Why am I betting big on this 1 megatrend

Wayne Gretzky hung up his hockey sticks a long time ago. But something he said is repeated over and over again: “I skate where the puck is going to be, not where it has been. While Gretzky’s quote has become a cliché, it nonetheless remains very relevant in many areas – including investing.

You probably hear a lot about “unstoppable trends” that present tremendous opportunities for profit. Some of them are even called megatrends because of their global impact. For investors, the idea is the same concept that Gretzky formulated years ago: to focus on what’s going to happen in the future.

Identifying and investing in the big trends is a great way to achieve this. This is what I do with my personal wallet to a large extent. Here’s why I’m betting big on a particular megatrend.

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A megatrend, three compelling reasons

The megatrend that excites me the most is the use of technology to solve some of our most important health issues. There is no doubt that this is a trend that is having a huge impact. And it is indisputable that technology is already helping address health challenges in a bigger way than ever.

Why am I investing heavily in this megatrend? I have three compelling reasons.

First of all, I completely agree with the philosophy of Motley Fool co-founder David Gardner: “Make your portfolio reflect your best version of our future.” My best vision for the future is a world where people do not die of cancer and other diseases (especially when they are young), have convenient access to highly efficient health services, and are able to live long and productively. .

Second, I have no doubts that the demand for healthcare-oriented technologies will increase dramatically over the coming decades. Another major trend – the aging of the population – will be a key factor in this increased demand.

Third, I believe that we are on the threshold of important technological innovations in several areas of health. Gene editing, genomic testing, and artificial intelligence (to name a few) are still in their infancy.

Lots of good stocks

I have invested in stocks from several of the most promising areas of technological innovation in healthcare. One of my favorite health actions is Intuitive surgery (NASDAQ: ISRG). The company was the first to use robotic surgical systems more than 20 years ago. Today, nearly 6,000 da Vinci systems from Intuitive are in use worldwide.

Some say we are in the “golden age of biotechnology”. I believe him. That’s why I’m a big fan of biotech stocks. I own shares of Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VRTX), which I think ranks among the top biotech stocks right now. Vertex claims a monopoly in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). He’s also making impressive strides in treating other rare genetic diseases as well as a not-so-rare disease with a potential cure for type 1 diabetes going into clinical trials this year.

Medicine delivered (NASDAQ: EDIT) is another biotech action that I love and own. It is a leader in the editing of CRISPR genes. Editas’ programs still have a long way to go before they can potentially reach the market. However, I am cautiously optimistic about its chances of revolutionizing the treatment of several genetic diseases and cancer.

There are so many good biotech stocks to choose from, however, that I decided a few years ago to buy several all at once with the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (NYSEMKT: XBI). This exchange-traded fund (ETF) currently holds positions in 170 biotechnologies.

My focus, however, goes beyond biotechnology and robotic surgery. I am proud shareholder of Guardian health (NASDAQ: GH), a leader in the development of liquid biopsies that could fundamentally change the way cancer is diagnosed. Guardant Health already markets liquid biopsy products that are used as companion diagnostics for cancer immunotherapies. However, its great opportunity lies in the early detection of cancer and the monitoring of recurrences.

I also believe that the time has come for telehealth. That’s why i own Teladoc Health (NYSE: TDOC) Stock. Teladoc is the leading provider of telehealth services. It is also at the forefront of chronic disease management through the acquisition of Livongo Health last year. (By the way, I was also a shareholder in Livongo before the takeover.)

A big bet but not a big bet

These are just a few of the stocks I currently own that are leading the way in bringing technological innovations to healthcare. In total, my portfolio consists of 18 stocks and ETFs that are directly related to this megatrend.

I have lots of money on a lot of companies in the hope that they will change the healthcare landscape. However, I don’t consider this big bet a big bet at all. Maybe not all of them will succeed, but many of them will. And if they are, my investment portfolio should have something more Wayne Gretzky reminiscent of: growth in hockey stocks.