Top Financial Terms of 2019: Negative Interest Rates, Jay-Z & More Insights

2019 was a landmark year for financial trends, spotlighting topics from negative interest rates to cultural icons like Jay-Z.

At ZAMONA, we analyze the financial terms that captured global attention each year. In 2019, the most popular themes ranged from presidential debates and cybersecurity breaches to economic theories and celebrity entrepreneurship. Notably, the leading term was Negative Interest Rates, a concept where borrowers effectively get paid, turning traditional lending on its head.

With over 22 million monthly readers and an extensive library exceeding 30,000 articles, ZAMONA offers unparalleled insight into the financial topics driving public interest worldwide. Our data science team delved into historical traffic to identify trending subjects month-by-month, showcased in the chart below.

1. Negative Interest Rates

Dominating 2019, Negative Interest Rates reflect a rare financial environment where central banks—facing trade tensions and economic slowdowns—lower rates below zero. Countries like Japan, Switzerland, and Sweden implemented these rates, meaning lenders pay to lend money rather than earn interest. While investors face negative yields, these ultra-low borrowing costs encourage businesses and consumers to spend more, boosting economic growth.

2. Dark Web

The Dark Web emerged as a critical concern as personal data became a valuable commodity for cybercriminals. Throughout 2019, multiple data breaches exposed millions of users’ information, which was then traded on hidden online marketplaces.

• In November, thousands of Disney+ subscribers had accounts compromised, with stolen profiles sold for as little as $3 each.
• Major brands including Dunkin’ Donuts, Fortnite, Sprint, and Dow Jones suffered hacks resulting in personal data leaks.
• In India, 1.3 million bank customers had their credit and debit details stolen and sold on the notorious Joker’s Stash site, following similar breaches affecting nearly 8 million Americans.

As awareness grew about these breaches, users turned to ZAMONA to understand the risks and implications for their personal data.

3. FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)

The FIRE movement gained traction in 2019, inspiring many to pursue early retirement through disciplined saving and investing. While retiring by 35 remains challenging for most, the movement highlights the importance of financial planning, longevity, and evolving work-life expectations.

Practical advice still centers on starting early, setting achievable goals, and maintaining fiscal discipline to build a retirement fund that supports comfort, even if retirement occurs later than the idealized age.

4. Conventional Mortgage

In 2019, conventional mortgages—home loans not backed by government programs—were in the spotlight as U.S. mortgage rates hit historic lows. This environment spurred refinancing and attracted new buyers, although rising home prices and shifting attitudes, especially among younger generations, led some to question the value of homeownership.

Despite a decade since the housing crisis, affordability remains a challenge in markets like San Francisco, Austin, and Charlotte, causing many to delay purchasing homes.

5. Negative Bond Yield

Negative bond yields accompanied the trend of negative interest rates, with over $17 trillion of debt worldwide offering sub-zero returns in 2019. Investors accept guaranteed losses on these bonds due to portfolio allocation requirements or as a safer alternative to volatile stocks.

6. Exempt Employee

The clash between the gig economy and labor laws intensified in 2019, especially with California’s Assembly Bill 5 targeting companies like Uber and Lyft. Exempt employees—those not entitled to overtime or minimum wage protections—became a focal point as businesses shift workers into contractor roles to reduce costs, igniting debates that are expected to continue into 2020 and beyond.

7. Jay-Z

Shawn Carter, known as Jay-Z, exemplified the fusion of culture and business in 2019. Joining the billionaire ranks, he expanded his empire from music to sports management and venture capital, investing in ventures like Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty. His collaboration with the NFL on the Super Bowl halftime show further cemented his status as a business powerhouse.

8. Karl Marx

The resurgence of interest in Karl Marx and socialist ideas was fueled by political figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Debates on capitalism’s effectiveness and proposals like Universal Basic Income and Medicare for All made Marx’s critiques relevant once again, sparking global discussions on economic systems and inequality.

9. Inverted Yield Curve

The inverted yield curve, often a predictor of recessions, appeared multiple times in 2019 as investors showed heightened demand for short-term U.S. Treasury bonds amid economic uncertainty. Although the critical 10-year and 2-year inversion narrowly missed, the phenomenon stirred significant concern among market watchers amid trade tensions and slowing global growth.

10. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)

ESG investing surged as a strategy combining financial performance with social responsibility. In 2019, ESG-focused funds tripled assets under management to over $13.5 billion, disproving myths of poor returns. For instance, the iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA) delivered nearly 25% returns year-to-date, matching broader market gains.

These top financial terms of 2019 mirror the complexities of a dynamic global economy, where investors reassess retirement, homeownership, capitalism, and sustainable investing amid widening income inequality. As we move into 2020, these discussions are poised to grow even more vibrant.

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