Top 10 Trends For 2016

What a year 2015 was! Looking back, with neither the economic or geopolitical fronts looking prosperous or peaceful, the aware and awake are preparing for the year ahead – especially in the new age of equity market volatility and growing War on Terror fears.

While the concerns are real, a future of gloom and doom often lies in the eyes of the beholder. There are opportunities in 2016 that, if seized, embraced and manifested with an eye on the future, and an open mind and a warm heart, one can reap great financial rewards, positive social change and personal satisfaction. 

Yes, 2016 will be a tumultuous year with both trends foreboding and trends promising. Here is a brief outline of the Top 10 Trends for 2016.

THE LAST WORLD WAR: If trend lines drawn since 2001’s War on Terror are not reversed, World War III will not only be a Top Trend of 2016 – it may be the last world war. Crippled America: How ... Donald J. Trump Best Price: $1.48 Buy New $8.97 (as of 03:40 UTC - Details)

HUMAN WAVES: Throughout 2016 and for years to come, millions of refugees will flee war-torn nations looking for safety. Millions of migrants will leave economically depressed countries looking for work.

GLOBAL RECESSION: Where are equity markets headed? Will wages rise? Will retail sales rebound? We forecast the $225 trillion debt bubble will burst and a global recession/depression will prevail.

PRESIDENTIAL REALITY SHOW: It’s the Greatest Freak Show on Earth: the 2016 race for the White House is a red-white-and-blue bonanza of inanity and insanity. Barring unforeseen events we picked the winner. But whoever wins, Americans lose.

BOOMERS HIT 70: As the first wave of Boomers turn 70 in 2016, their generation will be forced to make life and death, expand or retract life style choices. We identify new opportunities to serve boomers who want to stay vibrant and keep booming.  End the Fed Paul, Ron Buy New $9.99 (as of 11:15 UTC - Details)

SELF SUSTAINABILITY: Countries hampered by trade sanctions and/or failing economies with ample human and natural resources will build self-sustaining economies by manufacturing and growing what they need and trading within their borders. For people working in low paying jobs and want better quality of life, self-sustainability/voluntary simplicity become viable options.

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES: Merger and acquisitions in 2015 broke new records. However, the bigger the bigs get, the more opportunities they create. What they are and how to take advantage of them is a top trend for 2016.

READY TO EXPLODE: To quote Gerald Celente: “When people lose everything and have nothing left to lose, they lose it.” In 2016, any number of racial, nationalistic or economic trigger points could ignite widespread civil unrest – or unified uprisings that will challenge the status quo before disaster strikes.

BREEDING ROBOTS: In 2016, robots become mainstream, transforming many aspects of daily life. Next year will be the benchmark to measure how much learning and experience humans will eventually morph away from, as robots more progressively assume those functions.

THE PERSONALIZED CITY: In 2016, growth trends for a Personalized City augmented by innovative transportation, entertainment and service networks will tie residents and their activities closely together to meet personal wants and community needs.