Looking for Opportunity

1. Housing Market

• http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Columns/2016/05/27/Housing-Market-Horror-Story-Isn-t-Over-Yet
• Average sale prices on homes have risen tremendously recently. You may think this is an indication that the economy is doing good, but the rich are the only people who can afford to buy these homes. According to the article, lower income home owners aren't able to get approved to buy these homes. So, "builders are making more luxurious homes rather than trying to attract entry-level buyers. Not only does this maximize their profits, it matches with the consumers most willing to buy home."
• The customer with the opportunity is those who have low- to middle-income and are trying to get approved to buy a home. 
• I believe it is easier to exploit. As stated in the article, builders are constructing more expensive homes because those who are getting approved to buy homes can afford them. This leaves lower-income families unable to find a home and get approved. 
• I recently was aware of this because my parents are trying to down size and move into a smaller but still comfortable home. The homes they have seen in their not so small price range are total garbage and need a lot of money and work put into them. 

2. Unemployment Rates

• http://money.cnn.com/2016/02/06/news/economy/obama-us-jobs/
• Even though unemployment rates have decreased recently, many believe that we still have a long way to go. According to the article, there is still a problem with the unemployment rate. Yes, it has decreased but when you look at the data "fewer adults are working; long-term employment is still high; and wage growth is still anemic". 
• The customer with the opportunity is millennials who are graduating from college. It is difficult for them to find a job and a good paying job for that matter. 
• I think it is easily exploited because there are jobs available, but businesses who are hiring what people with no skills or degrees so they can pay them less money to do the same job. 
• I was aware of this because my boyfriend just graduated from UF in December and it has been difficult for him to find a job, especially one in Miami. The positions they are offering have very low pay and zero skill invovled. 

3. Rising Oil Prices

• http://fuelgaugereport.aaa.com/u-s-average-gas-prices-may-climb-above-2-for-first-time-in-2016/
• According to the article..."gas prices tend to reach the highest levels of the year in the spring before the summer driving season. As the weather turns warmer and days grow longer, people tend to drive more, which results in increased demand. Many families also take spring break road trips this time of year, which means they may use more gasoline than normal."
• The customer with the opportunity is those who have cars and use it on a daily basis. This mean they will have to constantly put gas especially if they live in a over populated city. 
• This opportunity is not easily exploitable because there are so many producers and economic factors that have an effect on the price. These producers aren't working together to raise the prices. They base the price on demand.
• I was aware of this because my boyfriend invests in oil. He is constantly analyzing the market and telling what is or what is going to happen. 

4. Higher Interest Rates

• http://www.investopedia.com/articles/03/111203.asp
• Interest rates were lowered to stimulate the economy, but if the interest rates are too low it causes inflation. that is why we are going to have higher interest rates 
• The customer with the opportunity is those who have credit cards, are trying to buy homes, and those who take take out loans. 
• Interest rates are difficult to exploit because the federal reserve sets interests rates based on the economy. Banks can however can somewhat exploit when it comes the interest rates they set on lets say credit cards. 
• I thought about this because I recently heard on the news that the federal reserve was going to start raising interest rates.