Arpitrage

Arpitrage explores the dynamics of finance, real estate, and urban economics through critical analysis of government procurement, commercial real estate challenges, global economic stagnation, the evolving landscape of FinTech, shifts in urban development, and historical economic transformations. It scrutinizes policies, market trends, and the implications of technological and economic shifts.

Government Procurement Commercial Real Estate Global Economic Trends FinTech Urban Development Economic Policy Inflation and Economic Shifts Historical Economic Analysis

The hottest Substack posts of Arpitrage

And their main takeaways

Rethinking Public Procurement

574 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💼 Business Costs Infrastructure Software Reform
  1. Government procurement often involves unnecessary costly requirements and limited bidder outreach, leading to high expenses and poor quality outcomes.
  2. High infrastructure costs in the US are exacerbated by procurement problems and a legal system that limits state power.
  3. Failure in government procurement, like outdated unemployment insurance systems, results in costly software upgrades and limited benefits for recipients.

Unlock a Housing Boom through Depreciation Bonuses

2 HN points • 13 Feb 24
💼 Business Real Estate Investment Economic Impact Housing Market
  1. Investment taxes play a crucial role in addressing the housing crisis by impacting housing affordability.
  2. Tax laws in the 1980s, especially changes in depreciation schedules, significantly influenced commercial real estate production.
  3. Adjusting accounting rules, like shortening depreciation schedules or allowing full expensing, could encourage a construction boom and potentially reduce rents.

The Bronze Trade Origins of Cities

1 HN point • 23 Jan 24
💾 History Urbanization Trade Collapse
  1. The emergence of cities in the Bronze Age was closely linked to the trade of bronze, which required both tin and copper.
  2. Trade networks centered around metals played a crucial role in the formation and growth of early urban centers.
  3. The end of the Bronze Age and the shift to the Iron Age saw changes in trade dynamics, leading to the collapse of civilizations and the rise of new economic systems.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

What's Going on with China's Stagnation?

3 HN points • 21 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics China Economy Authoritarianism Real Estate Budget
  1. There is a debate between two main schools of thought regarding China's growth hurdles: authoritarian expropriation risk and structural Keynesian views.
  2. The real estate boom-bust hypothesis suggests China's dependence on real estate and infrastructure may lead to weak growth ahead.
  3. The soft budget constraint thesis, rooted in authoritarianism and political economy problems, could also be contributing to China's growth issues.

Office to Residential Conversions

1 HN point • 05 Nov 23
💼 Business Real Estate Urban Development Government Policy Economic Analysis Environmental Impact
  1. Cities are considering converting older office buildings to residential spaces to address urban challenges like reduced foot traffic, high carbon emissions, and housing affordability.
  2. Local and federal policymakers play vital roles in facilitating these office to residential conversions through regulatory changes, property tax relief, and financial incentives.
  3. Conversions may face challenges due to interest rate shifts, building constraints, and alternative real estate uses, but proactive measures can help make them financially viable.

The Newer Geography of Jobs

1 HN point • 07 Feb 23
  1. Remote work is reshaping urban areas and real estate markets by severing the link between work and home.
  2. Companies are choosing between three back-to-office plans: Fully on Site, Structured Hybrid, and Fully Flexible, each with different implications for real estate.
  3. The geography of remote work plans is diverse, with the West Coast embracing fully remote work, the Sunbelt opting for structured hybrid work, and legacy East Coast metros facing uncertainties.