How to benefit as global population soars to seven billion

POPULATION POWER

As the global population clocks its seven billionth member, Maria Merricks looks at the investment potential this growth could bring.

Opportunities are only set to increase as time goes on with the United Nations estimating the world’s population will reach eight billion by 2025 and ten billion by 2083. Emerging markets – particularly Africa – are expected to lead the way. Here, Investment Week looks at three sectors poised to benefit most from these statistics. Consumer trends According to Nick Price, portfolio man- ager of Fidelity’s EMEA fund, the real long-term growth story to get excited about is consumption. The key contributing factor, alongside population growth, is that of rising incomes. “There is consid...