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Chartbook by Adam Tooze delves into economic analyses, global historical events, and their interconnections. It examines challenges in China's economy, the Eurozone's crisis, geopolitical conflicts, and environmental issues, offering diverse interpretations on authoritarian economies, financial systems, and the dynamics within conflicts and policy decisions globally.

Economic Analysis Global History Geopolitical Conflicts Environmental Issues Financial Systems Policy Analysis

The hottest Substack posts of Chartbook

And their main takeaways

Top Links 587 The American tech R&D surge. The last minute trip to Angola. Missing the Merkel-Obama years & asphyxiatory violence.

529 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Research Innovation Corporate Economics Global
  1. The American tech industry has seen a big increase in research and development recently. This growth is helping to drive innovation and improve technology.
  2. There was a recent important visit to Angola, which may signify growing international ties or interests. Such trips can highlight shifts in foreign policy or economic focus.
  3. Many people are reflecting on the past leadership of Merkel and Obama. They are compared to current times, hinting at lessons learned or changes in political climate.

Top Links 588 The looming oil glut of 2025. The railroad on the wrong side of Trump's tariff plans. The Christmas tree disaster in N Carolina.

500 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💰 Finance Tariffs Economic Forecast Energy Policy Global Trade
  1. There might be a big oversupply of oil by 2025. This is because OPEC+ is having trouble managing production limits.
  2. Some railroads are struggling due to tariffs from Trump. This could impact their business in the long run.
  3. North Carolina is facing a disaster with its Christmas tree production. This situation could affect both local farmers and holiday traditions.

Chartbook 328 An economics Nobel for Biden's neocon moment. On AJR's "Whig" philosophy of history.

1473 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy International relations Political Economy Social justice Political History
  1. The recent Nobel Prize in economics was awarded to three economists who stressed the importance of societal institutions in achieving economic prosperity. Their work highlights how fairness and rights can drive economic growth.
  2. The Biden administration supports this view, aligning their economic strategies with the theories of these Nobel winners. They believe government policies can help bridge gaps like inequality and support innovation.
  3. The traditional ideas of free-market economics are becoming less popular, and the current trend leans towards more government intervention in the economy. This shift reflects a broader skepticism about past economic policies.

Top Links 589 How US arrivistes do it better. Exceptionalism weighed. Sino-Saudi ties. The global cotton boom and slavery in Egypt.

457 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics International Economics Social Issues History
  1. US exceptionalism can be seen in how new arrivals succeed differently compared to other countries. It shows a unique approach to opportunity and wealth.
  2. Understanding Sino-Saudi relationships is important for seeing how global politics are formed today. These connections affect trade and influence between nations.
  3. The global cotton industry has a dark history tied to slavery, especially in Egypt. This highlights ongoing issues of human rights in worldwide supply chains.

Top Links 603 How BATMMAAN stocks rule. Global coal keeps on rising & the US builds its first heavy ice breaker in half a century.

286 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
💰 Finance Stock Market Global Economy Investment Trends
  1. There are now 8 stocks in America that are worth over $1 trillion, often called the BATMMAAN stocks. These companies are very influential in the market.
  2. Global coal production is increasing, which shows that the demand for coal is still strong despite environmental concerns.
  3. The U.S. is building its first heavy icebreaker in 50 years. This is significant as it enhances the country's capabilities in Arctic waters.
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Chartbook 333 Asia in the age of polycrisis.

844 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Economy Regional conflicts Crisis Management
  1. Asia's fast-growing economies may appear to offer solutions to the West's challenges, but that's not the complete picture.
  2. The concept of 'polycrisis' is relevant to both Asia and the West, suggesting interconnected issues that affect both regions.
  3. Understanding these global challenges requires looking beyond regional success stories and recognizing the shared complexities.

Chartbook 329 Yelling at the TV - The non-debate about climate in the US Presidential debate and what it hides.

1244 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Climate Policy Public Opinion Energy Politics Campaign strategies
  1. The US presidential candidates aren't talking much about climate change, even as extreme weather events keep happening. This shows how climate issues are largely ignored in political debates.
  2. Both Trump and Harris seem to agree on the need for more energy production, but they approach energy policy very differently. This creates a situation where neither candidate is fully addressing climate change solutions.
  3. There’s a growing coalition in the US that supports new energy solutions, from renewable energy to nuclear power. This shows that despite political divides, many people want change in how energy is produced and consumed.

Top Links 596 What difference did the IRA make? Cholera deaths and Clark on Anderson on World War I.

329 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation History International relations Public Health Political Analysis
  1. The IRA's impact is being analyzed, looking at how significant it was. It's important to understand historical events and their effects on today's world.
  2. Cholera deaths are discussed to highlight public health issues and their historical context. This reminds us of the importance of sanitation and health systems.
  3. The mention of World War I and key figures shows the relevance of history in understanding current affairs. Learning about the past helps us navigate today’s complexities.

Chartbook 330: Africa & absolute poverty in an era of polycrisis.

1072 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Poverty Development Economics Global Issues Inequality
  1. Absolute poverty remains a huge issue, especially in Africa, where many people live on very little daily. Despite some progress in reducing poverty in the past, the fight has stalled recently due to several overlapping crises.
  2. Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges, with extreme poverty still on the rise, while other regions like Asia have seen a decline. Many poorer countries have not improved economically, which is concerning.
  3. Stability is crucial for reducing poverty. Countries free from conflict and instability tend to see better economic growth, while those suffering from political issues struggle to escape poverty.

Top Links 590 The mad dash for Biden's climate dollars. How India and China's income distribution compare. The panzootic & getting beyond Confucius.

371 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Policy Government spending International relations Economic Inequality Environmental Issues
  1. Companies are hurriedly completing the paperwork to get loans from the Department of Energy for climate initiatives. They want to secure funding before deadlines.
  2. There is a comparison between income distribution in India and China, indicating different economic conditions and social structures in these countries.
  3. The concept of a 'panzootic' is discussed, which refers to widespread disease among animal species, and explores ideas beyond traditional Confucian thought.

Top Links 598 The impact of HIV/AIDS. The legacy of Commons. Austerity amongst downfall & the year when left-conservative populism became a thing.

286 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Historical Events Social Issues Political theory Health Policies
  1. The long-lasting effects of HIV/AIDS have significantly impacted life expectancy in sub-Saharan Africa. This shows how health crises can change a whole region's future.
  2. Understanding the legacy of Commons helps explain how past governance affects current political landscapes. It’s important to look at history to grasp today's issues.
  3. The rise of left-conservative populism marks a shift in political movements. This change highlights how people's feelings about politics and economy are evolving.

Top Links 578 Airline profits. Global migration. Virtue capitalists & Norwich v. the Soviet Union.

500 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Finance Corporate Market Trends Globalization
  1. Airline profits have rebounded recently, indicating a recovery in the travel industry. This shows that more people are flying again after tough times.
  2. Global migration trends are changing, with more people moving for various reasons. This affects economies and cultures around the world.
  3. There is a discussion around 'virtue capitalists,' who focus on social values while making money, and their impact compared to historical examples like Norwich and the Soviet Union.

Top Links 582 The EU-US divergence. Climate adaptation. Consuming Baghdad. Class is not a thing its a happening.

414 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economy Employment Class Climate
  1. There's a noticeable difference between how the EU and US are handling policies and strategies. This divergence affects various areas like trade and climate issues.
  2. As climate change impacts increase, there's a growing need for effective adaptation strategies to deal with these changes. Communities worldwide are developing plans to better cope with climate impacts.
  3. The concept of class is evolving; it's seen more as a dynamic process influenced by current events rather than a fixed social status. This view can change our understanding of social structures.

Top Links 584 Elevating the BRICS. The math on Trump's deportation plans. Climate change and the world cup 2026 & the Nordics prepare for war.

386 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Global Issues Climate Policy Geopolitics
  1. The BRICS nations are becoming more important in global politics. Their influence is growing as they work together more.
  2. There are discussions about the implications of Trump's deportation plans. Many are analyzing what these plans might mean for society and politics.
  3. Climate change is a big concern, especially with events like the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Countries are preparing for its impact and strategizing for future challenges.

Top Links 593 How tariffs on imports from Mexico would hurt the US. Chinese v. Indian education. The rare whiskey bubble bursts & the danger of melting permafrost.

300 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy International relations Economics Education Environment
  1. Tariffs on imports from Mexico could lead to negative effects for the US economy, as they might raise prices and reduce access to goods.
  2. There is an ongoing comparison between the education systems of China and India, highlighting their differences and impacts on global development.
  3. The rare whiskey market is experiencing a decline, which shows the risks of investment in specialized products, along with concerns about climate change affecting permafrost.

Top Links 594 American consumers flipflop. Questioning the savings glut & the strain of too much scientific publishing.

286 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economy Consumer behavior Savings Publishing Scientific research
  1. American consumers are uncertain about their spending and saving habits right now. It shows there's a lot of confusion about the economy.
  2. There's a discussion about whether there's too much focus on saving money in the economy. Some believe this could be a problem.
  3. The volume of scientific publishing is increasing, and this might be causing stress for researchers. It's important to find a balance in how much gets published.

Top Links 575 Global chip chain. Sino-Saudi contacts. The Neolithic economic revolution. Data driven.

486 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Global Trade Economic Systems Data Analysis
  1. The global chip supply chain is crucial for technology and industry. It's important for countries to manage and protect these resources.
  2. Sino-Saudi relations are growing, showing a shift in geopolitical alliances. Countries are forming partnerships based on mutual interests.
  3. The Neolithic economic revolution marked a significant change in human society. It reminds us how major shifts can change how we live and work.

Top Links 576 Social exclusion in the US mortgage market. Elon's regulatory issues. Will Trump trigger chaos in the Balkans? Historical Vistas on Sri Lanka’s 2022 People’s Uprising

472 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Social Issues Regulations Historical Events
  1. Many Americans can't buy homes because of low credit scores. The bottom third of people really struggle to get mortgages.
  2. There are concerns about how recent actions by Elon Musk might affect regulations in his businesses. People are watching closely for any changes.
  3. The political situation with Trump could cause serious problems in the Balkans. It's a situation that needs attention due to its potential impact.

Top Links 567 How Trump's moves against EV subsidies play into Tesla's hands. Why R&D spending does not raise productivity & Kazakhstan’s Golden Man.

572 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Environment Innovation Business
  1. Trump's actions against electric vehicle (EV) subsidies might actually benefit Tesla. This could give Tesla an advantage in the market while affecting other EV makers.
  2. Research and Development (R&D) spending does not always lead to higher productivity. It's important to consider how the investment is managed and applied.
  3. Recent changes in tax credits for EVs are causing a drop in stock prices for renewable energy companies in the US. This suggests that policy changes can significantly impact the market.

Top Links 573 US bank failures. Gas-powered trucks. The Suriname debt crisis & the underground struggle in Colombia.

500 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💰 Finance Banking Debt Economics Investments Policy
  1. There have been 573 bank failures in the US, which is a significant number. This may affect the economy and people's trust in banking.
  2. Gas-powered trucks are still widely used, indicating ongoing reliance on fossil fuels. This might have implications for environmental discussions and policies.
  3. The Suriname debt crisis and struggles in Colombia show that economic challenges are not only local but also global. These situations need attention and understanding from a broader perspective.

Top Links 583 Europe's disinflation is real. Elon Musk's state-like powers. Standing with crypto & Nigerian Japa.

371 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics Investments Crypto Market Trends Regulations
  1. Europe is experiencing real disinflation, meaning prices are rising more slowly than before. This could impact the economy positively as inflation decreases.
  2. Elon Musk is being discussed for having almost state-like powers due to his influence and control in various sectors. This raises questions about the power of individual leaders in today’s world.
  3. There is a growing support for cryptocurrencies, particularly in Nigeria, where many people are looking for better opportunities, often referred to as 'Japa.' This highlights a trend of using crypto for economic mobility.

Top Links 586 Choices for the dollar. France's bond market humiliation. Federal payrolls and attacks on the Kosovo water works.

343 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Trends Global Finance Public Policy
  1. The U.S. dollar has many different choices and options available, making it a complex topic.
  2. France recently faced difficulties in its bond market, which has caused concern.
  3. There have been notable occurrences involving federal payrolls and issues related to water services in Kosovo.

Top Links 574 Gold stumbles. How Trump cost Boeing $3 billion. The UK's bitcoin haul. Beak capitalism.

486 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
💰 Finance Economics Investments Market Trends Cryptocurrency Corporate News
  1. Gold prices are struggling and have not been performing well recently. This trend is something to watch in financial markets.
  2. Former President Trump had a significant impact on Boeing, costing the company around $3 billion. This shows how political decisions can affect big businesses.
  3. The UK has seen a notable increase in Bitcoin income, which highlights the growing interest in cryptocurrencies in the region.

Top Links 581 Bessent's plans. US trade with Canada and Mexico. Wynn wins in UAE and meta Malta.

386 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy International relations
  1. Bessent is planning to push for a 3% budget deficit for the US economy. This goal is seen as realistic and is aimed at strengthening economic stability.
  2. Trade relations between the US, Canada, and Mexico are highlighted. Understanding these trade dynamics can help grasp how they affect the US economy.
  3. Wynn's success in the UAE and the developments in Malta show the global reach of businesses. These victories can influence future investments and strategies.

Chartbook 331: 46 in medias res - A mosaic of the Biden administration.

743 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Biden administration Political Economy Foreign Policy Domestic Policy Election Analysis
  1. The Biden administration's time in office is seen as limited, with many questioning its place in history and legacy. It seems to be moving towards a significant change after one term.
  2. The administration faced various challenges, including obstacles to its policies, which highlighted the need for balance in its approach to both domestic and foreign issues.
  3. As tensions with China increase and significant decisions around issues like climate and economic policy continue, the Biden presidency is grappling with its role in a changing global landscape.

Top Links 577 Smuggling oil. Bolivia's mounting crisis. Digging deeper for copper & art prices in the long run.

429 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Energy Policy Geopolitics
  1. There is an ongoing issue of oil smuggling, especially involving imports to China from Iran and Venezuela, where they are labeled as coming from Malaysia.
  2. Bolivia is experiencing a significant crisis that is impacting its stability and economy.
  3. There's a trend of exploring deeper insights into the long-term pricing of copper and art, indicating a shift in how these markets might evolve.

Top Links 592 The upside of inflation. Warhammer and the British economy & the Cesarean boom.

271 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics Inflation Business Market Trends Debt
  1. Inflation can have positive effects on the economy. It's important to understand how it can sometimes benefit different sectors.
  2. The Warhammer gaming franchise is linked to the British economy in interesting ways. It shows how cultural phenomena can impact financial trends.
  3. There has been a rise in the rate of Cesarean births, often referred to as a boom. This trend raises questions about healthcare practices and preferences.

Top Links 591 Place-based Bidenomics did not help Harris. The ghost particle gap & the terrors of nuclear tripolarity.

271 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Federal Spending Democrats
  1. Place-based federal spending didn't support Harris in the elections. Many hoped that local investments would change voter opinions, but that didn't happen.
  2. There's a focus on nuclear tripolarity and its risks. This situation highlights increasing global tensions, especially with nuclear powers.
  3. The importance of understanding scientific concepts, like the ghost particle gap, is emphasized. It shows how complex scientific ideas affect broader discussions.

Top Links 579 How bad is Russia's inflation? The history of the slurpee & junk playgrounds.

386 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economics History News International relations
  1. Russia is facing serious inflation issues, and it is important to understand how badly it is affecting the economy.
  2. There is a fascinating history behind the slurpee and junk playgrounds that explores their cultural significance.
  3. Banks and private credit firms are forming new partnerships, which could change the financial landscape.

Top Links 568 Stock markets in the 2nd Trump Presidency. How emering markets emerged. Indian food inflation & the global wine glut.

486 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💰 Finance Stock Market Investments Inflation Economics Global Trade
  1. Stock markets might struggle to reach new highs during Trump's second term compared to his first term.
  2. Emerging markets have become more prominent in the global economy, showing their growth potential.
  3. Food inflation in India and oversupply in the wine market are significant trends affecting consumers today.

Top Links 572 Tariffs & toys. The Trump non-linearity. A Miami real estate mystery. Keeping the Panama Canal open.

443 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Economics Real Estate Trade Policy
  1. Tariffs can impact holiday shopping by raising prices on various goods. This might make things like toys more expensive for consumers.
  2. There are unique stories, like the mystery surrounding Miami's real estate market, that highlight interesting trends in the economy.
  3. Global issues, such as keeping the Panama Canal open, show how interconnected our world is and why these logistics matter for trade.

Top Links 595 Will there be a Trump bounce? OPEC has prices wrong & Why the US needs Diego Garcia

228 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economics Government Public Opinion International relations
  1. The idea of a 'Trump bounce' suggests people's feelings might improve following certain news, but it doesn't always lead to more loans being requested. It's important to connect feelings to real actions like spending and borrowing.
  2. OPEC's predictions about oil prices may not be accurate, which could impact global economies more than we realize. It's crucial to pay attention to how oil price changes affect us all.
  3. The U.S. has strategic needs for places like Diego Garcia. Having military bases in such locations is important for national security and global influence.

Will there be a Trump bounce? OPEC has prices wrong & Why the US needs Diego Garcia

228 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Public Opinion Economics Geopolitics
  1. The idea of a 'Trump bounce' in the economy might not lead to an increase in loan demand like it did before. It's important to pay attention to financial trends and how sentiment affects the market.
  2. OPEC's pricing strategies could be misaligned with the current market conditions, which may impact global oil prices and economies that rely on them.
  3. The US strategic interest in Diego Garcia highlights the importance of military and geopolitical positioning in global affairs, especially regarding security and trade.

Top Links 562 Global shipping and Trump trade. UK stagnation. H5N1 in North America and Nehru's legacy.

515 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Global Economics Political Legacy Public Health International relations
  1. Global shipping is seeing a big surge, but this comes with challenges like trade wars. It's important to watch how these two trends affect the economy.
  2. The UK is facing stagnation, which means there isn't much growth happening. This could affect jobs and opportunities for people in the country.
  3. H5N1, an avian flu, is now in North America. It's crucial to stay informed on this as it can impact health and the poultry industry.

Top Links 585 Mexico's laborious economy. VW exits Xinjiang. Bibles are booming. Joan Robinson on time & history.

271 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Labor Trade Globalization Industry
  1. Mexico works a lot, making it the second biggest economy in the OECD by total hours worked, surpassing countries like Germany.
  2. Volkswagen has decided to leave Xinjiang, reflecting changing business strategies in sensitive regions.
  3. There is a rising interest in Bibles, indicating a shift or demand in religious materials.

Top Links 580 How Bejing took over in Hong Kong. The dark tanker fleet off Malaysia. Potato collusion & freeing hermit crabs from plastic.

314 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Political Economy Regional conflicts Governance
  1. Beijing's influence in Hong Kong has grown significantly, leading to a shift in control over its financial hub. This change impacts how the West interacts with Hong Kong's economy.
  2. There are dark tanker fleets off Malaysia, which implies issues related to shipping and potentially illegal activities. It raises questions about maritime security and trade.
  3. Interesting stories include 'potato collusion' and efforts to free hermit crabs from plastic, highlighting different aspects of culture and environmental issues. These topics show how diverse and quirky news can be.

Top Links 564 Who, actually, works for the government? Trump and world trade. Leaving Illinois and the agony of Haiti.

457 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Workforce Military Trade Security
  1. Only a small portion, about 2%, of the US workforce is employed by the federal government. It's interesting to see how few people actually work directly for the government.
  2. If half of the federal workers were fired, a big chunk of those remaining would be in military or security-related jobs. This shows how much of the federal workforce is tied to defense.
  3. The discussion about government jobs and employment raises important questions about efficiency and how the system is structured. It's worth thinking about what that means for America.

Top Links 570 The horse race for the Treasury job. Trade finance in Asia. Luxury squeezed. Lenin & the IMF.

400 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Finance International relations
  1. There is a competitive process happening for a key Treasury position, indicating its importance in governance.
  2. Trade finance in Asia is evolving, which may have significant impacts on the global economy.
  3. Luxury goods are facing challenges, suggesting a shift in consumer behavior or economic conditions.

Top Links 566 Power prices. How will migrants and smugglers respond to the Trump shock? Prisons of power and Keynes on fairy dust.

429 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Energy Labor Trade Policy
  1. Cheap electricity is making US companies more competitive compared to businesses from other countries.
  2. There are interesting questions about how migrants and smugglers will react to recent changes in politics.
  3. Keynes' ideas are still being discussed today, especially regarding economic concepts like 'fairy dust.'

Top Links 571 Trump's fiscal shock. The Latino working-class. The Mozambique tuna fishing fleet is for sale.

386 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Fiscal policy Labor Issues International relations Economic Trends
  1. Trump's fiscal policies could have a significant impact, leading to major financial changes. It's important to think about what these changes could mean for the economy.
  2. The Latino working class plays a key role in shaping economic trends and discussions today. Understanding their perspectives can help in finding better policies.
  3. There are interesting developments in unexpected areas like the Mozambique tuna fishing fleet. This shows that global events can affect local economies in surprising ways.