The hottest Economics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Top Links 768 Here come the robots. Truck parking & Walt Whitman as "self-fashioning vector of the spirit of the age".

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Labor Government Trade
  1. There are new ideas about robots taking over jobs, especially in trucking. This could change how we think about work and technology.
  2. Walt Whitman is being seen as a symbol of individual expression and identity in today's world. His ideas about self-fashioning relate to how people view themselves now.
  3. The impact of tariffs and factory jobs assumes there are enough workers to fill those roles. This might not be true, given current labor shortages.

Top Links 766 No tariffs on vintage. The turbine crisis. Hayek's bastards and Blue Jerusalem.

Chartbook • 543 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Policy Trade History Current Events
  1. There are currently no tariffs on vintage items, making it easier to buy and sell them. This can benefit collectors and businesses alike.
  2. The turbine crisis is a significant issue, which may impact energy production and prices. It's important to stay informed about how this affects the economy.
  3. Hayek's ideas continue to provoke discussions, along with topics related to cities like Blue Jerusalem. Understanding these concepts can help in navigating modern economic debates.

American Advantages in Economies of Scale

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Markets Consumer behavior Entrepreneurship Global Trade
  1. The size of America's consumer market helps businesses grow because they can reach a lot of people who can afford to buy their products. A bigger market means they can make more items faster, like how a big factory can produce more than a small workshop.
  2. Cultural similarities in America allow stores and brands to sell the same products across the country without changing much. This makes it easier for companies to run and for consumers to find what they want, no matter where they are.
  3. English, especially American English, is popular around the world. This helps American brands and culture spread more easily, making it a powerful tool for influence and business growth.

How An Informed Minority Took Over The World’s Biggest Firms

High ROI Data Science • 119 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Strategy Management Economics Consulting Information Systems
  1. Information asymmetry is when one group knows more than another. This can create unfair advantages in social systems and businesses.
  2. The Werewolf Game illustrates how a small, informed group can control the majority. This game teaches us about strategy and deception in group dynamics.
  3. To protect ourselves from manipulation, we need to build mental firewalls. Knowing about information asymmetry helps us fight back against unfair advantages.

At least five interesting things: Nerdy economics edition (#54)

Noahpinion • 16529 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Taxation Health care Regulation Productivity
  1. The Destination-Based Cash Flow Tax (DBCFT) could help companies invest more and boost U.S. exports. It changes how corporate taxes work, making it easier for companies to grow and innovate.
  2. Construction productivity in the U.S. has been dropping, partly due to strict land-use regulations. These rules lead to smaller, less efficient construction firms, which impacts how quickly and effectively projects are completed.
  3. Not all so-called 'irrational' decisions people make are true mistakes; sometimes, it's just that the choices are too complex. We need to rethink how we view human decision-making in economics.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

"Paycheck-to-paycheck" and five other popular myths

Noahpinion • 17000 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Public Policy Surveys Political Commentary
  1. Many popular economic claims, like '60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck,' are often incorrect and based on unreliable sources.
  2. Surveys from trusted government institutions show that a majority of people actually have enough savings to cover three months of expenses, contradicting the paycheck-to-paycheck myth.
  3. There are many other myths about exercise, education, immigration, and spending that are widely accepted but lack proper evidence, showing that misinformation can spread even in an information-rich society.

Trump's 2nd Trade War Begins

Apricitas Economics • 91 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economics International relations Political strategy
  1. Trump has announced new tariffs on imports from key trading partners, including a 25% tax on all goods from Canada and Mexico, and 10% from China. This could raise prices for everyday items in the U.S.
  2. These tariffs can hurt not only the U.S. economy by increasing costs and causing uncertainty but also negatively impact Canada and Mexico, whose economies rely heavily on trade with the U.S.
  3. The administration's approach seems rushed and chaotic, with no clear plans on how to implement these tariffs effectively, which might lead to further complications and delays.

Huawei Founder on US v China and Basic Research

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Research Innovation Policy Economics Development
  1. Basic research is crucial for long-term success. Without it, countries can't make significant advancements and keep up with other leading nations.
  2. There are many challenges in the tech industry, but rather than focusing on the negative, it's important to keep moving forward and adapt. China is making progress through collaboration among its numerous chip companies.
  3. Support for theoretical scientists and researchers is essential. Their work, though often misunderstood and slow to show results, is key to the future development and innovation of the country.

An Argument For Tariffs

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Trade Policy Defense Industry
  1. Tariffs can hurt consumers because they end up paying higher prices. Even if some believe they help local businesses, they can actually make those businesses less competitive.
  2. In some cases, tariffs might be necessary to protect industries that are important for national security, like drone technology. This can help the country stay strong in a competitive world.
  3. Big companies can create advantages that make it hard for others to compete. If countries like China dominate certain industries, tariffs may be needed to keep a fair playing field.

Americans hate inflation more than they hate unemployment

Noahpinion • 21882 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economics Public Opinion Policy Analysis Political strategy
  1. Inflation annoys people more than unemployment. When prices go up, it feels like everyone's money is worth less, making people unhappy.
  2. Many voters care about how the economy is doing, especially inflation. This has been shown in surveys where people mention inflation as a big concern.
  3. Democratic strategies may need to change. Focusing too much on full employment without worrying about inflation could lead to big political losses.

Trigger Warning: Your Gig Platform is About to Get Ghosted

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
💼 Business Economics Gig Economy Market Trends Startup
  1. Disintermediation is when users go around the platform to make deals directly, which can hurt the platform's business model. This often happens once users have established trust with workers.
  2. Platforms need to keep payments and information flowing through their systems to stay profitable and maintain trust. When users handle things off-platform, the platform loses its ability to manage quality and safety.
  3. Gig platforms like Protector must balance building trust and encouraging new connections to avoid losing customers. If users only hire familiar workers, they may skip using the app altogether.

Why Is Homeowners Insurance Getting So Expensive?

Construction Physics • 35493 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
💰 Finance Insurance Economics Real Estate Risk management Climate Impact Homeownership
  1. Homeowners insurance costs have risen a lot over the past years, with a 33% average increase between 2020 and 2023. This has made it tough for many to afford insurance, leading some to rely on state-backed options.
  2. While rising construction costs and home sizes explain part of the increase, climate change and more frequent severe weather events are likely major factors driving up insurance prices further.
  3. Interestingly, even though some types of damage have become less frequent, the cost to repair them has increased, particularly for wind, hail, and water damage, which contribute significantly to higher insurance losses.

How Will Financial Scams Affect Big Business in 2025?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1326 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💰 Finance Scams Economics Market Trends Financial Technology
  1. Financial scams are expected to impact big businesses in various ways by 2025. Companies will need to be more aware of these risks.
  2. There will be discussions on how different sectors, like private equity and tech, handle these scams. These sectors are likely to face unique challenges.
  3. A virtual summit is happening where experts will talk about these trends and share insights. It's a chance for everyone to learn and ask questions.

The Phantom Menace of the Trump Mobile T1 SmartPhone: Silicon Dreams & Supply Chain Realities

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 261 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Smartphones Manufacturing Supply Chain Economics Media
  1. The Trump Mobile T1 smartphone is less about real technology and more about selling a confidence game. It's surprising how many people are willing to overlook this.
  2. The idea of making a high-spec phone in America for a low price is a fantasy. Real manufacturing takes much more investment and planning than what's being promised.
  3. Many reports about the T1 phone show uncertainty and skepticism. Experts think it's more of a marketing gimmick than a feasible product.

This Is What Fairer Trade with China Looks Like

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1080 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade E-commerce Marketing Retail Economics
  1. There are differences in the tariffs that companies like Gap and H&M pay compared to platforms like Temu and Shein. This raises questions about fairness in trade practices.
  2. Brands like Shein and Temu are gaining a lot of attention through aggressive advertising on social media and other platforms.
  3. There is a culture emerging around 'haul' videos, where influencers showcase their purchases from these low-cost retailers, promoting consumerism.

‘Everything Is Gone’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3542 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📰 News Disaster Economics Personal Stories
  1. The recent fires in Los Angeles have caused massive destruction, burning more than 36,000 acres and destroying nearly 10,000 structures. That's a huge area, larger than the city of Miami.
  2. Over 100,000 people have been evacuated due to these fires, which have resulted in around 11 confirmed deaths so far. However, many are still unaccounted for, raising concerns for their safety.
  3. Even after losing everything, the people affected by the fires are holding on to hope. They share their stories and experiences, showing resilience despite the devastating circumstances.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 57

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
📰 News Politics Economics Culture Society
  1. There's a big change happening where fewer people prefer to have boys now, which is a positive shift.
  2. Some young people can live on just $432 a month in America if they're willing to move to a low-cost area like Massena, New York.
  3. Japan is dealing with a rice shortage, which prompted them to release a lot of rice from their emergency stockpiles to help manage the situation.

Is Stripe expensive, or is Adyen cheap?

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Finance Economics Investments Sales
  1. Startups are growing faster than ever, hitting $5 million in annual revenue quicker than before. This shows that today's startups have better opportunities and strategies to scale up.
  2. Self-driving technology is making great progress, with companies like Waymo doubling their paid rides in less than a year. This suggests that self-driving cars are becoming more reliable and popular.
  3. Comparing Stripe and Adyen reveals that Stripe is investing heavily in future growth while Adyen focuses on efficiency and profits. This difference shows how each company has its own strategy to succeed in the market.

The game theory of Trump's tariff threats

Silver Bulletin • 978 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Game Theory Economics Diplomacy Political strategy
  1. Trump's tariff threats focus on Canada and Mexico, two neighbors that depend heavily on the U.S. for trade. This puts the U.S. in a position of power, even if such threats can backfire.
  2. The economics suggest that while tariffs might hurt all involved, Canada and Mexico would suffer significantly more than the U.S. This creates a dangerous imbalance in trade negotiations.
  3. Trump's approach may work as a short-term tactic, but it risks future relations with Canada and Mexico, leading to resentment and potential retaliation if pressured too much.

The great AI forecasting divide

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Forecasting Economics Innovation Society
  1. There is a debate about whether AI will change society in a big way or just a small one. Some experts think it could be revolutionary, while others see it as an evolution of technology.
  2. Economists base their predictions about AI on how past technologies have changed society. They might not expect the rapid advances that could happen sooner than anticipated.
  3. The discussion about AI's impact raises questions about our future and how quickly we might see changes in our lives and jobs because of intelligent machines.

How Silicon Valley got rich

The Novelleist • 521 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Investing Corporate Governance Wealth Inequality
  1. The rise of Silicon Valley demonstrated how entrepreneurship and venture capital can change the economy. A group of engineers creating a new tech company set the stage for tech innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
  2. Employee equity programs allowed many workers to gain a stake in the companies they helped build, leading to wealth creation among employees. However, there is a growing inequality, where top executives earn much more than regular workers.
  3. For a fairer economy, we need to increase employee ownership in companies. This could help reduce wealth inequality and provide more opportunities for workers to benefit from their contributions.

On the OpenAI Economic Blueprint

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2732 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Economics Regulation Security
  1. OpenAI's Economic Blueprint emphasizes the need for collaboration between AI companies and the government to share resources and set standards. This can help ensure AI development benefits everyone.
  2. There are various proposals to make AI safer and more helpful, like creating better training for AI developers and working with law enforcement to prevent misuse of technology.
  3. The document also reveals a strong desire from OpenAI to avoid strict regulations on their practices, while seeking more government funding and support for their initiatives.

It's Still Easier To Imagine The End Of The World Than The End Of Capitalism

Astral Codex Ten • 23813 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Inequality Capitalism Technology Wealth
  1. After the Singularity, wealth inequality might stay the same because AI will handle all labor. Everyone will earn similar returns on their investments, leading to a static distribution of wealth.
  2. Future wealth distribution could get more complicated with the birth of many descendants from rich individuals. This means those born into wealth might always have the advantage, creating a new kind of inequality over generations.
  3. To prevent extreme inequality, we might need government intervention or new ideas like wealth taxes to ensure that wealth is shared more fairly in a post-Singularity society.

A Friendly Appeal to the Unconvinced

Bet On It • 171 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Government Policy Market Inequality
  1. Governments often fail to effectively address social problems due to mismanagement of economic principles. They usually implement policies that sound good but don’t actually help.
  2. A lot of current government actions may sound good, but they lead to negative outcomes. This shows that just fixing individual issues isn't enough; we need to rethink the overall role of government.
  3. If markets are better at creating positive outcomes than governments, then reducing government power could lead to better solutions for society.

Top Links 762 Historicizing fx reserves. Russia's economy running hot. The fall of a fascist explorer & the "Ruler of My Heart".

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
💰 Finance Economics Investing Global Markets Financial Analysis International relations
  1. FX reserves are important to understand as they reflect a country's financial health and global standing. Historicizing these reserves helps us see how they've changed over time.
  2. Russia's economy is experiencing significant growth, which has both local and global implications. It's a situation worth monitoring as it may affect global markets.
  3. The discussion around a 'fascist explorer' suggests an examination of controversial figures and their influence on society. It highlights the importance of understanding complex historical narratives.

The Transcript Editor's Commentary

The Transcript • 19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💰 Finance Economics Investment Monetary Policy Consumer spending Elections
  1. The economy seems stable and strong, with good consumer spending and low delinquency rates. People are feeling positive about their finances.
  2. Optimism in businesses is growing, especially with recent changes in interest rates. However, for more demand, companies want more rate cuts and easier lending conditions.
  3. The upcoming presidential election is important for the economy. The new president will influence economic policies that could affect the markets for years to come.

How Biden Screwed the Steelworkers

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2833 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Labor Economics National Security
  1. Biden blocked Nippon Steel's $14.9 million purchase of U.S. Steel, claiming it was for national security reasons. This decision upset many steelworkers who supported the deal.
  2. While Biden aimed to keep the steel industry American-owned, his action might actually harm the industry and cost jobs.
  3. The motivation behind blocking the sale seems to blend political strategy with a nostalgic view of unions, but it risks hurting union workers and the local economy.

‘I Don’t Think My Business Can Survive These Tariffs’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 635 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade Tariffs Small business Economics International Trade
  1. Many small businesses in Canada are struggling due to high tariffs imposed by the U.S., especially under Trump's trade policies. This means they might face serious financial challenges unless these tariffs are lifted.
  2. Darrin Smith, who runs a successful woodworking tools company, is worried that the 25% tariffs will threaten the survival of his business. He relies heavily on sales to the U.S.
  3. The tariffs were created to address issues like illegal immigration and drug smuggling, but the actual impact on businesses could be quite damaging, raising concerns about the broader economy.

After the Global Factory

European Straits • 7 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Manufacturing Supply Chain Outsourcing Strategy Economics
  1. Apple was able to succeed in manufacturing by controlling key parts of its value chain while outsourcing the rest. This allowed them to maintain high value without owning all the factories.
  2. Companies don’t need to own everything to be successful in manufacturing; they just need to control the important parts where they can influence the entire process.
  3. Manufacturing is complex and tricky. Successful companies find ways to balance costs with strategies that create value, ensuring they earn profits even when things get challenging.

Top Links 757 Flipping correlations. Mapping credit scores. Saudi twitter & the secrets of the RG.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
💰 Finance Markets Economics Investing Banking Debt
  1. Treasury yields and the value of the dollar are acting differently now, where higher yields are linked to a weaker dollar.
  2. There are interesting tools that help map and understand credit scores, which could be helpful for managing finances.
  3. Saudi Twitter is revealing some hidden information about the region, suggesting social media plays a role in public discourse.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #34

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Energy Market research Automation Economics
  1. A new tool in ChatGPT can help with deep research by quickly analyzing information and providing organized reports. This makes it easier for people in schools and businesses to get useful insights.
  2. France is benefiting from its strong nuclear energy production, which keeps electricity prices lower compared to Germany. This helps France avoid the high costs associated with gas and coal.
  3. The push for cleaner energy is gaining speed, as countries like France are moving away from expensive fossil fuels. This shift is important for both economic stability and environmental health.

Projects don't pencil.

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 231 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Real Estate Market Trends Finance Investment
  1. When projects don't pencil, it can relate to high costs or other factors, but it doesn't always explain the larger market trends clearly. Builders often focus too narrowly on costs without considering broader economic influences.
  2. There's a constant shift in the number of projects that pencil versus those that don't, depending on market conditions. Just because many projects aren't penciling doesn't mean that new projects won't be started; it can often indicate changing circumstances.
  3. Understanding why projects aren't penciling is complex. Costs, demand, and other factors all play a role, but it's important to avoid oversimplifying the reasons behind these changes.

Homebuilder Earnings

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 63 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💰 Finance Housing Investments Economics Market Trends Real Estate
  1. Homebuilder earnings give insights into the health of the housing market. They can show how well builders are doing right now.
  2. Tracking these earnings can help predict future trends in home prices and availability. It’s important for buyers and investors to know what's happening in the market.
  3. Understanding homebuilder performance can help people make better decisions about buying or selling homes. It helps everyone stay informed.

Disinflation is here: But it's not the kind we want!

COVID Reason • 376 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
💰 Finance Economics Inflation Federal Reserve Economic Policy
  1. Disinflation means prices are rising more slowly, but that doesn't always mean good news. If people aren't spending because they can't afford things, it can signal trouble in the economy.
  2. The Federal Reserve may lower interest rates in response to disinflation to try and encourage spending, but this might just be a way to show they are doing something without fixing the deeper issues.
  3. Sticky prices and disinflation can show that people are struggling financially. For a healthy economy, we need wages to rise so people can spend more, rather than just seeing temporary price drops.

Top Links 752 Phases of economic history/ascendant economic ideologies. China's renewables megabases & how banana bunches are organized.

Chartbook • 600 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💰 Finance Economic History Economics Renewables Data Visualization Global Trade
  1. There are 752 important phases in economic history that show how economies have changed over time.
  2. China is creating large renewable energy projects, which could have a big impact on its energy future.
  3. An interesting way to understand economics is to look at how bananas are organized, showing how we can learn from everyday things.

Will the China Cycle Come for Airbus and Boeing?

Construction Physics • 33196 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Economics International Trade
  1. China has been trying to develop its own commercial aircraft industry for decades but faces many challenges. From technology theft concerns to complex manufacturing processes, it hasn't succeeded like in other industries.
  2. The C919 jet is China's latest attempt to compete with Boeing and Airbus. While it's secured a good number of orders, issues with performance and certification limits its appeal in the global market.
  3. Airbus has been more successful in China due to establishing local assembly lines. This made them more competitive compared to Boeing, which hesitated to set up operations in China.

✨⏩ What DeepSeek means for faster AI-driven economic growth

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Technology Investments Productivity Global Trade
  1. DeepSeek's AI models show that effective technology doesn't always need expensive equipment, which could change how companies develop AI.
  2. Goldman Sachs believes AI could significantly boost productivity and global GDP, similar to tech booms seen in the past.
  3. The rise of cheaper AI models could lead to faster adoption of technology in businesses, which may help improve overall efficiency and economic growth.

The Oddest Man Out Among Our $Hundred-Billionaires: Elon Musk

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 492 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Market Trends Corporate strategy Investment
  1. Elon Musk's wealth, largely tied to Tesla, is facing challenges as the company’s profit growth may not continue. The recent surge in Tesla's sales was helped by market conditions and celebrity status, but that charm seems to be fading.
  2. Many billionaires, especially those in tech, have consistent income from their businesses. In contrast, Musk's financial future looks uncertain as competition in the electric vehicle market increases and his brand image shifts.
  3. The reasons people used to buy Teslas included its innovation and eco-friendliness. Now, with Musk's controversial actions, many of those who once supported the brand are distancing themselves, which could hurt Tesla's future sales.