Demographic Trends & Economic Impact - Global population is projected to peak at approximately 97 亿 (9.7 billion) by the 2060s and then decline [5] - The birth rate required to sustain population growth is about 21% (2.1%) children per woman [7] - The average cost of raising a child to adulthood in the United States exceeds 31 万美元 ($310,000) [9] - Public debt in Japan has reached over 250% of GDP [20] Financial System & Investment Strategies - Governments may resort to financial repression, holding interest rates artificially below inflation levels [19] - Consumer debt in the United States has reached record highs, exceeding 18 万亿美元 ($18 trillion), with credit card debt surpassing 1 万亿美元 ($1 trillion) [49] - Companies in Japan increased salaries by nearly 10% in a single year due to labor shortages [32] Labor Market Dynamics - Employees who switched jobs in Japan gained raises averaging over 40% [32] - Demographic collapse is leveling the economic playing field for labor [37] - Rising wages encourage family formation, further tightening labor markets [39] Capitalism & Adaptation - Capitalism thrives on continuous growth, requiring more workers and consumers [43] - Modern corporations are shifting towards a rent extraction model, generating profits from dominating markets [44] - Governments may need to support families and stabilize demographics through affordable housing, child care, healthcare reform, and parental leave [51]