the case for
optimism
A by-the-numbers look at our increasingly productive world
In the wake of a highly contentious presidential campaign, we can finally breathe and take in some good news: We are generally more optimistic than we think we are.
Throughout the year, OppenheimerFunds conducted first-of-its-kind biometric research to demonstrate how optimism can benefit investors in the long term, and to identify the disparity between how we think we feel versus what we actually feel below the surface.
While measuring their true feelings via physiological signals like heart rate and nervous system response, OppenheimerFunds asked attendees how they felt about their long-term investment views in three key areas: aging, emerging markets and innovation. The result? Regardless of party affiliation, gender and income level, the majority of respondents showed more optimism than they reported.
And for good reason. The world is becoming a better place as progress and innovation drive vast increases in human productivity. In other words, we’re creating more value and doing more with less.
Alongside insights from OppenheimerFunds’ groundbreaking research, take a look at the latest facts and stats from key investment themes across women’s economic participation, aging trends and technological advances for proof: The world is on an increasing upward trajectory and there’s never been a better time to invest in our long-term future.
women
With a consistently strong footing in the workforce, women are increasing their footprint and economic impact.
Entering the labor force
1966
2015
U.S. labor force participation rate of women, 16 and older
Earning more equal pay
1970s
2016
Women’s wages as a percentage of men’s wages for the same job in the U.S.
Starting businesses
1997 - 2014
Rise in number of women-owned businesses in the U.S.
Contributing to the GDP
1979 - 2012
Amount added to U.S. GDP by women entering the workforce
Now the developing world is catching up, with women increasingly entering the workforce.
Rise in female labor force participation from 1990 to 2013
1990
2013
in Latin America and the Caribbean
in sub-Saharan Africa
in the Middle East and North Africa
Key findings from OppenheimerFunds biometric research
When responding to the future of globalization and widespread broadband access, female participants were higher in both measured and reported optimism, while men measured optimism significantly lower than they reported.
female
GENDER comparison of optimism: optimist scale 0-4
3.04
FEMALE
REPORTED
optimism
vs
3.22
FEMALE
measured
optimism
male
GENDER comparison of optimism: optimist scale 0-4
2.39
MALE
REPORTED
optimism
vs
2.06
MALE
measured
optimism
aging
We’re living longer and thriving. We’re also becoming more productive into our later years.
Average life expectancy in the U.S.
1950s
2016
years old
years old
Expected retirement age, U.S.
2002
2014
years old
years old
Civilian labor force participation for workers 65 and older, U.S.
1994
2004
2014
2024
(projected)
Key findings from OppenheimerFunds biometric research
When considering that basic health care is now available to more people than before and the cost of treatments are now being reduced dramatically, both genders measured a higher level of optimism than they reported.
female
GENDER comparison of optimism: optimist scale 0-4
2.70
FEMALE
REPORTED
optimism
vs
3.20
FEMALE
measured
optimism
male
GENDER comparison of optimism: optimist scale 0-4
2.15
MALE
REPORTED
optimism
vs
3.10
MALE
measured
optimism
technology
As tech and biology merge, the line between man and machine is becoming more blurred. We’re becoming superhuman, as computers increasingly supplement our capabilities and make us more efficient.
IN OUR PALMS
Percentage of U.S. population using smartphones
2010
2016
2019
IN OUR HOMES
Robots are expected to be in every home by 2025
On our bodies
2016
million
(ANNUALLY)
The global market for smart clothing
2012 - 2019
growth
(PROJECTED)
The global market for smart clothing
2025
(PROJECTED)
Percentage of U.S population who will be wearing clothes connected to the internet
And now (and in the near future), even inside our minds
2013
BIONIC EYE
IMPLANT
FDA approved the Argus II,
a bionic eye implant
2015
brain-neural
interfaces
Department of Defense began testing “brain-neural interfaces” by temporarily implanting electrical arrays into the brains of volunteers undergoing surgery for other neurological issues.
At the same time, our artificial helpers are on the rise and becoming increasingly human. Investment by venture capitalists in AI startups from 2010 to 2014 grew 20 times. By 2019, nearly 35 billion devices will be connected to the Internet of Things, thus becoming infinitely more helpful. In developed countries, AI could double annual economic growth rates by 2035.
Key findings from OppenheimerFunds biometric research
When asked their feelings on the impact technological advances will have on the world, tech-savvy millennials measured a higher level of optimism while reporting a lower level of optimism.
millennials
comparison of optimism: optimist scale 0-4
3.12
REPORTED
optimism
vs
3.40
measured
optimism
non-millennials
comparison of optimism: optimist scale 0-4
3.76
REPORTED
optimism
vs
3.12
measured
optimism
Methodology
OppenheimerFunds interviewed more than 450 people at six events between the months of June and September 2016 to measure investor sentiment across four investment themes: aging, innovation, emerging markets and long-term investing. The goal of the study was to identify the disparity between how investors feel emotionally and how they reported feeling. As this survey had an emotional component, there are certain limitations. Factors affecting emotions such as lack of sleep, certain medications, alcohol, outside stresses and even cosmetic procedures can cause emotions to be dulled or exaggerated (positively or negatively).