🤖 Meet Robo-Walmart

Walmart’s counting on automation to boost profit | Germany was lucky | [TOGETHER WITH]( Hi {NAME}, here's what you need to know for April 6th in 3:05 minutes. 🤓 Venture capitalists have unrivalled Rolodexes, impressive resumés, and the most suave turtlenecks in town. But join Sweater’s Jesse Randall for [How To Invest Like A Venture Capitalist]( on April 17th, and find out how to beat them at their own game – no expensive, minimalist wardrobe required. [Get your free ticket]( Today's big stories - Walmart’s betting on automation to finesse its profit - Here's what OPEC+’s surprise oil supply cut means for markets and your portfolio – [Read Now]( - Germany just might sidestep a recession Wall-E-Mart [Wall-E-Mart] What’s Going On Here? Walmart’s [counting]( on automation to give it a competitive edge. What Does This Mean? Walmart's same old financial outlook might not have lit up investors' eyes this week, but the retail giant's got a long-term ace up its sleeve: automation. See, Walmart's US operating income has been stuck in a rut for the past ten years – partly due to the rise of e-commerce, which often costs more to manage than in-store sales. And now Walmart thinks it’s found a solution, getting a little robotic aid to help cut costs and revitalize its supply chain. Think self-driving forklifts that do the heavy lifting, lightning-fast customer demand response, and snazzy, efficient storage solutions. And that’s not some distant reality: it’s already happening. Automated distribution centers will cater to a third of Walmart's stores by the end of the year – and within three years, the company thinks automation could slash the cost of moving goods by 20%. Why Should I Care? The bigger picture: The patience of Job(s). Walmart's robo-revolution isn't just about wowing Wall Street: it's poised to shake up the job market too. The world's top retailer has been trimming jobs in fulfillment centers – and while some supply chain roles may grow as sales volumes do, the net effect is still going to be job loss. So watch this space: if other retailers end up following suit, it just might change the jobs market as we know it. Zooming out: Don’t go full Luddite yet. We’ve said it before: these developments aren’t guaranteed to be for the worse. The rise of automation could also spawn entirely new jobs, and it could make our lives easier too. One Nobel Prize-winning labor economist has [suggested]( that the AI revolution could supercharge productivity, leading to more leisure time and maybe even a four-day work week. Here’s hoping. You might also like: [Here’s how you can invest in AI.]( Copy to share story: [( 🙋 [Ask a question](mailto:questions@finimize.com?body=Ask us a question: Where are you writing from? Let us know and we'll mention it when we reply.&noapp=true&subject=Wall-E-Mart&utm_campaign=daily-global-06-04-2023&utm_source=email) Analyst Take OPEC+’s Slashed Supply Of Oil: Here’s How To Navigate Markets’ Ripple Effects [OPEC+’s Slashed Supply Of Oil: Here’s How To Navigate Markets’ Ripple Effects]( [Photo of Stéphane Renevier] Stéphane Renevier, Analyst [OPEC+](, the group of oil-producing nations, recently announced [an unexpected output cut]( of 1.66 million barrels per day. And while the group cited its need to “support the stability of the oil market” as motivation, the move came during a period of [decent market fundamentals]( and relatively high oil prices. [Several factors]( could be driving the cartel’s decision, but the end result is the same: the decision has – and will continue to – [send shockwaves through global markets](. And because your portfolio could get caught up [in the fallout](, you’ll want to know what’s likely to happen in the months ahead – and [how you can manage your portfolio]( during it all. So that’s today’s Insight: [why OPEC+ might’ve slashed oil supply, and what it means for your portfolio](. [Read or listen to the Insight here]( SPONSORED BY BABBEL Start speaking a new language in three weeks You could move to another country in a bid to [learn a new language](, or you could just [download Babbel](. See, [the Babbel method]( – built based on the teachings of over 150 expert linguists and teachers — focuses on learning through speaking, with an emphasis on [the phrases you’ll actually use](. No matter where you’re starting from, you’ll be able to [tailor your experience]( to include topics that matter to you – like [sports](, [travel](, [festivals](, or even [tongue twisters](. Just [15 minutes a day]( and a few [live online classes]( later, et voilà . And because you’re a Finimize reader, you can [choose from 14 languages]( and [get 60% off a Babbel subscription for a limited time](.* [Get 60% Off]( Deutsch Dodge [Deutsch Dodge] What’s Going On Here? Reports out on Wednesday [suggested]( Germany might just have dodged a recession. What Does This Mean? When Russia first invaded Ukraine, Germany seemed all but destined for a recession – you know, those pesky back-to-back quarters of negative growth. So after the economy shrank 0.4% at the end of last year, the first quarter of 2023 was always going to be pivotal. The verdict: if Germany’s top forecasters are worth their weight in bratwurst, the country may actually have sidestepped a recession, with the economy growing an estimated 0.1% last quarter. That would mean the country’s managed to weather the energy crisis, reducing its reliance on Russian natural gas and softening the impact of higher energy prices on households. No wonder the economy’s looking up, then: instead of a 0.4% drop this year, economists now see 0.3% growth in the cards for Germany. Why Should I Care? Zooming in: Lucky streak. That wasn’t the only bit of good news Germany got this week. Factory orders rose by 4.8% in February, crushing expectations of a measly 0.3% increase – a good sign given how crucial manufacturing is to the nation. And German exports outstripped expectations too, with a 4% uptick in February – while business confidence climbed for the fifth consecutive month in March. And sure, enduring demand might slow down inflation's retreat, but for now, that's a small price to pay to fend off a recession. The bigger picture: It’s a win-win-win. It isn't just a win for Germans if their economy is getting back on track: it's a victory for the entire world. See, the country is Europe's biggest economy, and its success could help stave off a recession for the whole bloc. And as a major investor in other nations, a thriving Germany bodes well for foreign investment and trade to boot. And that’s not to mention that Germans’ famous gift for tech innovation – especially in engineering – could help drive progress in key sectors worldwide. You might also like: [Five reasons to consider European stocks now.]( Copy to share story: [( 🙋 [Ask a question](mailto:questions@finimize.com?body=Ask us a question: Where are you writing from? Let us know and we'll mention it when we reply.&noapp=true&subject=Deutsch Dodge&utm_campaign=daily-global-06-04-2023&utm_source=email) 💬 Quote of the day “I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.” – Joan Rivers (an American comedian, actress, writer, producer, and television host) [Tweet this]( Meet your future community Let’s face it, even the best brands need a little push to [reach the right audience](. Our [one-million-strong community of modern investors]( is clever, clued-in, and keen to learn. In short, they’re exactly the type of folk you want to reach. So whether you’re an established brand, scaleup, or startup, [our promotional campaigns]( can help you reach the right audience at the right time. Your tailored campaign will make the most of all the Finimize channels, including live event and Summit showcases, social media blasts, and curated newsletter placements – [yup, right here](. Introduce yourself to your future community with Finimize. 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