Join investment analyst Jason Moser, known for his expertise in stock valuation, and personal finance contributor Alison Southwick, as they dive into the intricate dance of investments and productivity. They unpack Apple's recent legal tussle with Masimo and its impact on the market. Moser shares insights on why economic forecasts often fall flat and emphasizes the importance of understanding business valuations. Southwick offers practical productivity strategies for managing finances, including the 'Getting Things Done' approach and the Pomodoro Technique.
Large-scale economic predictions are often inaccurate, as shown by previous failed recession predictions.
To increase productivity in the new year, establish a collection system, utilize focused work bursts, prioritize tasks, avoid perfectionism, and set aside dedicated time for financial tasks.
Deep dives
Apple's temporary win in patent dispute with Massimo allows them to resume sales of questioned watches
Apple has obtained a temporary win in its patent dispute with Massimo, allowing them to resume sales of watches that utilize the technology in question. However, the legal battle is far from over, with an appeals court set to review the case later this month. Massimo has accused Apple of stealing their technology, and if they win the case, it could force Apple to either rethink their watch technology or find a way to work with Massimo. This legal issue poses a significant risk for Massimo, a medical device company built on pulse oximetry technology.
Apple faces market concerns as Barclays downgrades its stock amid weaker consumer demand
Barclays downgraded Apple's stock and cited weaker consumer demand as a reason. The consumer market is becoming saturated with older iPhones, leading to less frequent refreshes and potentially impacting Apple's sales. As Apple strives to find its next big innovation beyond hardware and pivot to becoming a services company, concerns about antitrust issues and pricing are also coming into play. The downgrade highlights the importance for Apple to continue innovating and finding new breakthroughs in order to maintain its success.
Predictions and challenges for the stock market in 2024
With the arrival of a new year, there are numerous predictions being made about the stock market's performance in 2024. However, it is worth noting that large-scale predictions are often met with varying degrees of accuracy, as demonstrated by previous failed recession predictions. While no one can accurately foresee what the market will do, some believe that certain tech giants, referred to as the 'Magnificent Seven' (Google, Amazon, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Tesla, Apple, Meta), will continue to have a significant impact on the market based on their previous performance. Other factors to consider are consumer debt levels, upcoming elections, and concerns over the sustainability of certain companies' valuations.
Tips for increasing productivity and getting things done in 2024
For those seeking increased productivity in the new year, several strategies can be applied. Establishing a collection system, such as a digital to-do list, can help organize and prioritize tasks. Additionally, making the most of short bursts of focused work, known as the Pomodoro technique, can enhance productivity. Planning and prioritizing on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis, with a keen focus on addressing important tasks, is crucial. It is essential to avoid striving for perfection and instead aim for completion, as perfectionism can lead to procrastination. Finally, setting aside dedicated time each week for financial tasks can ensure important money-related matters are consistently addressed.