Visual Capitalist: Infographics a Universal Language for Investor News and Education
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Ever since the dawn of civilization, visual communication has been an integral part of our existence. This is why, over time, our media and technology consumption has evolved so profoundly.
We’ve reached a unique turning point: not only has technology allowed us to carry compelling visuals with us in our pocket, but we can now share them instantly all around the globe. Visuals are a universal language. Most cultures can intuitively understand information presented in visual form. In fact, the majority of people (65%) are visual learners.
There are two demographic trends emerging that will make visuals even more important, especially as a tool for understanding investing in resources:
1. A rapidly expanding middle class in developing markets
By 2030, the IMF estimates that 95% of the global middle class will be in developing markets. This shift will account for 70% of world economic growth.
These statistics are amazing. First of all, imagine the spending power that this group will have. Next, think of what potential language barriers are going to be created in communicating this information to potential investors in these places.
Countries like China, India, Brazil, and Russia will be using a huge percentage of resources to build their economies, but will they know anything at all about how to invest in resources? What is the easiest way for investors to learn and interpret news on a global level?
Hint: it lies in a universal, visual language that everyone can understand.
2. Generation Y and a Generation Gap in resource sector
Another interesting global demographic shift pertains to Generation Y (born 1980 – 2000).
During the 80s and 90s, when this generation was growing up, resources were not the sexiest area to invest. Metal prices were dirt cheap and it was tough to make money off of the sector. Now there are global questions arising about meeting the demand of emerging markets – suddenly resources are a key focus again. Gold is at all time highs and oil is as volatile as ever. Base metals are needed to fuel growth and infrastructure in places like China and India. Rare earth metals are increasingly important to build electronics in high-demand: devices like iPhones, lasers, superconductors, plasma televisions, and hybrid vehicles.
Mining and energy may be top of mind again, but there is a “generation gap” of investing know-how. Generation Y investors inherently understand technology, media, and green spaces – but how much have they learned about resources?
Generation Y is the first generation of digital natives and they have grown up in a time where they are always connected to the media. Internet, video games, smart phones, social media, tablet computers, and all other electronics are second nature to Gen Y. They use these devices to learn information and share it with friends.
The perfect way for them to learn? Infographics. They are visual, shareable, and easy to understand. They are ideal for viewing on smart phones and tablet computer screens, and do not take up the same effort or attention span that a traditional investing news article may have.
Generation Y has $200 billion spending power in the US alone and makes up 30% of population. Every year, their incomes and influence is higher. Every year, more of them begin investing.
Visual Capitalist
Visual Capitalist aims to educate and inform by displaying information in a beautiful way: infographics.
By bringing the latest resource news releases, investing trends, and features in this cutting edge format, we aspire to empower investment decisions.
We believe that compelling visual content is the best and most engaging way to educate. Investors in emerging markets, Generation Y, and even seasoned investors today can all benefit. Because busy investors do not have the time to sift through long news releases or articles, we are re-engineering them in visual form. It’s the fastest way for people to learn, save time, and remember ideas.
Our goal is to be the catalyst for growth in visual learning and news: helping investors of all types learn about resource markets, getting them the latest company news, and creating a platform for sharing with like-minded investors.
