Thematic Signals Vol. 7 #4
We usually use Thematic Signals to showcase confirming data points for our thematic strategies. Regular readers of Thematic Signals recognize those signals are out there and in increasing numbers, something that tells us we are on the right track with those strategies and the tools we used to develop them. However, we pen a number of different pieces each month and we thought “Hey, why not share these?”
That’s what we’re doing below, and we promise to do a much better job of keeping you informed on our writings and other initiatives.
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Investing in Space: Orbital Technologies to Watch
If you’ve been paying attention to the news cycle lately, you have most likely noticed that spy balloons have been making headlines in the past week or so. While neither atmospheric balloons nor nation-state spycraft are particularly new phenomena, we figured we would take a look at the state of things above the Kármán Line. In other words, what technology is in what type of orbit, and which companies are the purveyors of these products and services?
To paraphrase Sun Ra, the leader of the influential jazz band “Sun Ra and His Arkestra”, “Space is the Place” to be as an investor these days. With spending estimated at $366 billion in 2019, $469 billion in 2021, and at least one analyst calling for the industry to reach $1 trillion by 2040 it is clear that space has moved out of the domain of the public sector and into the private sector going forward.
How Technology Is Helping Restaurants Overcome Labor Shortage Challenges
Even though the U.S. economy has reopened for some time, the ability to attract workers remains a challenge for many industries, especially restaurants. This has led to longer wait times to be seated and served compared to pre-pandemic times. And in many restaurant windows and entryways, help wanted signs are posted. The labor shortage is a pain point for restaurants, but increasingly, technology is helping address this issue.
Natural Language Processing in Artificial Intelligence: What It Is and Why It Matters
For the past few decades, the idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from being the stuff of pure science fiction to something that seems to be inching closer to reality. To be clear, when I talk about AI, I’m talking about the kinds of sentient machines we have seen in movies like the replicants in Blade Runner, the robotic child in A.I. Artificial Intelligence, or the anthropomorphic computer programs in The Matrix movie series.
We have yet to build something that can interact with humans at a level that passes what is known as the Turing Test, meaning it is impossible to tell if we are dealing with a human or a machine. What we have managed to develop are Natural Language Processing (NLP) models that are fed as many samples as possible and then work to autonomously produce responses. Here, I give some background on NLP, talk about where we are now, and look at what steps are next for this technology.
What Tech Investors Can Expect to See at CES 2023
The year 2022 has been a difficult one for investors as they’ve had to contend with a variety of evolving landscapes, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, inflation, rising interest rates, concerns about a global economic contraction, and ongoing supply chain issues. As we prepare to shut the door and walk into 2023, several of those concerns remain in play.
Despite recent Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) data published by S&P Global and the Institute for Supply Management pointing to an economic contraction, consensus earnings expectations for the S&P 500 still point to year-over-year growth ahead for 2022. Next week brings a bevy of economic data that should bring more answers on the pace of the economy and prospects for earnings season.
The new year will also bring CES 2023, the largest trade show, and this will likely be a huge focus for tech investors from January 5 to 8.
Recent Thematic Signals
Thematic Signals Vol. 7, #3 - Sure there was the 2023 Super Bowl 2023 and its commercials, but bring on more thematic confirmation points
Thematic Signals Vol 7, #2 - Earnings season, economic data nor a Fed meeting have slowed the pace for confirming signals for our thematics.
Thematic Signals Vol. 7, #1 - Entering 2023, confirmation points for our thematic strategies continue
Thematic Signals Vol. 6 #45 - Chatting Data Privacy & Digital Identity with Bio-Key International Chairman & CEO Michael DePasquale