Despite narratives of decline in the West, the global alcohol industry is thriving. This resilience comes from two key trends: consumers "drinking less, but better" by choosing more expensive, premium beverages, and the rapid growth of alcohol consumption in large emerging markets, especially among young people and women.
Major beverage companies are turning the teetotalism trend into a high-margin opportunity. They market non-alcoholic beers at prices comparable to their alcoholic counterparts. Because these products are not subject to alcohol taxes, companies can achieve significantly higher profit margins, effectively monetizing sobriety.
While New York has successfully become a secondary hub for the tech industry, this growth is not a panacea for its economic woes. The tech sector is smaller than the financial industry it's partially replacing and faces the same constraints, such as the extraordinary cost of housing and childcare, that are driving talent and wealth away.
New York's high municipal spending relies on taxing a robust financial sector. As finance jobs decline and are replaced by lower-paid roles in sectors like healthcare, the city's tax base is eroding. This is compounded by a nearly 10% drop in real wages since the pandemic, threatening the city's governing model.
China's most famous rapper built a massive following both at home and abroad. His music, celebrating the wealth of China's past economic boom, resonates with nostalgic domestic youth. Simultaneously, his sound and swagger are easily remixed for platforms like TikTok, creating a global fanbase that enjoys the "vibe" without understanding the lyrics.