Mrs. Bootstrap and I have been watching a lot of Olympics lately.  We’re in a bit of Olympic overload (which is one reason that I haven’t posted as much lately).  Of course, watching the Olympics makes me think of … investing.  OK, so maybe I have a bit of a one-track mind (maybe two tracks… ).  While I watch the Olympics, I can’t help thinking about globalization.  Seriously, here is an event where over 200 nations are participating.  And the games are being held in China for the first time ever.  Since Olympic coverage is nothing if not pithy, we get lots of interesting facts: China has 1.3 billion people – one of every five people on the planet lives in China.  India adds another 1 billion people (incidentally,   China fields like 450 athletes and there are around 50 from India – what’s up with that?).  Compared to the US population of around 300 million, we hardly seem to stack up…  Seeing this spectacle really drives home the power of the global market.  If China and India alone develop a significant middle class, then this represents an awesome opportunity.

Here at Bootstrap HQ, we’re not big tops down, macro investors.  Meaning, I don’t go around studying reams of data on the economy, interest rates, global trends, etc. to identify big macro themes to invest in.  Some investors do that and are quite successful.  I spend more time looking at individual companies that I can understand.  Many times I am attracted to them because they are suffering from short term problems that temporarily depress their stock prices (sale!).  However, I love even more to find such companies that have a clearly identifiable long term trend that helps them along.  Tomorrow, I’ll discuss Boeing Company which I believe is perfectly positioned to benefit from this trend.

Seriously, just think about globalization without thinking of the need for commercial airliners (not to mention satellites, financing …).  I mean, it’s the GLOBE, right; you can’t just get around on a scooter.  See you tomorrow!