I talk apps, Bitcoin and major league baseball in today’s newsletter.
MEDIA: App Stats
TikTok, a video-sharing social media service, topped the list of the most downloaded apps in the world last quarter, according to a report from SensorTower, a data and market research firm focused on the global app industry.
Facebook, Zoom, WhatsApp and Instagram rounded out the top five most downloaded apps last quarter, according to that report.
From an overall category perspective, though, gaming apps were by far and away the most downloaded last quarter, according to SensorTower, far outpacing downloads of tools or social apps, for example.
Pink's Bottom LineThose gaming app downloads fueled consumer activity as revenue from mobile gaming in the US increased in the third quarter of this year to $5.8 billion, up from more than $4 billion in the third quarter of 2019, according to SensorTower.
Additionally, US mobile gaming revenue had already hit a record $6 billion in the second quarter of this year during the peak of the global pandemic.
As such, it appears that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has acted as a dramatic accelerant to the growth of the US mobile gaming industry in the past six months.
MONEY: Bitcoin Price Increases
As global stock markets gyrate, the price of Bitcoin is quietly climbing, hovering near levels it hasn’t seen since the middle of last year.
Investors appear to embrace Bitcoin despite uncertainty around both the US presidential election outcome and the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Pink's Bottom LineIt’s an interesting time for Bitcoin — and cryptocurrencies in general — as they look to gain mainstream adoption.
Just this week, JPMorgan Chase reportedly began using its own cryptocurrency, the JPM Coin, for some commercial transactions.
If the JPM Coin proves viable, look for that success to usher in what could be a new era for cryptocurrencies.
SPORTS: World Series 2021
The Los Angeles Dodgers captured their first World Series title since 1988 beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 last night to win the series four games to two.
The Dodgers had been the favorite to win the World Series all year, and they are again the favorite to win it all in 2021 — they are +400 to win the World Series next year, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
The New York Yankees (+550) are next most likely to win in 2021 followed by the Atlanta Braves (+900) and the San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays, both at +1300, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
(Note: For those unfamiliar with sports betting, +400 is equivalent to 4 to 1 odds.)
Pink's Bottom LineI’m surprised that the Dodgers aren’t bigger favorites heading into next season as I think Los Angeles is poised to win multiple World Series.
The Dodgers have perhaps the best lineup in all of baseball, and they also have very solid starting pitching.
If the team shores up its shaky bullpen in the offseason, the Dodgers will unquestionably be the team to beat in 2021 and beyond.
Jeremy Pink is former CEO of private-equity backed Broadcast Sports International where he led the company to a successful sale and exit during his tenure there. He is also a former CNBC television executive in New York, London and Singapore. Jeremy currently serves as an advisor or consultant to companies in New York, London and Hong Kong in the media, technology and financial tech sectors.
The information contained in this communication is strictly for general informational and entertainment purposes and is not meant to be construed as financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. This communication is not a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. I am not a financial advisor or offering professional advice of any kind. Users should not act upon the content or information found within this communication without first seeking professional advice appropriate for their individual situation. Decisions based on information contained in this communication are the sole responsibility of the user, and use of this communication and its contents constitutes an explicit understanding and acceptance of the foregoing disclaimers.
(Newsletter Editor: Karina Pink)