The Resilience of Innovation

​Did you know that during economic downturns innovation has managed to thrive? For example, throughout the Global Financial Crisis technological innovation prospered. It stands to reason that disruptive technologies may continue to flourish during future periods of market volatility and economic turbulence.

 
  • During the Global Financial Crisis, innovative industries, such as e-commerce and Internet advertising, grew over 30%, as retail sales and other measures of economic activity stagnated. 

  • The resilience of innovation dates back further than recent events. Personal computer penetration managed to grow through the early 1990s recession and in the Great Depression automobile ownership successfully advanced. Even as the economy has contracted, pockets of ingenuity have allowed corporations to profit and improve overall productivity (see Alger whitepaper The Enduring Force of Innovation​).  

  • We find that the most innovative companies produce the strongest fundamentals and stock returns, and hold the key to investment performance. While investors today may have concerns ranging from where we are in the economic cycle to what actions global central banks will ​take, the answers to these questions do not drive long-term corporate earnings growth—innovation does.​
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The views expressed are the views of Fred Alger Management, Inc. as of January 2019​​. These views are subject to change at any time and they do not guarantee the future performance of the markets, any security or any funds managed by Fred Alger Management, Inc. These views are not meant to provide investment advice and should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell securities.

This material must be accompanied by the most recent fund fact sheet(s) if used in connection with the sale of mutual fund shares. ​

Risk Disclosure: 
Investing in the stock market involves gains and losses and may not be suitable for all investors. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Many technology companies have limited operating histories and prices of these companies' securities have historically been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term. Technology companies may also face increased competition, government regulation, and risk of obsolescence due to progress in technological developments. 

Fred Alger & Company, Incorporated 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010 / www.alger.com

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