The hottest Economic Analysis Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
CalculatedRisk Newsletter 43 implied HN points 11 Feb 25
  1. The report looks at various local housing markets across the US for January. It compares this year's data with data from January 2019.
  2. The analysis includes information about active listings, new listings, and closed sales in these markets.
  3. The newsletter encourages readers to subscribe for more detailed insights and data on the housing markets.
CalculatedRisk Newsletter 19 implied HN points 10 Jun 25
  1. The housing market shows an increase in home inventory, but sales are not growing much compared to last year. This can put pressure on home prices.
  2. House prices have recently increased year-over-year, but there is a decrease month-over-month for the first time since early 2023.
  3. There are different trends in housing across regions, which means some areas may experience changes in market conditions differently than others.
Spilled Coffee 36 implied HN points 27 Jan 25
  1. A move was made in the portfolio that is worth sharing. It's an important update that could impact future decisions.
  2. The information shared in this post is exclusive to paid subscribers, so it's intended for those who support the content.
  3. Engaging with updates like this can help subscribers stay informed about new developments in the portfolio.
QTR’s Fringe Finance 31 implied HN points 14 Feb 25
  1. Silver is getting more attention from small investors because it's cheaper and offers good growth potential. Many see it as a practical investment to build wealth gradually.
  2. Recent market events, like the Silver Squeeze of 2021, have highlighted the influence of retail investors and could lead to a stronger focus on silver in future market shifts.
  3. The current high gold-to-silver ratio suggests that silver might be undervalued and ready for a price surge, especially as gold continues to rise. This could be a good time to invest in silver.
America in Crisis 39 implied HN points 04 Apr 23
  1. America's history follows cyclical patterns of expansion, stagnation, crisis, and resolution, influenced by population growth, economic inequality, and elite competition.
  2. Secular cycles have been identified in American history from 1780 to 1930 and a current ongoing cycle since 1930, driven by demographic mechanisms and economic inequality.
  3. The resolution of past cycles involved significant events like the Civil War and the Great Depression, with policy responses playing a crucial role in resolving economic and political crises.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Erdmann Housing Tracker 126 implied HN points 25 Aug 23
  1. Powell's approach to monetary policy is based on conventional models, which may not fully address current economic issues.
  2. There is a concern that inflation is settling above the 2% target due to trends in goods and services.
  3. Housing supply issues contribute to 'inflation' and can be misleading when analyzing monetary policy impacts.
QTR’s Fringe Finance 12 implied HN points 03 Jul 25
  1. Trump wants lower interest rates, but if the Fed lowers them while inflation is still high, it could lead to bigger problems like stagflation. This may feel good short-term but is risky long-term.
  2. Political pressure on the Fed can hurt its independence and credibility. If the public thinks the Fed is making decisions based on politics, it could lead to higher inflation expectations.
  3. Comparing US interest rates with other countries without considering their unique situations is misleading. Monetary policy should be based on domestic economic conditions, not just foreign examples.
Spilled Coffee 32 implied HN points 18 Dec 24
  1. Investing can be unpredictable, much like a roller coaster ride. You have to be prepared for ups and downs in the market.
  2. Recent years have felt calm for investors, similar to a lazy river ride, but things can change unexpectedly in the future.
  3. No one really knows what will happen in the market next, so it's important to stay cautious and ready for surprises.
QTR’s Fringe Finance 32 implied HN points 08 Dec 24
  1. The stock market currently seems to be very overvalued, which is raising concerns about its stability. Investors might want to be cautious as prices continue to rise unexpectedly.
  2. As we approach 2025, it's important for investors to reflect on their strategies and consider potential future risks. Making informed decisions now could be crucial.
  3. The ongoing growth in the market may lead to a situation where investors aren't truly aware of the risks involved. It's a good time to question whether the current trends are sustainable.
Alex's Personal Blog 32 implied HN points 24 Oct 24
  1. Tesla's recent earnings report led to a big jump in their stock price, showing strong investor confidence.
  2. The company added over $100 billion to its market value, which shows just how much investors believe in Tesla's growth.
  3. Understanding why Tesla is thriving right now can help people see what makes companies successful in the EV market.
CalculatedRisk Newsletter 19 implied HN points 27 Feb 25
  1. House prices are currently about 1% lower than their peak in 2022 when adjusted for inflation. This means prices are still quite high compared to the past.
  2. The price-to-rent ratio is around 7.7% lower than the 2022 peak. This could mean it's more expensive to buy a house than to rent in some areas.
  3. Real house prices have generally been increasing over time, but it's been a while since they have hit new highs. Experts think prices may stay flat or slightly decline in the near future.
Erdmann Housing Tracker 63 implied HN points 14 Feb 24
  1. Reaction to monthly CPI updates often fails to consider the lag affecting the shelter component, leading to surprises in news interpretation.
  2. Market expectations of a Fed rate cut were influenced by the latest report, shifting them further in the future.
  3. Monetary measures like currency in circulation and M2 trended down post-Covid scare, while the Fed's balance sheet shrinks without obvious disruption.
QTR’s Fringe Finance 18 implied HN points 28 Feb 25
  1. The stock market has recently seen a drop, and many analysts still insist it's always a good time to buy, regardless of prices. This seems unrealistic, especially when many factors suggest selling might be a better option.
  2. Big companies like Apple and Amazon significantly influence the stock market, while retail investors are often trading options instead of actual stocks. This creates a speculative environment where many aren't looking for real value.
  3. Despite market challenges, there are still opportunities to find valuable investments that aren't being highlighted in mainstream financial media. It's important to look for these hidden gems amid all the noise.
ASeq Newsletter 7 implied HN points 31 Jul 25
  1. Illumina's revenue is down by 3% in Q2, which follows a similar trend from Q1. This shows they are struggling to sell their instruments.
  2. Despite the drop in instrument sales, they have seen a slight increase in revenue from consumables, meaning customers are still buying other products.
  3. The decline in instrument sales might be due to uncertainty in the market, causing customers to hold off on new purchases.
QTR’s Fringe Finance 20 implied HN points 30 Dec 24
  1. The author is identifying stocks to watch for 2025 based on market trends. This can help investors focus on specific opportunities in the stock market.
  2. In the past year, the stocks chosen performed well but not as well as the overall market, particularly the biggest tech companies.
  3. This post offers insights for paid subscribers, suggesting it provides detailed analysis and guidance for making investment decisions.
Malt Liquidity 17 implied HN points 29 Jan 25
  1. Markets are changing rapidly, and many people seem confused about their movements. This uncertainty can affect how prices are set.
  2. Information processing is key to trading today. Knowing how to filter through news and social media can give a trader an advantage.
  3. There is a growing concern that technology might soon outpace human intuition in trading. If everyone relies on AI, we might lose our ability to think critically about market dynamics.
Apricitas Economics 56 implied HN points 11 Nov 23
  1. Average wage growth has outpaced inflation since the pandemic.
  2. Lower-wage workers have seen proportionally larger wage gains.
  3. Real wage growth depends on the strength of the labor market and can be impacted by inflation and distribution.
QTR’s Fringe Finance 19 implied HN points 03 Dec 24
  1. The Fed can't stop a bear market from happening when stock prices are extremely high. This means that even with their efforts, a market drop could still occur.
  2. Sometimes it's not worth trying to understand why a strategy failed. It's better to acknowledge it and move on rather than clinging to a losing bet.
  3. Hedge fund managers often write letters during tough times, but many don't take responsibility for their mistakes. It's refreshing when someone admits to being wrong without making excuses.
Net Interest 15 implied HN points 24 Jan 25
  1. The US stock market has significantly outperformed Europe over the last 15 years, with US stocks providing much higher returns compared to European stocks.
  2. European companies lag behind in major tech innovation, lacking equivalents to successful US companies like Amazon and Google, which has contributed to their slower growth.
  3. Recently, there has been a shift in sentiment among investors towards Europe, with increased interest and consolidation in the asset management industry, indicating potential for future growth.
QTR’s Fringe Finance 15 implied HN points 22 Jan 25
  1. The stock market is doing well, but gold, silver, and Bitcoin are also gaining value. This shows that investors are already worried about future inflation.
  2. Gold and Bitcoin are acting as warning signs for money printing and potential economic trouble. They have seen significant growth compared to traditional U.S. Treasury bonds.
  3. There is a chance the Federal Reserve will have to resort to methods like quantitative easing again, which means they could start printing more money to stabilize the economy. This could lead to further increases in the value of sound money assets.
Pekingnology 67 implied HN points 08 Jul 23
  1. Economists discussed the challenges in China's economy and emphasized the need for strong fiscal and monetary policies with institutional reforms.
  2. There is a call for active participation in global digital economic and trade agreements, establishment of open capital markets, and alignment with international provisions.
  3. Encouraging innovation in the financial market requires a tolerant approach to failure, role of long-term institutional investors, less frequent information disclosure, open capital markets, and stable macro policy orientation.
Apricitas Economics 63 implied HN points 15 Jul 23
  1. The New Tenant Repeat Rent Index provides a more accurate measure of current housing market conditions and predicts future disinflation.
  2. Housing inflation is currently the main driving force behind overall inflation, with non-housing inflation remaining relatively stable.
  3. The 'speed limit' theory of inflation suggests that the growth rate of the labor market, rather than its level, is a key determinant of rent inflation and overall price stability.
Apricitas Economics 51 implied HN points 02 Sep 23
  1. The US labor market has cooled significantly, with job and wage growth decelerating.
  2. The era of the 'Great Reshuffling' in the labor market is ending, as job switch rates decrease.
  3. Businesses are becoming more pessimistic about hiring, leading to lower revenue and hiring expectations.
Apricitas Economics 48 implied HN points 06 Aug 23
  1. Tech layoffs have significantly reduced and share prices of major tech companies have rebounded, indicating a positive shift in the industry
  2. Although tech-sector job growth has slowed, overall employment in the industry remains high compared to pre-pandemic levels
  3. The tech-cession led to a significant decline in compensation which impacted the broader economy, especially in high-tech areas like California
Net Interest 13 implied HN points 06 Dec 24
  1. Warren Buffett believes that being both a businessman and an investor is beneficial. Learning from each role can help improve performance in the other.
  2. Many investment firms, like Schroders and Pimco, struggle when they focus too much on one area and lack diversification. These issues can hurt their profits and reputation.
  3. BlackRock, the largest asset manager, successfully mixes passive and alternative investments. They are moving into higher-margin areas to boost profitability and adapt to market changes.
Apricitas Economics 42 implied HN points 20 Jun 23
  1. US supply chains are recovering after facing crises due to the pandemic.
  2. Constraints like materials shortages and logistics issues are decreasing, indicating improvements in the supply chain.
  3. Consumer demand for goods has slowed down, leading to manufacturers facing more demand constraints than supply constraints.
Clouded Judgement 10 implied HN points 22 Nov 24
  1. There seems to be a shift happening where software companies are performing better while major tech stocks are lagging. This raises questions about whether this trend will continue.
  2. Recent earnings reports from software companies show strong results, suggesting that their business fundamentals might be improving significantly.
  3. There's a strong possibility that the market is looking for new investment opportunities, especially as some investors take profits from the longstanding success of major tech firms.
Apricitas Economics 32 implied HN points 05 Jun 23
  1. After the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, the American banking industry is adapting by relying less on uninsured deposits and more on alternative funding methods like borrowings.
  2. Deposits have restabilized post-SVB crisis, but banks are facing challenges with tight lending standards due to renewed economic pessimism and liquidity concerns.
  3. Banks are cautiously navigating post-SVB crisis by reducing reliance on uninsured deposits, managing securities losses, and addressing liquidity worries amid tighter monetary policy.
Gideon's Substack 14 implied HN points 28 Nov 23
  1. A New York Times poll revealed a disconnect between people's perception of the economy and the actual economic data.
  2. Biden voters, especially those under 45, have a more negative perception of the economy compared to older voters.
  3. Possible explanations for the perception divide include demographics, housing costs, rising expectations, and political polarization.
Clouded Judgement 5 implied HN points 11 Oct 24
  1. A budget flush happens when companies spend leftover budget at the end of the year to avoid losing any funds. This can boost sales for software companies looking to close deals quickly.
  2. Last year's budget flush was stronger than usual, with companies spending more due to concerns over budget cuts. This year, a similar trend could happen, driven by a more positive economic outlook.
  3. The performance of software stocks is rising, signaling optimism in the market. Investors are hopeful that major companies will report good earnings, which could lead to more investments in the software sector.
Klement on Investing 3 implied HN points 29 Jan 25
  1. Easy money policies from central banks can create bubbles in the stock market. When interest rates are low for a long time, investors tend to take more risks.
  2. Looking at historical events, many market crashes followed a time of low interest rates. It shows that keeping rates low can lead to excessive speculation.
  3. Currently, the US stock market is believed to be slightly overvalued, but not in a bubble. Some analysts think markets are around 10% to 20% above fair value right now.
Klement on Investing 3 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. Stocks usually drop about 4% in real value after a sudden inflation shock. This happens because investors get worried about future profits.
  2. Not all companies respond the same way to inflation. Companies with high profit margins can handle inflation better than those with lower margins.
  3. To prepare for inflation shocks, it's smart to focus on companies that have high markups and strong cash flow. These companies are generally more resilient.
Musings on Markets 19 implied HN points 03 Jan 19
  1. Investing in stocks comes with risk, and it’s important to remember that not every dip in prices is a chance to buy. Stocks can lose value, and there are reasons why they usually offer higher returns than safer investments.
  2. The equity risk premium, which tells us how much investors are being paid to take on the risk of stocks, has increased recently. This might suggest that stocks are undervalued compared to historical norms.
  3. Looking ahead, market conditions could be challenging with potential slowdowns in economic growth and global crises. Understanding these risks helps investors make more informed decisions.
Klement on Investing 1 implied HN point 08 Jan 25
  1. European stocks can provide surprisingly stable earnings even in tough times. It's good to look for companies that have shown consistent growth before.
  2. In this uncertain economic climate, having a strategy can help investors feel more secure. Focusing on steady performers might be a smart approach.
  3. Many investors are looking for ways to adapt and manage risks this year. Finding reliable stocks in Europe could be part of the answer.
Erdmann Housing Tracker 2 HN points 21 Feb 24
  1. There is a widely held notion that the homebuilding industry may have oligopolistic power, potentially stemming from a misdiagnosis of the 2008 crisis.
  2. US home construction markets have been experiencing unusual behavior, with demand exceeding supply capacity, builders selling incomplete homes while pushing input prices higher, showing signs not typical of an oligopoly.
  3. Blaming corporations and outsiders for housing issues may perpetuate deep-seated prejudices and prevent solving communal problems effectively.