Each of these souls needs food, clothing and shelter. Almost all need jobs, income, communications and a means of payment. And then there are offices, furniture, appliances, electronics, medical help, financial services, leisure options, entertainment… the list is endless, and forever growing.
There is a massive global economy spread over six of our blue orb’s continents, teeming with opportunities and potential. Even the seventh shore, the Antarctic continent, is a hub for ecotourism, science and other human endeavours. So, how does one invest to participate in some part of this wealth being created?
At first glance, the sheer amount of choices open to an investor can be overwhelming, with more than 100 000 listed companies and 114 000 investment funds available to the global investment public. That does not even begin to count the tens of thousands of fixed income issues, structured products, hedge funds, private investments, commodities and so many other financial instruments and innovations!