What the New Year Holds for Small Businesses and Big Banks
Jan 7, 2024
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Arlan Hamilton, venture capital firm leader investing in small businesses, discusses the current state and future predictions for small businesses and big banks. Topics include entrepreneurship, the challenges faced by small businesses, purposeful delusion in entrepreneurship, fiscal responsibility, boom and bust cycles in venture space, and upcoming bank earnings reports.
Small businesses are facing challenges due to higher interest rates and inflation, while large companies are experiencing significant growth.
Arlen Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital, emphasizes the need for multiple income streams and remains optimistic about increased autonomy and entrepreneurship in 2024.
Deep dives
The Stock Market and Economic Outlook
The stock market had a nine-week winning streak, but it was interrupted last week. Key economic indicators such as U.S. consumer credit, small business optimism, and inflation numbers will be released this week. Earnings season will begin with Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan Chase reporting their results. While large public companies experienced significant growth, small businesses have been struggling due to higher interest rates and inflation.
Arlen Hamilton and Backstage Capital
Arlen Hamilton, founder and managing partner of Venture Capital firm Backstage Capital, invests in small companies led by women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ founders. She discusses the challenges faced by underestimated entrepreneurs and the need for multiple income streams in the current economic climate. Despite the difficulties, she remains optimistic about 2024 and sees potential for increased autonomy and entrepreneurship.
Outlook on the Economy and the Role of Big Banks
There are concerns about the economy as people face financial hardship and increasing costs. However, entrepreneurs are focused on responsible fiscal practices and generating revenue. Arlen Hamilton predicts that a boom and bust cycle will continue, with periods of opportunity followed by challenges. The upcoming earnings reports from JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will provide insights into the state of the American consumer and the impact of interest rate changes. The consolidation of big banks, such as JP Morgan's recent acquisition of First Republic, has raised questions about the future of smaller banks.
Investors are bullish on big companies, but what about the small ones that drive almost half of U.S. economic activity? Arlan Hamilton leads a venture capital firm that invests in these small firms and has a front-row seat. Her fund, Backstage Capital, has invested in hundreds of small companies that are hoping to become large ones and she’ll tell us what she sees happening right now and what’s on the horizon. Plus, is banking back? Bank stocks soared at the end of 2023, with a couple even outperforming the S&P 500. It shows investors have put the banking crisis that sunk the market in March behind them. But is the coast all clear? And how did we get here? We’ll find out from WSJ banking reporter Rachel Ensign as the three largest banks in the country — JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo — are all scheduled to report their earnings on Friday.