The hottest Finance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Weekend thoughts: investing advice (not financial advice!) for non-investors

Yet Another Value Blog • 1513 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Index funds Accounting Value investing
  1. Investing in low-cost index funds can be a smart choice for non-investors.
  2. Trying to outperform the market with individual stock trading is challenging and can be risky.
  3. It's important to learn the basics, understand finding an edge, and align investments with expertise when pursuing investing as a hobby.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

Jon’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
💰 Finance Stock Market Investing Economic Trends Interest Rates
  1. The stock market is experiencing a decline due to concerns about weaker growth in China and delays in new technologies from major companies like Nvidia. Investors are getting nervous, leading to a selloff.
  2. Reports of disappointing job numbers in the U.S. have made investors worried about the economy, especially with the Federal Reserve possibly cutting interest rates into a recession rather than a soft landing.
  3. Despite the current market downturn, historical data suggests that bull markets can last longer than many think. This bull market has lasted about 22 months so far, which is still shorter than average.

Credit Scores Explained

Concepts of Finance 🧠 • 419 implied HN points • 30 May 24
💰 Finance Credit Scores Debt Management Financial tools
  1. Your credit score is a quick way for companies to see how likely you are to pay back a loan. Better scores mean you’re seen as a lower risk.
  2. Paying off loans can sometimes lower your credit score because it can reduce your credit mix. But over time, responsible spending will help your score go back up.
  3. There are many myths about credit scores, like thinking you only have one or that you must carry a balance to improve your score. In reality, it's better to pay off debt completely.

3 Quick Notes Of Perspective On The Market This Week

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 14 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Trading Strategies Investment Advice Stock Analysis
  1. The market is behaving unevenly, with different sectors experiencing ups and downs instead of a unified trend. This makes it hard to find clear trading opportunities.
  2. Some big tech stocks, like Microsoft and Tesla, are not performing well right now while others like Apple are doing better. This inconsistency can confuse traders.
  3. It's important to remember that trading carries risks and to get advice from a financial advisor before making any decisions. The opinions shared do not count as professional trading advice.
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Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

Jon’s Newsletter • 99 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Market Trends Economic Analysis Bonds
  1. Market corrections are normal and can be healthy for long-term growth. It's important to own a mix of investments and stay calm during downturns.
  2. After a drop in the stock market, like with the S&P 500, there's often a bounce back, with strong average returns in the months that follow.
  3. Media companies are struggling with changes in viewer habits, which may lead to consolidations in the industry. This means fewer players but potentially stronger companies in the long run.

January 2024 Homebuilder Update

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💰 Finance Real Estate Market Trends Investment Economic Policy
  1. The housing market is influenced by various factors like interest rates and supply shortages. These changes can affect home prices and availability for buyers.
  2. Homebuilder activity can indicate overall market health. A rise in new builds might suggest confidence in the economy.
  3. Monitoring trends in housing can help investors and buyers make better decisions. Staying informed about the market can lead to smarter choices.

Concerns Brewing?

Spilled Coffee • 72 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💰 Finance Housing Mortgage Stock Market Labor Market Inflation
  1. Currently, housing is facing serious issues with high mortgage rates, making it a tough market for buyers. The demand for mortgages has dropped to its lowest level in over a decade.
  2. Home construction is slowing down, with builder inventories at a high level not seen since the 2008 housing bubble. This can have a big impact on the job market in construction.
  3. Worries are also rising in the stock market and labor market, indicating that many important sectors are feeling pressure right now.

Economics Links, 2/2/2025

In My Tribe • 410 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Trends Sustainability Energy
  1. The rising 10-year Treasury yield means higher costs for government debt and could hurt stock prices as investors change their expectations.
  2. Traders need to be careful with market momentum, as it can shift unexpectedly, leading to losses when everyone stops buying at high prices.
  3. Renewable energy projects face high costs to connect to the grid, and large battery systems have limitations, raising questions about their reliability.

Trump tariffs won’t easily derail euro zone recovery

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 17 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Economics Trade Policy Tariffs
  1. The euro zone is recovering and won’t be heavily impacted by US tariffs. Economists expect slow growth but not a major setback.
  2. There’s confusion about VAT as it’s treated like a sales tax that doesn't favor EU goods over US products.
  3. Even with these tariffs, US can claim a win without causing high inflation in their economy.

Avoid Investors Who...

Investment Talk • 1356 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investing
  1. Re-reading quality literature can be more valuable than reading new ones.
  2. Specialists may be more prone to cognitive dissonance compared to generalists.
  3. Management proficiency in capital allocation is crucial in investing.

Top Links 545 “Restructuring” Bangladeshi banks. Hurricane Helen’s impact on unemployment. High-speed trading & a fracking good time.

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💰 Finance Banking Economics Unemployment Trading Investment
  1. Bangladeshi banks are going through a big restructuring. This could change the way they operate and help improve their services.
  2. Hurricane Helene had a significant effect on unemployment rates. Many people lost their jobs because of the hurricane's impact.
  3. High-speed trading continues to play a lively role in the financial markets. It’s a fast-paced area that creates both opportunities and challenges.

❄️ 💳 Prime et Netflix gratuits ? Tinder Gold et 3 pass WeWork offerts ?

Snowball • 1395 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💰 Finance Credit Cards Investing Fintech Rewards Banking
  1. Some credit cards offer unique benefits like free Amazon Prime or cashback in the form of investments.
  2. Revolut cards come with various advantages based on the subscription level, like free currency exchange or cashback on accommodations.
  3. American Express cards provide a range of benefits, from purchase guarantees to access to exclusive events. The higher-tier cards offer even more luxurious perks like worldwide lounge access.

Lights on the runway for the soft landing

Stay-At-Home Macro (SAHM) • 1356 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economy Inflation Labor Market Consumer spending Interest Rates
  1. The labor market is strong, American consumers are spending well, and most families are financially better off.
  2. Inflation is heading towards 2%, with businesses adjusting prices and the Fed needing to act accordingly.
  3. Forecasts suggest a recession may be avoided, softening the pessimistic rhetoric and improving consumer sentiment.

The "worst possible outcome" for the Fed is an unnecessary recession, not reversing a cut

Stay-At-Home Macro (SAHM) • 1238 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Inflation Interest Rates Unemployment Economy
  1. The Fed's main concern is avoiding an unnecessary recession, not reversing a rate cut.
  2. Inflation has decreased, but the Fed is hesitant to cut rates due to fears of inflation resurgence.
  3. The Fed should balance its mandate of stable prices and maximum employment to avoid causing an unnecessary recession.

Dealing with a big loser (business brew appearance / companion post)

Yet Another Value Blog • 1159 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💰 Finance Investing Portfolio Management Risk management
  1. Investing is a psychological game - need confidence to swing hard at good ideas.
  2. Having a big loser can shake confidence but it's important to avoid going "on tilt" and getting overly aggressive.
  3. To deal with big losses, reflect on decisions made, re-evaluate portfolio positions with a clear mind, and seek insights from others.

Synapse Investor Marc Andreessen Says CFPB "Terrorizes" Fintech, Crypto To Protect Big Banks

Fintech Business Weekly • 156 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💰 Finance Fintech Regulation Investments Banking Consumer Protection
  1. Marc Andreessen claims that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is making it hard for fintech and crypto companies to succeed because it wants to protect big banks. He believes the CFPB causes banks to refuse services to risky customers.
  2. Andreessen argues that independent government agencies like the CFPB aren't accountable to the public and can act without checks. He feels this restricts innovation in financial services.
  3. Despite claims of 'debanking,' major companies are still engaging in crypto activities. The claims about being pushed out due to regulatory pressures may not reflect the whole truth about the market's adaptability.

Jay Powell kicked over a log, now everything's crawling out

Bad News • 2240 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
💰 Finance
  1. Global central banks are loosening access to dollars to maintain banking confidence.
  2. There are concerns about fraud and Ponzi schemes among banks, particularly in tech lending.
  3. A shakeup in the banking industry presents an opportunity to address financial instability and inequality.

The DRS Mystery

The Dollar Endgame • 718 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
💰 Finance Securities Market Manipulation Investors Stock Market
  1. There is a movement to directly register the entire float of a company through the Direct Registration System (DRS), which allows investors to hold their securities in book entry form directly with the issuer.
  2. The growth in DRS registrations started to stall, leading to investigations about why the consistent buy volume and DRS transfer images were not reflecting in reports. Theories emerged about how shares are manipulated and moved between book and plan shares.
  3. Complexities in the market and opaque practices by institutions make it challenging for retail investors to understand the full picture. The DRS numbers may not reflect the complete truth due to potential manipulation and changing market dynamics.

Economics Links, 1/25/2025

In My Tribe • 410 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Trends Data Analysis Political Economy
  1. Many experts believe that relying on government decisions can be inefficient because it often favors those with political power instead of addressing real needs.
  2. Inequality is a natural part of society, and efforts to eliminate it through government action can lead to problems, including promoting wokeness.
  3. Economic data can often be misleading due to measurement errors, making it hard to trust figures that inform important decisions like GDP or monetary policies.

Investing Update: 3 Stocks For 2025

Spilled Coffee • 72 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Stock Analysis Consumer behavior
  1. The job market is doing well, with a low unemployment rate and strong job growth. This is helping boost the economy.
  2. Interest rates are rising, particularly for 10-year Treasuries, which can affect the stock market negatively. The S&P 500 has seen a drop recently due to these rate increases.
  3. Most stocks aren't doing too well right now, with only a small percentage in an uptrend. Small caps are struggling and have dropped over 10% recently.

Weekend thoughts: Buffett's Wells Fargo Opportunity Cost $WFC

Yet Another Value Blog • 1159 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Opportunity Cost Valuation Portfolio strategy
  1. The concept of an opportunity cost stock is important in investing for making trade offs and decisions.
  2. Buffett's choice of Wells Fargo as his opportunity cost stock highlights the importance of timeless industries and consistent returns.
  3. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial in managing opportunity cost stocks as circumstances and information change.

Issue #141: X Partners with Visa, Wise’s LatAm Push, And Australia Tightens BNPL Rules

Fintech Radar • 6 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💰 Finance Fintech Payments Investing Regulation Digital Currency
  1. X has teamed up with Visa to introduce a digital payment feature in their app. This move aims to make X a more comprehensive service, but it raises concerns about user trust and market competition.
  2. Wise has expanded its services to Mexico, focusing on providing low-cost international payment options. This expansion comes as the demand for remittances in Mexico grows, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
  3. Australia is tightening regulations for Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services by requiring providers to apply for credit licenses. This change could favor established companies while making it harder for new entrants to join the market.

The Money Market Blindspot: Part II

Concoda • 313 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💰 Finance Liquidity management Debt Management Federal Reserve Economic Policy
  1. A debt ceiling issue is causing uncertainty in money markets, which could lead to financial instability. This situation means the government is trying to work around limits, but it won't last long.
  2. With the government's checking account set to change drastically soon, we might see a mix of cash coming in from taxes and cash going out from spending. This could make the borrowing costs change a lot.
  3. As the Fed keeps trying to manage its balance, any unexpected spikes in interest rates could disrupt their plans. This means traders should be ready for some unexpected events in the money market.

Lawler: Early Read on Existing Home Sales in December

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 47 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💰 Finance Real Estate Market Trends Home Sales Economic data Forecasting
  1. Existing home sales stayed steady at an annual rate of 4.15 million in December, the same as November. This shows slight improvement compared to the previous year.
  2. The average price of existing single-family homes increased by about 5.6% compared to last year. This indicates that home values are generally rising.
  3. The upcoming report from the National Association of Realtors is expected to show even higher sales this month. If confirmed, it would be a third month of increasing year-over-year sales.

News of the Week (January 8 - 12)

Stock Market Nerd • 1257 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
💰 Finance Earnings Partnerships Regulation
  1. Bank of America and J.P. Morgan's big bank earnings showed a resilient consumer despite some slowing signs.
  2. Disney's new partnership with the NFL for ESPN content distribution is a smart move for exclusive access and success of the streaming service.
  3. SoFi's recent layoffs were part of a strategic move to focus on key priorities for continued profitability and growth.

21 Century Housing Summary, Missouri Edition

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 168 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💰 Finance Housing Market Economic Trends Market Analysis Policy Impact
  1. Housing prices in Missouri increased from the late 1990s to mid-2000s, but not necessarily because of a bubble. Instead, they align more with normal price patterns over a long period.
  2. There was a lending boom that raised home prices, mostly due to easier access to credit. However, this did not lead to a big increase in homeownership in Missouri.
  3. After the market crash post-2008, home construction dropped significantly, causing a supply shortage which has kept rents and housing prices high, particularly in lower-tier markets.

Reading the Tea Leaves

The Last Bear Standing • 49 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Economic Growth Investment Strategies Sentiment Analysis Financial history
  1. Market sentiment is influenced by human emotions and can swing widely, affecting prices up and down. This means that even if things look strong, feelings can drive prices lower.
  2. Historically, the market goes through cycles of growth and decline, shaped by economic changes and human behavior. We can learn from the past to understand current trends.
  3. While recent years saw some major challenges, like inflation and market drops, the economy proved resilient. New investments helped start a fresh period of growth and optimism.

Economics Links, 1/4/2024

In My Tribe • 501 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Economic Theory Regulation Crypto Investing
  1. Paul Krugman talks about how gambling on asset prices is like a natural Ponzi scheme. People get caught up with optimism, which can lead to bigger financial risks.
  2. There are new types of market leaders, like Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy, who influence markets and create a kind of cult-like following among investors.
  3. In Argentina, Javier Milei is changing things by cutting government departments and privatizing state companies. His aim is to weaken the power of his political rivals.

FTC Alleges Dave Deceived Users On Tips, Instant Fees, Advance Amounts

Fintech Business Weekly • 193 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💰 Finance Financial Regulations Banking Fintech
  1. The FTC has accused the fintech app Dave of misleading users about cash advances, fees, and subscription charges. They claimed many people were promised higher amounts than they could actually get and were not clearly informed about fees.
  2. The number of unbanked households in the U.S. has dropped to 4.2%, but there are still major differences across racial and ethnic groups. Black and Hispanic households remain much more likely to be unbanked than White households.
  3. During the Synapse bankruptcy, issues arose about how funds were managed and returned to users. A lot of users may face significant losses, and there’s a push for more transparency and accountability from banks involved.