Why NEM?
I've been holding this coin for a while now.
I like the fact that NEM created a blockchain and platform for smart contracts, comparable to Ethereum. But instead of pushing all the responsibility to the developers like with Ethereum (look at what happened to Parity wallet), with NEM you need to use their Java API to build smart contracts on top of NEM. This gives the developer a little less flexibility, but it also takes away a lot of potential bugs and increases reliability.
Why now?
A lot is moving with NEM recently, in China and worldwide.
OKEx will trade NEM on Christmas day.
They are not listed on Binance yet, once that happens I foresee another big boost.
NEM is being used as blockchain for a growing number of new projects:
http://www.irdirect.net/prviewer/release/id/2865996
https://forum.nem.io/t/micai-the-world-s-first-ai-based-private-wealth-management-protocol-built-on-the-nem-blockchain/10698
http://www.ft.lk/it-telecom-tech/Gapstars-looks-to-strengthen-Lankan-blockchain-link-through-new-training-project/50-645682
https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2017/05/17/empowering-indie-game-developers-with-blockchain/
Also recently mentioned in CNN top 8 cryptocurrencies:
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/18/africa/gallery/cryptocurrencies-bitcoin-gallery/index.html
My brother advised me to invest in this cryptocurrency. Now I'm convinced, thanks for this interesting speculation @gorik