Big changes are lining up for 2026. Felix Prehn, who leads GOAT Academy, sees six forces that can reshape prices, jobs, and investments. Some people will benefit. Others may fall behind if they only keep cash and ignore what is changing.
The first force is a large wave of money entering the economy. When a lot of money enters quickly, spending often rises. Prices can rise too. This is inflation. Inflation means the same amount of money buys less than before. That is why cash savings can lose “real” value during high inflation.
Part of this money can come through tax refunds, business tax rules, and companies bringing cash back from overseas. When big companies get extra cash, they often use it for stock buybacks or dividends. That can push stock prices higher. It can also widen the gap between people who own assets and people who only earn wages.
The second force is tax changes. Some rules may lower taxes for certain groups, while other programs may be reduced. This can change which industries grow faster and which ones slow down.
The third force is the push for critical minerals and rare earth elements. These materials are used in batteries, smartphones, and military equipment. A “supply chain” is the path products take from raw materials to finished goods. If a country depends on others for key materials, it may spend more to secure supply. That spending can support mining, processing, and industrial building.
The fourth force is huge spending on AI. AI (artificial intelligence) is software that can learn patterns from data and help with tasks like writing, searching, or spotting risks. A key shift is toward “inference.” Inference means using AI in real life, not just training it. This can increase demand for chips, data centers, electricity, and business software. It can also change jobs. Many people will not be replaced by AI itself. They may be replaced by someone who uses AI better.
The fifth force is defense spending. Defense has a steady customer: the government. If budgets rise, areas like missile defense, drones, satellites, and related technology may grow.
The sixth force is interest rate cuts. Interest rates affect the cost of borrowing. When rates fall, loans can get cheaper. This can boost housing, growth companies, and other risk assets. But lower rates can also add fuel to inflation if too much money is chasing too few goods.
Felix Prehn’s core point is simple: 2026 may reward people who understand money flows, inflation, and sector shifts. Readers who want background on the educator behind these ideas can visit Felix Prehn Goat Academy.