In the stock market, a "catalyst" is a development that an investor expects will influence a company's future growth. Right now, few catalysts loom larger over Wall Street than the aging of the baby boom generation.
The baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964, and the oldest among them will turn 65 next year. As this huge cohort of Americans moves into old age, demand for various products and services will grow or wane.
Some opportunities will shrink …
For instance, many have predicted that as more people move out of the workplace, car sales will diminish, hurting Ford
Other companies that serve the non-retired may also suffer. Coffee sales are likely to feel pressure, since older people tend to cut back on their consumption. That could hurt business prospects for Starbucks
… While others will grow
Meanwhile, other companies have reason to welcome the aging of the Boomers. The biotech company Dendreon
The health-care field stands to benefit in many ways. The average age for a knee or hip replacement is 67, and some 85% of pacemakers go to patients 65 and older. Older people will need joint replacements and pacemakers, which will boost business for companies such as Zimmer Holdings
Keeping your eye on demographic changes can help you zero in on trends that may help or hurt your investments.