benefit greatly from this trend are Japara Healthcare Ltd (ASX: JHC) and Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC).
Low oil prices.
Despite OPEC trying its best to boost oil prices through production cuts, I believe that increasing U.S. shale oil production will largely offset this and hold prices lower for longer. Whilst this isn't great news for oil and gas companies like Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL), it should help to keep costs lower for the likes of Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) and Sealink Travel Group Ltd (ASX: SLK).
Weak Australian dollar.
Although the Australian dollar has been very resilient, the majority of economists agree that the local currency is destined to fall significantly against the U.S. dollar in the next 12 months. I agree with this view and wouldn't be surprised to see the Australian dollar at a sub-70 U.S. cents level again by the end of the year. As a result, companies that generate significant sales in the United States could be given a boost from favourable currency movements. Ardent Leisure Group (ASX: AAD) and Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) are two to watch in my opinion.
