Use of artificial intelligence systems in forecasting financial markets requires a reliable and simple model that would ensure profitable growth. The model presented in the paper combines Evolino recurrent neural networks with orthogonal data inputs and the Delphi expert evaluation method for its investment portfolio decision making process. A statistical study demonstrates the reliability of the model and describes its accuracy. Capabilities of the model are demonstrated using a trading simulation.

This paper aims at investigating military and demographic inter-linkages in the context of the Lithuanian sustainability. The investigation combines three important economic aspects such as demographic, military and sustainable development. The authors have revealed that demographic trends should be seen as a necessary conditions for ensuring the functioning of the military sector contributes to public security and sustainable development in general. Correlation and stepwise regression analysis, also Monte Carlo forecasting method have been applied for this purpose. Research results have revealed statistically significant interrelationship between military personnel as a share of total labour force and population growth rate, population median age, total fertility rate as well as birth rate. Moreover, Monte Carlo forecasting method allowed revealing for the next 10 years a steady slight increase in armed forces personnel, stable population growth rates, a rapid aging process and a slight decline of total fertility rate. Military and demographic estimations and future projections allow government to incorporate information into planning and sustainable development policy. The insights from this research may contribute to implementing the goals of sustainable development related to eradication of poverty, inequality, social exclusion, improvement in education, well-being and employment and tackling climate change. Keyword : military, demographic, sustainable development, Lithuania, trends

Sustainable development is based on the idea of achieving an acceptable level of social, economic, and cultural development. However, there are a lot of impediments to achieving this idea so far. Population aging is one of these (and, probably, major) global trends affecting all countries and putting the realization of sustainable development goals at risk. The main goal of this article, therefore, is to test the relation between aging and three groups of indicators of sustainable development of EU countries. The investigation that forms the basis of the given article has focused on the median age of the population and six sustainable development indicators of the EU countries. The analysis covers annual data of the period from 2000 to 2018. All variables have been obtained from the Eurostat database. This has provided a possibility to compare the EU countries by indicators under consideration.

Fintech as a three-dimensional phenomenon reflects the rapidly changing technological, financial and business environment. The bibliometric analysis of scientific articles allowed us to identify the main themes and create a map of the field of fintech influences. Systematization of scientific articles revealed the influence of economic development and socio-demographic inequality on fintech development. Government regulatory policies can accelerate the digitisation of financial services and financial inclusion and help the fintech sector face geopolitical challenges. Fintech’s impact was divided into three areas: financial stability and sustainable development, the business ecosystem and human behaviour. The research we summarised allowed us to identify the mechanisms through which fintech influences various fields. A complex approach to the influence of fintech enables us to understand the phenomenon and make better decisions.