In case you didn’t already realize, the world is changing. And while this change is more of a constant shift over the years instead of a resounding bang, it seems that with the increasing onset of media coverage there is a definite shift in technology and how technology is becoming integrated into almost every aspect of our lives.
Therefore, people are turning to the technology sector for successful investments. If technology is the future, people want to know exactly how and in what niche they should look to get their profitable piece of the proverbial pie. However, over the past couple of years tech stocks have had their ups and downs- and if they are up then these ‘ups’ are not long lasting. Therefore, how can you know which stocks you should look toward for some sense of lasting success?
After a strong 2017 and strong early 2018, the main heavyweight stocks; Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google led a strong front until October 2018, when the technology sector suffered a heavy beating. However, as we sit back and reflect away from the panic that was late-2018, we can perhaps see that the tech stock ‘beating’ was more of a correction than often happens with stocks in the technology sector. That being said, it is important to bear in mind that while technology is the area of the highest predicted growth- and therefore opportunity- for the future, it will be equally high in volatility.
So, let us move forward and look at what tech stocks potential buyers should consider in 2019.
1.Nvidia (NVDA, $115.40)
- Market Value: 70.4 billion
- Dividend Yield: 0.5%
2. Workday (WDAY, $159.56
- Market value: $35.1 billion
- Dividend yield: N/A
3. Microsoft (MSFT, $100.39)
- Market value: $770.6 billion
- Dividend yield: 1.8%
4. Roku (ROKU, $30.16)
- Market value: $3.3 billion
- Dividend yield: N/A
5. Qualcomm (QCOM, $56.81)
- Market value: $68.9 billion
- Dividend yield: 4.4%
6. Splunk (SPLK, $102.79)
- Market value: $15.2 billion
- Dividend yield: N/A
7. FireEye (FEYE, $16.09)
- Market value: $3.2 billion
- Dividend yield: N/A
8. Twitter (TWTR, $28.43)
- Market value: $21.6 billion
- Dividend yield: N/A
9. Keysight Technologies (KEYS, $60.13)
- Market value: $11.3 billion
- Dividend yield: N/A
10. Cisco Systems (CSCO, $42.77)
- Market value: $192.3 billion
- Dividend yield: 3.1%
11. Salesforce.com (CRM, $134.68)
- Market value: $103.0 billion
- Dividend yield: N/A
12. Adobe (ADBE, $223.13)
- Market value: $108.9 billion
- Dividend yield: N/A
13. Docusign Inc (NASDAQ:DOCU)
- Market Value: $17.19 billon
- Dividend Yield: N/A
14. MiX Telematics Ltd (NYSE:MIXT)
- Market Value: $348.69 million
- Dividend Yield: N/A
15. Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)
- Market Value: $740.30 billion
- Dividend Yield: N/A
2019’s Top Tech Trends
2019’s technology trends and tech stocks are predicted to be centered around artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and biotech. These are the technologies that may cause large waves in the stock market this year. However, if you are looking for stocks that will be making smaller ripples and will begin to see more exposure in 2019, then technologies that utilize smart materials is where you should be turning your attention. What’s more, wearable technology is more than just what goes into the body; it is what could potentially go into the body too. It is these type of technologies that you should be keeping an eye on in 2019.
Even though cryptocurrency is not expected to rise out of the ashes that it found itself in last year, blockchain is still a promising area of an investor. This is because the area that blockchain covers go beyond digital coins, it extends into the realm of identity protection as well. And identity protection is one area that is expected to boom in the coming years because if the increasing need for identity protection. But, people are looking for more than just complex identity protection; people are looking for high levels of protection without the need for difficult and complex systems. The blockchain system could provide this type of security; reliable and highly dependent security with simple and smooth verifications.
And, perhaps one of the best things to see in the coming tech trends is ethical internet. While this will initially pertain to larger companies like Facebook and Twitter, the trend of introducing themes like anti-cyberbullying, mental health and privacy will continue to strengthen. So, what does this mean for the investor?
Well, keep your eyes on the companies that are embracing this theme of “ethical internet”. Because companies that do embrace this theme will do well in the coming months and even in the coming years.
Areas to Watch for Tech Trends in 2019
Technology will continue to see an increase in all aspects in 2019. However, areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, automated intelligence, and cyber security are expected to see upward trends in 2019.
Artificial Intelligence was once just a glimmer on the horizon for everyday folk, however, we are at a point now where artificial intelligence has begun to make an impact on everyday lives. It is a technology that most people do not even know is impacting their everyday lives. In the same sense, we see how cloud computing is used on an everyday basis by the majority of society as well- everyone with the average email account uses it. And due to this increase in cloud computing, comes an increase for the need for high cybersecurity. As sensitive information is spread out across the web, the need for cybersecurity has never been higher.
For 2019, these sectors are expected to continue to expand. Always remember that while, in the broader sense, technology will be on the constant rise, the tech sector is still volatile.
