What Technology Investment Means for Developers
There’s never been a better time to be a tech developer. The business world is shifting into Industry 4.0, and gadgets are playing a more significant role in daily life. As a tech professional, you now have more job security and career options than ever before.
Whether or not you’ve bought or sold any stocks, technology investments are shaping your future as a developer. The world is investing in tech on an unprecedented scale, so what does that mean for you? Should you also invest in your industry?
In a way, you already invest in technology with your time and efforts as a developer. Generally, though, “technology investment” refers to the buying and selling of stocks in tech companies. That’s simple enough, but what defines a tech company these days is not always clear.
Naturally, companies like Apple and IBM count, but you can also consider Tesla and Amazon tech businesses. Even though they’re chiefly a car manufacturer and retailer, respectively; they are some of the tech industry’s leading players. Since technology plays such a central role in modern business, many companies have a foot in the industry.
This variety means you can find virtually any niche to invest in that you want. At the same time, since the market is so vast, not every company is worth the investment. Tech is full of success stories like Facebook, but it’s also full of failed startups.
Overall, the tech market consistently outperforms all other companies in terms of stock returns. The S&P 500 tech sector has almost doubled in value since 2017, compared to a 38% increase in all other companies. That’s a considerable advantage over other potential investments.
You should be aware at this point that technology isn’t going anywhere but up. The world is adopting new tech at an exponential rate, so the industry as a whole will only get better. It’s just a matter of investing in the right company.
As a developer, you may be concerned over cybersecurity issues with giving your money to investment brokers. These days, the SEC often requires penetration testing and other proofs of security from these companies. With today’s cybersecurity standards, you have nothing to work about.
None of this is to say technology investments don’t have their share of risks, though. Any investment is going to include some amount of chance since the future is never guaranteed. Tech is also a particularly risky industry, despite its potential benefits.
The overall technology market shows an undeniable trend of growth, but that doesn’t reflect every company. Getting in on a tech startup on the ground floor can be profitable, but it usually isn’t. Everyone wants to be the next big thing, but 90% of startups fail, so you can’t trust the hype.
The tech market is diverse, but it may also be oversaturated. Startups without a defined, untargeted niche likely won’t be able to survive. Your safest options, then, are established companies whose stocks are more expensive, and so have lower returns.
Tech investments affect you even if you don’t invest yourself. As a developer, you work at the forefront of technology, so market shifts impact your job directly. If more people invest in tech, it’ll mean more tools and opportunities for you in the long run.
The opposite is also true. A drop in investments means less funding in tech research, leading to a less profitable industry. Even if these stock changes aren’t happening in your company, broader shifts in the industry can change investor and consumer attitudes.
If one or two noteworthy tech companies produce a poor return on investment, it could impact trust in the industry as a whole. That could make potential investors hesitant to do business with your company.
Investments drive the technology industry, which means they drive your work as a developer. Keeping up with tech investment may be a good idea given how they can affect your career. On the other side, as an industry professional, you can use your insider knowledge to make smart investments.
All eyes are on the technology sector in today’s world. As a result, you’re connected to tech investments, whether you realize it or not.
