Carnegie Market Blog

Marshmello, JPM Coin, Robots and More

Posted by Brent Luce on Feb 21, 2019 2:55:08 PM

JP Morgan Introduces a Cryptocurrency 

Last week, JP Morgan announced that they are introducing the “JPM Coin”, their own version of a cryptocurrency.  While some argue that it is not a true cryptocurrency, this is more evidence of JP Morgan’s commitment to technology and to some extent, it validates the whole blockchain and cryptocurrency concept.  Interestingly, Bitcoin, the best-known cryptocurrency, spiked on this news. MORE: J.P. Morgan Rolling Out Cryptocurrency 

J.P. Morgan


For what it is worth, my opinion on this space has been that blockchain technology is very compelling, but trying to figure out what form it will take and which (if any) of the current cryptocurrencies (there are many), will end up being successful in the long-term is very difficult.  It reminds me a bit of the automotive industry – in Northeast Ohio alone, there were 115 automobile manufacturers starting in 1892.  By 1932, there were ZERO.  Obviously, the automotive industry changed the world, but if one had bet on one or two of those first players, they would have lost all of their money.   MORE: Cleveland Was Almost The Motor City 


The Rise of the Machines 

We have all heard of about how AI and robots will take over the world.  Some of us are afraid, some of us are excited.  The chart below shows the rise of the machines visually.   There is no question that industrial applications of robots and automation are growing very quickly and this is a long-term trend that is likely to continue.  On an anecdotal basis, I have visited a few friends’ businesses where they have deployed AI-powered robots to handle previously manual tasks.  That said, according to recent article in Crain’s, Cleveland manufacturers have been slow to adopt new technologies.   MORE:  Robot Sales Doubled Over Past Five Years

 

Rise of the Machines

 


Ten Million Attend Performance 

Ten million people recently attended an in-game performance on Fortnite by DJ Marshmello.  Well…sort of.  On February 2nd, ten million users showed up via their avatars to Pleasant Park, a place on Fortnight, to attend the concert and even dance.  If this all sounds foreign, Read More Here or watch some of the performance here: Watch Marshmello Fortnite Show.  As odd as this virtual performance may sound to those not digitally oriented, gaming/eSports is a HUGE business with broad ranging investment implications.  Fornight alone (one video game) brought in $2.4 billion in revenue in 2018, which is more than all of Sony Music.  In another mind-blowing development, kids are making millions of dollars just by having people watch them play video games through live-streaming services like Twitch – I recently read about a kid who makes $1 million a month playing video games.

Live Shot From the Marshmello Fortnite Performance
Live Shot From the Marshmello Fortnite Performance


I guess today’s market blog turned out to be a technology blog featuring Fortnite, Bitcoin and Robots.  In any event, have a great day!

Brent Luce

Written by Brent Luce

Brent Luce Senior Portfolio Manager Cleveland, OH. Brent serves Carnegie Investment Counsel as Senior Portfolio Manager. Brent manages custom portfolios for select clients and is an integral part of Carnegie’s investment selection and portfolio structuring processes. He is also author of the “Carnegie Market Blog”. Email Brent at bluce@carnegieinvest.com.

  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

carnegie top 4 things 2021 version-1

Looking to hire a Financial Advisor?

Enclosed in our eBook are four questions we recommend you ask any prospective group you review. Plus, you'll learn: 

  • The difference between fiduciary and suitability standards
  • Learn how some advisors may not be required to work in your best interest
  • Be aware of various types of hidden costs
  • The importance of third party custodians
  • The difference between fee-based and fee-only

Download Now, It's Free

Recent Posts

Subscribe here for monthly blog updates!