The Financial Trend for the Next 10 Years That (Almost) No One is Talking About

When it comes to investments, one of the most crucial aspects of success is identifying the right trends to invest in. In an ever-evolving world, being able to anticipate market movements and catch emerging trends can make the difference between a successful portfolio and one that struggles. In recent years, for example, we’ve seen a rush toward artificial intelligence (AI). When people talk about AI, it’s now universally agreed upon as one of the most promising sectors for the future. And it is, undoubtedly. However, because of this, entering the market for this technology has become very expensive, and in many cases, it’s already too late.

Artificial Intelligence: When the Trend is Already Mature

If we look at recent history, the trend related to artificial intelligence has certainly been one of the most discussed. Tech giants, innovative startups, and investors of all types have poured resources into this sector, convinced it’s the key to the future. And it is, without a doubt. However, now that the market is in full swing and the technology is in an advanced stage of development, the prices of AI-related company stocks are already high. Investing today may not be as advantageous as it once was, because when everyone is talking about it and the hype is at its peak, the best time to enter is often already gone.

This dynamic is a classic example of how financial trends, once they go mainstream, can bring more risks than opportunities. In other words, the biggest mistake an investor can make is entering a trend when everyone is already talking about it, without considering that the potential value of that trend might already have been exhausted. Instead of rushing to invest in something that’s already on everyone’s lips, it might be wiser to wait for the trend to evolve further, waiting for more favorable moments to enter the market.

The Return of Nuclear Energy: An Emerging and Overlooked Trend

So, what financial trend should we focus on in the next ten years? The answer may surprise you because it’s a sector that’s barely talked about but holds enormous potential: nuclear energy. Yes, you read that correctly: the return of nuclear energy might just be the next big financial trend.

In the past, nuclear energy has been the subject of criticism and concerns related to safety and waste management. But today, the situation has changed. Governments in many countries, driven by the need to find sustainable and low-carbon energy sources, are once again looking at nuclear energy as a necessary solution to ensure a stable and secure energy future. Furthermore, technological advances in recent years have paved the way for new forms of nuclear energy, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), which are much safer and more efficient than traditional nuclear plants.

The Opportunity of SMRs and the Companies Developing Them

SMRs represent one of the most interesting innovations in the nuclear energy sector. These reactors are designed to be smaller, safer, and cheaper to build compared to traditional nuclear plants. They are also easier to manage and can be used to power remote areas or to provide energy to smaller grids. Companies specializing in the development of SMRs are becoming increasingly numerous, and some of them have already received support from governments, who see nuclear energy as a key solution for the energy transition.

One emblematic example is Oklo, an American startup that has caught the attention of major investors, including Sam Altman, one of the most well-known names in Silicon Valley and president of OpenAI. Altman has bet on Oklo’s future, investing in their ambitious project to develop fast modular nuclear reactors. Oklo is focused on developing nuclear technologies that could revolutionize how we produce energy, making nuclear power safer and more economically accessible. Another example is TerraPower, the company founded by Bill Gates, which is developing a new type of nuclear reactor, Natrium, in collaboration with Warren Buffett. This project, which promises to reduce costs and increase energy efficiency, is supported by significant investments and growing interest from governments.

The Growth of Energy Demand: A Problem to Solve

The future of energy is inevitably tied to the growing global demand for electricity. In a world that is increasingly digitalized and technologically advanced, energy consumption will rise exponentially, fueled by the increasing spread of artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and other energy-intensive technologies. For example, the energy demand needed to support the data centers powering AI is set to grow exponentially.

However, without a stable, safe, and low-carbon energy source, achieving global decarbonization goals becomes an impossible task. Energy transition and decarbonization plans, which aim to reduce CO2 emissions and replace fossil fuels, cannot be achieved without nuclear power. Renewable energy, while crucial, is still not capable of fully meeting the growing global energy demand. Nuclear power, with its high energy production potential and low emissions, is destined to play a key role in the future energy mix.

Why Invest in the Nuclear Sector Today?

So, why should you invest in the nuclear sector today? The answer is simple: while nuclear energy is making a comeback, the market is still relatively undervalued compared to other sectors like artificial intelligence. By the time everyone starts talking about it, it will likely be too late to secure the best returns. Right now, when the sector is still in development and general awareness is low, is the time to act. Investment opportunities in this field are more favorable now than when nuclear power becomes a “trend” like AI, and its growth potential in the next ten years is immense.

Moreover, the innovative approach of SMRs could truly revolutionize the energy sector, making it safer, cheaper, and more accessible. Companies that are at the forefront of this technology could benefit from enormous gains as the sector grows and develops.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The return of nuclear energy could be one of the most overlooked financial trends of recent years, but that’s exactly why it represents an extraordinary opportunity for investors with a long-term view. When everyone starts talking about nuclear, the train will already have left the station, so it’s crucial to act now, before the competition drives up prices. Investing in the nuclear sector, particularly in SMRs and the companies developing them, could be a winning move for those who can look beyond the surface and recognize emerging trends. Don’t let this opportunity slip away because the future of energy could be closer than you think.

Overestimate the Present

One of the things you often hear from motivational gurus is that the most important thing is neither the past nor the future, but the present.

“Do not dwell in the past,
Do not dream of the future,
Concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
(Buddha)

I agree on the importance of being focused on the here and now in life, but when it comes to investments, this advice doesn’t quite apply. In fact, in the world of investing, the present doesn’t really exist.

Why? Because investment decisions are inherently tied to the past and the future—not to the present moment.

The Present Doesn’t Exist in Investing

Imagine you’re asking: “How much does this investment return?” This question might sound familiar, but it’s actually meaningless when it comes to investments that carry risk. The present is a snapshot in time, and when it comes to risk, there is no “return” in the moment—only a historical one or an expectation about what could happen next.

Let’s break it down:

The Past: “How much has it returned?” This refers to a historical fact. It’s something that has already happened, and we can measure, discuss, and reflect upon. Past performance is useful for analysis, but it’s not a guarantee of future success.
The Future: “How much will it return?” This is the critical part. The future is what you’re ultimately investing for. But the future is unpredictable—it’s an expectation, a forecast, not a certainty.

The challenge lies in the fact that, as investors, we make decisions now that affect the future, all while being influenced by the past. This “anchoring” effect, as psychologists call it, can make it difficult to make objective, future-focused decisions.

The Real Power of Time in Investing

Understanding the relationship between past, present, and future is key to making smarter investment choices. While the present moment may seem all-important in many aspects of life, in investing, it’s the combination of understanding past performance and anticipating future outcomes that should guide your decisions.

Take, for instance, the common mistake of focusing too heavily on current market trends. The “here and now” might suggest an immediate investment opportunity—stocks are soaring, or a particular sector looks hot. However, if you’re driven only by the present moment, you might overlook long-term trends or historical cycles that tell a different story.

This is why balancing the three dimensions of time is essential. Here’s how you can apply this to your investment strategy:

Learn from the Past: Review historical performance, but understand it’s not a prediction of future returns. It can, however, help you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.
Manage Current Expectations: The present provides a snapshot of the market, but remember that it’s full of noise. What’s happening today may not be indicative of what will happen tomorrow.
Be Mindful of the Future: The future is where your wealth grows, but it’s uncertain. Focus on managing risks and aligning your investment decisions with long-term goals, not short-term fluctuations.

A Practical Example: The Stock Market and Long-Term Growth

Consider the stock market. In the short term, it can be volatile. If you base your decisions solely on the present moment—let’s say reacting to daily price movements—you might miss out on long-term growth opportunities. However, if you anchor your investments to your long-term goals and historical trends (e.g., the market’s historical ability to grow over time despite short-term downturns), you’re more likely to make decisions that benefit you over the long haul.

Conclusion: Don’t Forget the Three Dimensions of Time

So, when you’re navigating the world of investments, remember: the present is only part of the picture. By looking at past trends and keeping a clear focus on future potential, you can make smarter, more informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

How do you currently approach the “present” in your investment strategy? Take a moment to reflect—are you anchored too much in the here and now, or are you considering the bigger picture?

Investing isn’t about the present. It’s about understanding the forces of time and making choices that will pay off in the future.

In the Right Place at the Right Time

If we look back at the past, even the stocks that have earned the most would not appear to us as “ideal” investments.
Analyzing the past can be a great exercise in understanding things that would not otherwise be so clear.
How many of us have thought it would be great to have a time machine and go back 20 years to buy all the stocks that have seen tremendous growth?
Unfortunately, as of today (January 11, 2025), the time machine has not yet been invented.
The reality is a bit different: when we study the charts, we realize that even the stocks that have earned the most over such a long period have faced moments that would have made them unattractive.
Let’s remember: growth is never linear.

If we look at the shares of the S&P 500 and select those that have earned the most since their debut on the stock market, we discover that there have been many occasions that seemed to mark the end of those stocks.
For example, one of the best-performing shares of the S&P 500 is Netflix (NFLX). From its IPO in 2002 to January 2025, its increase was +149,260%.
$1,000 invested in 2002 would have grown to $1,492,600 in 2025!
These are the numbers that make beginners (and even the most experienced investors) dream of getting rich by investing little money in a few stocks — and without any problems.
The reality, however, is very different.
In 2004, Netflix lost over 60% of its value and didn’t recover until 2009.
In 2011, it lost more than 80%, and since then, it has lost more than 30% several times.
In these situations, it is normal to ask yourself, “Has this stock come to an end? Or is it still worth investing in?”

Let’s always remember: our actions must be consistent with our strategy.
If our strategy is structured over the long term, we should not worry too much about negative months, especially when there is a long-term positive trend (the opposite is also true — the euphoria during periods of great growth is not ideal).
Negative periods could even be an opportunity to buy attractive stocks at lower prices.

The most important things to consider are:

Don’t get overwhelmed by emotions and always stay rational.
Have a strategy and remain consistent with it.
Conduct thorough analysis of the financial instruments we buy.
Diversify.

Investing is as much about patience and discipline as it is about making informed decisions. The path to successful investing is rarely a straight line, but with a well-defined strategy, the ability to stay calm in moments of uncertainty, and a long-term perspective, we can navigate the inevitable ups and downs of the market. And while we may not have a time machine, the best time to invest is always now — with the right approach.