Revealed: Is Telemedicine the World's Most Profitable Investment?

This is-undoubtedly- a big question: Is telemedicine proving to be the new kid on the bloc of the most profitable investments in the US and the world in 2021? Just consider these facts: While we all agree 2020 was a relatively 'crazy year-' thinking of the coronavirus pandemic- Teledoc Health services ran a business worth an astounding $209.42 in stocks (up from $83.26 in the previous year). These figures represented an incredible growth 152% by December 23, 2020. What does all this say about telemedicine's future? Yes, the pundits have posed the question: What really sent the stocks flying in this unprecedented manner?

Interestingly, we have to think back to get everything right: The emergence of the Covid- 19 pandemic sometime in early 2020 meant that people had to develop new ideas to manage the emerging health issues. Why? Many consumers had no option but to remain at home during the seemingly endless lockdowns. Then came the answer in a rather unexpected situation- the rise in telehealth services. Once this happened, the era of telehealth services was ushered in. Soon, this form of service skyrocketed and became so popular that it quickly became the modus operandi. By the end of 2021, hundreds of doctors in the US were poised to log over a billion virtual visits. Not only was this astounding, but it was also unprecedented.

Today, many health professionals admit that we've effectively ushered in a new era in the history of medicine. In other words, humanity has actually turned a corner, marking a revolution in the way doctors practice medicine. And there's another, more interesting fact- by the beginning of 2021, many doctors in the US reported that most virtual visits were utterly unrelated to the Covid 19 problem. In other words, patients are opting for virtual consultation and diagnosis purely as a matter of personal preference.

Listen to what Jason Gorevic, the CEO at Teladoc had to say on this phenomenon: 'Without a doubt, we've transitioned to the situation where many physicians and consumers consider telehealth as the best way to dispense and access health care.' Because of this seismic shift in the way medics practice medicine, there's unprecedented demand for a singular (centralized) telehealth platform that can cater to primary care, allied health, educational resources, and mental health in a roller-coaster.' Yes, this means that medicine has finally moved on; there's no guarantee that it will ever return to its former station.

Medics were-generally- never in doubt regarding the future of the Covid 19 health crisis in the US and other parts of the world. Why, most health professionals knew well (from scientific analysis) that the second or subsequent wave of the coronavirus would be worse. Think of it, the first wave of the pandemic almost overwhelmed the world's healthcare systems. Economies everywhere on the globe were virtually devastated. The pandemic affected many people's mental health and well-being. The challenge of depression and anxiety became a new issue of national debate. New cases of these ailments soared frighteningly.

In June 2020, a new survey by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that almost 41% of adults in the US had undergone some 'unusual behavioral or mental health condition.' Such conditions included post-traumatic stress, anxiety, substance abuse, and depression. Amazingly these figures were three to four times the situation in 2019. Further, 10.7 % of the people interviewed admitted that-at one point in the previous 30 days- they seriously thought about ending their lives. Of course, to these, it seemed like the only solution to their problems.

The American Medical Association (AMA) says that 'over 35 of the US states have reported a phenomenal increase in opioid-linked mortality. Moreover, within the same states, AMA reported a rising concern for people with substance abuse disorder and mental health issues.'

But- soon- there was unexpected good news regarding a modern, high-tech solution to the Covid-19- related emerging medical challenges. In a press release, CloudMD, which previously ran a successful medical service in Canada, announced it was launching its ultra-modern mental health support services and technology in the US. The company planned to drive its expansion programs all over the country. CloudMD would do this in collaboration with the newly acquired RXi Group. They planned to run a well-established 'One-stop patient support logistics agency' and provide customer-related management services.

Stocks for US Mortgage Giant UWM Decline Despite Massive Profits in 2021

In some of the most profitable years since its inception, the leading US mortgage lender, UWM Holdings, reported a historic $1.4 billion profit in net income in 2020. This represents a whopping 822% profit, capping what seemed a sterling achievement.

Surprisingly, the massive profit margin wasn't enough to satisfy the company's investors. As a result, by early February 2021, the shares dropped by about 10% - reflecting investor diffidence. According to UWM Company spokesperson, the firm barely missed its 2020 profit projections by a tiny margin. The management expected UWM to achieve lower profit margins on its new mortgages in the quarter ending in March 2021. UWM is also known as Pontiac. In efforts to lure investors in September 2020, the UWM management had announced that the company expected to earn $200 billion in originations.

Despite this, a Wedbush Securities Analyst, Henry Coffey, expressed confidence, saying that Pontiac's quarterly performance was significantly strong. Interestingly, after a record-shattering 2020 performance, the UWM investors demonstrated nervousness about the company's future profitability prospects with regards to originating mortgages. This explained the significant decline in the company's share performance by early 2021.

On a more positive note, the UWM's CEO, Mr. Mat Ishbia indicated that his company's lending business would grow by a minimum of 15% in 2021. This disregarded the fact that other industry analysts expressed pessimism about the mortgage business's growth in 2021. In an interview, the CEO said that his company 'Was not even close to achieving all the refinances that ought to be in the market at this time.'

UWM is currently the US' topmost wholesale mortgage lender. In its position, UWM primarily offers funds for mortgages that loan brokers originally manage. In the last quarter, the company reported $ 54.7 billion in its loan originations. This means that the UWM's annual total equaled $ 182.5 billion.

In September 2020, UWM merged with Gore Holdings IV. The latter is well-known as a special purpose acquisition company. The pair gleefully enjoyed an unprecedented mortgage profit wave to achieve a $16 billion evaluation by the end of the period. In early 2021, UWM made its first public trading business on the New York Stock Exchange; by the debut week's close, the company had a market value worth more than $18 billion. In the upcoming quarter, the company management expects UWM to produce $52-57billion worth of new mortgages. Nevertheless, despite these successes, the management expects a significant run of performance. For instance, UWM strategically plans to capture at least 50% of the US wholesale market- to the detriment of its competitors.

Shortly before the company went public in a deal worth $16.1 billion (with SPAC), the CEO stated that observers would make a great mistake if they thought the company's performance would deteriorate. It soon became apparent that UWM was the biggest purchase lender in the entire US market. There was no doubt that UWM was far ahead of the competition-including Rocket Mortgage, its arch-rival. The CEO recently said that, with increased technological investment, UWM was set to rake in more profits in 2021.

Further, the CEO had this to say to indicate the reasons for his company's success: 'We have achieved a wonderful quarter-despite some decline- it's all been an amazing year. We, however, expect this to be our best year in history. I say this considering the mortgage volume prospects. As a company, we aim to focus on the fundamental business at hand. For us, the stock price only follows; it does not lead.' The CEO also explained that the stock price, rather than the 2020 record volume, was linked to 'a normal' year. He expressed optimism that the stock prices would rise to peak at about $13.50. For UWM, he said, the primary focus was business.

He further emphasized that they'd not allow the company's business in the broker channel to be interrupted by the usual fluctuations in the stock market prices. 'We must make the broker share go up, educate the people, and invest in technology. Yes, once we achieve this, the broker channel will undoubtedly grow. It does not matter whether the stock price is $20, $9, or $5; these factors have absolutely no impact on us.

The CEO was confident that on April 6, when the company gives its first dividend, the market dynamics will vindicate his optimism with the UWM's performance and projected growth.

Without a doubt, the Coronavirus pandemic ushered in a new normal, characterized by the 'work at home syndrome.' As a result, by the close of 2020, the value of hotel properties and office buildings in many of the world’s largest cities (like New York) fell sharply. This caused seismic rumbles and impacted stock prices. US economic experts now predict that the value of property taxes in New York City will decline sharply by as much as $2.5 billion. Not surprisingly, this represents the most significant decline since the 1990s.

Interestingly, analysts expect the post Covid- 19 situation to remain mostly the same- many people will (likely) continue to work at home. This also means that (after 2021) most office buildings in large cities like New York will remain unoccupied for a long time. According to a recent statement by New York City Mayor, Bill De Blasio, the sharp drop in the city's property value is directly attributed to the Covid- 19 pandemic effects. Clearly, most of the city’s buildings, hotels, and offices have remained empty since 2020; New York became a ghost city.

Further, according to the New York City Hall officials, the tax class market value (including hotels, office, and retail properties) has significantly fallen- by about 15.8%. Since real estate accounts for 50% of the city’s tax revenue, these figures will likely jeopardize City Hall’s budgetary prospects in the immediate future. Just like other US cities, New York has suffered unprecedented devastation since the Covid-19 pandemic arrived.

Some 26,000 people have died, the city lost billions of dollars (in expected tax revenue), and thousands of jobs. Moreover, unemployment rates exceeded 20% -at the worst point of the pandemic in 2020 and early 2021. Even though some businesses remained open, more than 500,000 residents of New York are unemployed. The city’s transport sector is adversely affected since most workers stay at home rather than travel to work.

Fortunately, it’s certainly not all doom and gloom; as the sages say, 'Behind every cloud is a silver lining'- analysts noted strange happenings throughout the Covid-19 pandemic months- the rich became more prosperous. Overall, this portends good news to the city- it means a higher prospect for increased income tax revenues.

Notably, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor De Blasio consistently fought the Trump administration for 4 years, seeking federal aid. Both are optimistic that the newly installed Biden administration will change matters substantially. To brighten matters, the new US Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, recently announced that the incoming government would take over all Covid 19 disaster-related costs in the City and State.

The expected government intervention will let City Hall off the hook with regards to 25% of the federal emergency reimbursement costs. This also means New York State and city will save a whopping $2 billion. According to Mr. Schumer’s office, 'These savings will help plug the gaping Covid 19 related budget holes.' He says that this is 'a mere taste of better days ahead- coming out of Washington straight to New York.

Soon after Mr. Schumer’s encouraging revelation, US President Joe Biden announced a $1.9 trillion proposal to alleviate the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Out of this, his administration sought to set aside $ 350 billion to assist state and local governments.

Significantly, according to Mr. Schumer, New York City’s exciting deal with the incoming government to cover 100% of the Covid-19 related emergency expense means that the city will receive approximately $1 billion (both for the state and city. The deal strikingly resembles the Obama administration's pact- where the current president served as Vice-President. While the Trump administration had severally committed to boosting this kind of arrangement, his government never acted effectively to implement it. As a result, this compelled New York City and State to cover 25% of such costs.

Thanks to the new aid, the New York City Hall can now put on hold its plans to cut nearly $200 million in the education budget. Moreover, it can halt a plan to cut $ 44 million in the mayor’s favorite pre-school program (this is popularly known as the '3-K for All.'). On his part, Mr. Cuomo, the Governor, expressed optimism that the federal government would help backfill the $ 15 billion shortfall. This is the largest shortfall in the entire history of New York State.

The US city of Baltimore has changed drastically over the years. As time moved, newer, more exciting spots for tourists visiting the city have been discovered. Even with this, it is not a secret that Baltimore has much more to offer. Indeed, the city has not yet attained its full potential. This is partly due to the influence of the city's working-class population. Regardless, if you want to get the ingredients for a modern tourist paradise, visit Baltimore. Here, you will find interesting shops, ethnic restaurants, museums, boutique hotels and restaurants.

In the Baltimore National Aquarium, visitors can enjoy plenty of marine life, especial if they naturally love to do this. The National Aquarium is famous as America's best centre of aquarium exhibition. You can find some 600 species of marine biological life here.

Visitors can always enjoy an exciting exploration of the beautiful aquatic ecosystem. In case you naturally love historical things, Baltimore city will not disappoint. You can readily visit the famous ancient ships found here. You will find some famous ships displayed on any day you visit. These will include the USS Torsk, the Taney, the USS Constellation and the Chesapeake, among others.

In the morning hours, you can spend some quality time at the Baltimore waterfronts. This is especially exciting on the first day of your tour. Later on, you can get to enjoy the cooling breeze on the beaches while sipping a drink of your choice. This is also the best time for you to take a stroll along the Inner Harbor. At such a time, the crowds are usually smaller.

In the afternoon, it is great to take a walk or ride on to Mt. Vernon. To reach here, you can take the route that strolls up the North Charles Street. After walking for some 20 minutes, you will pass by the legendary Baltimore Basilica. This ancient historic cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church was built in the 1800s. Many admires' hearts and minds have always been captured by the cathedral's grand neoclassical designs. The cathedral is built on a Mt Vernon historical site. It exists along with some left-overs of the 19th-century heritage buildings.

A highlight of this is a visit to the Washington Museum. It is a prominent point of the entire tour. Here, you will come across a statue of the founding President of America, George Washington. This is proudly erected within the city. After this, you can always take a hearty lunch at the Dooby's coffee restaurant. This popular café usually serves great dishes, including seafood dumplings, kimchi burger and the accented Asian roast pork noodle ramen. Most likely, you will get some excellent coffee and bakery featuring prominently on the menu as well.

You will discover many other historical attractions awaiting you on a visit to Baltimore. One of the best ways to start your journey off should be to visit the famous Walters Museum Art. This is a free exhibition centre that comes with vast art collections. These range from French impressionist crafts, woodblock prints of Japanese origin, renaissance paintings, and some Roman sculptures,

It is, undoubtedly, excellent advice for a visitor in this city to pass by the George Peabody Center Library. The library features a magnificent atrium architecture. This building spans five stories and is filled with more than 300,000 books that date from the 19th century. In the final hours of the afternoon, you may visit the Maryland Historic Society. Here, you will get a few old artefacts that have been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.

Later in the evening, you should make sure to visit the Fells point. This is an important hub in Baltimore for all matters touching on shipbuilding. Today, the place is dotted with many shops and restaurants. The trip atmosphere can now be spiced up by having an early drink at a lively bar nearby. The options for a delicious dinner are plenty. You can take a sumptuous meal at the popular Thames St Oyster House restaurant. You can get a memorable meal made of oysters done with cocktails.

Next, you can visit Federal Hill. One of the main attractions includes the Historic Shrine and the Fort McHenry Monument. This fort became quite famous in 1814 for surviving a British army naval attack. This is ultimately what inspired the composition of America's national anthem.