The hottest Economic Impact Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Index funds and the rise of mega caps, redux

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Portfolio Management Financial trends Economic Impact
  1. Index funds have caused a big shift in the stock market, making large companies perform better than smaller ones. This is mainly because more money flows into these large companies due to index tracking.
  2. The growth of index fund ownership in large-cap stocks has increased significantly over the years, while small-cap stocks have seen almost no indexing. This means small companies are getting less attention and investment.
  3. If the flow of money into index funds decreases or investors start pulling money out, the highly indexed large-cap stocks could actually perform worse. This creates a risk bubble that could burst for larger companies.

The Medicare Price Caps are the Moral Equivalent of Genocide

Something to Consider • 239 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Pharmaceuticals Public Health Economic Impact Regulation
  1. Medicare price caps could lower investment in new drugs, as they cut profits for pharmaceutical companies. Less investment might mean fewer new medicines in the future.
  2. Reducing drug prices could result in significant loss of life, as fewer new drugs mean fewer treatments for diseases. This effect is not just for the U.S., but could impact people globally.
  3. Instead of cutting prices, the focus should be on finding ways to help people afford medications. It's important to invest in pharmaceuticals to save lives rather than trying to cut costs at the expense of future health advancements.

The "cost" of COVID-19

Independent SAGE continues • 699 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Long Covid Healthcare Costs Economic Impact
  1. COVID-19 is still an economic issue, and the impact of Long Covid needs to be considered in vaccine decisions. Vaccination helps prevent Long Covid, but we don't fully understand how long this protection lasts.
  2. Many people are unable to access vaccines, especially children. In contrast, other countries widely vaccinate kids, while the UK has limited offers.
  3. Long Covid can significantly affect people's ability to work and has a heavy economic burden. This includes healthcare costs and loss of income, which could impact the economy in the long run.

REVIEW: Curtis Ellis's Posthumous 'Pandemonium' Book is a Must Read for Chinese Communist Party Skeptics.

Raheem Kassam's Substack • 1985 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Global Strategy Foreign Policy Politicians Economic Impact
  1. Curtis Ellis's posthumous book 'Pandemonium' is essential for understanding the Chinese Communist Party.
  2. The book blames America's foreign policy for its relationship with the CCP.
  3. It sheds light on how the CCP manipulates its targets into unwittingly supporting its agenda.
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Congestion Pricing: Because Nothing Says ‘New York’ Like Paying More to Get Less

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Policy Transportation Public Opinion Economic Impact Policy Analysis
  1. Congestion pricing in New York is aimed at reducing traffic in the city center, but it has also led to increased traffic in other areas. This means the problem of congestion might just be moving around rather than getting solved.
  2. Not all routes are affected the same way. While some key entry points into the city have traffic improvements, local streets used for everyday travel show little to no change, which raises questions about the overall effectiveness of the plan.
  3. Public support for congestion pricing varies greatly and people are concerned about fairness and how the revenue will be used. Making sure to communicate how the money is spent and improving transit options could help gain more acceptance from the public.

Foundational Steps Vital on the Road to Universal Health Care

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 379 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Industry Economic Impact Public Health
  1. Incremental changes in health care shouldn't be viewed negatively. They can be seen as essential steps that help us get closer to universal health care.
  2. The pandemic showed how unprepared many health systems were, revealing deep flaws that need fixing for better care in the future.
  3. Fighting for universal health care means understanding the complex ties between health care and finance, as both sectors are deeply connected and affect each other's success.

What happens if mass unemployment never arrives

State of the Future • 126 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
💼 Business Employment Automation Work Culture Economic Impact Technology Trends
  1. Mass unemployment might not happen, but instead, we may see job roles that are less meaningful or filled with busywork. This could lead to people being employed without feeling fulfilled.
  2. The speed of AI's impact on jobs is much faster than previous technologies. Workers may struggle to adapt since the transitions that used to take generations are now happening in just a few years.
  3. People might still need jobs for their sense of identity and purpose, even if those jobs are not necessary for the economy. Finding meaning in work could become a bigger issue than just having a job or not.

Links in Progress: Should we give babies the vote?

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Voting Rights Public Policy Economic Impact
  1. Many people are single now, which is making it harder for birth rates to go up. If we want to see more babies, we need to help people find partners.
  2. Having a stable home situation is really important for starting a family. Some studies show that financial help for housing can actually lead to more people having kids.
  3. South Korea is seeing a small increase in births for the first time in years. This might be because of new government policies that encourage families to have more children.

The Moral Panic Over Retail Theft Is Out of Control

Discourse Blog • 1061 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policing Legislation Government funding Economic Impact
  1. Retailers are using the narrative of organized theft to justify store closures, blame financial downturns, and push for harsher laws and increased police funding.
  2. There is doubt and skepticism about the actual extent and impact of organized retail theft, despite widespread media coverage and corporate claims.
  3. The response to the perceived rise in theft includes enhanced security measures, stricter laws, and significant funding for law enforcement, generating concerns about over-policing and reinforcing damaging narratives.

What's going on with electric cars?

Off to Lunch • 511 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Electric Vehicles Government Strategy Sales Data Economic Impact Industry challenges
  1. Sales of battery electric cars to private buyers in the UK fell by 25% in January.
  2. The UK government's plan to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035 is facing criticism for slow progress.
  3. Challenges in the electric vehicle sector include concerns about demand, government strategies, and business operations.

In Wake of ETF Approval, Bitcoin Worldwide Matures

Bitcoin Magazine Pro • 511 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency Government Regulation Digital Assets Economic Impact International relations
  1. Bitcoin's worldwide acceptance is growing post ETF approval in the US.
  2. Countries are reevaluating their digital asset policies in response to Bitcoin's rise.
  3. Bitcoin is influencing global economic and political decisions, especially in countries like El Salvador, Argentina, India, and China.

Overestimating Climate Change Damages

Something to Consider • 79 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Policy Analysis Economic Impact
  1. Estimating climate change damages is tricky. It's important to look at unexpected temperature changes instead of just the overall rise in temperatures over time.
  2. People adapt better in the long run than we might think. While weather shocks can hurt people immediately, they learn and adjust to new conditions over time.
  3. The costs of climate change are serious but not as high as some estimates suggest. Humanity has a good capacity for adaptation, which should be considered when assessing potential damages.

Cellular Walkie-Talkies.

News Items • 412 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Global Economy Economic Impact Global Trade
  1. War over Taiwan would have a significant cost in blood and treasure, surpassing previous global crises like the war in Ukraine and Covid pandemic.
  2. A conflict in Taiwan would devastate its economy by around 40%, impacting other major economies like China and the US.
  3. The global GDP would suffer a significant 10.2% decline, with countries like South Korea and Japan most affected.

Trudeau Buys Into Trump's Racist Border Lies After Trump Bluffs Canada With 25% Tariffs.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Bilateral Relations Political Commentary Border Security Economic Impact
  1. Trump often uses aggressive negotiation tactics, but these tactics might not work well with Canada. Canada has strong trade routes and options if the U.S. threatens tariffs.
  2. If a 25% tariff were imposed, Canada could adapt by selling goods elsewhere, and it would likely damage U.S. industries more than Canadian ones.
  3. There are existing treaties ensuring the free flow of people and trade between the U.S. and Canada. The idea of a border crisis is not as big of an issue as it's made out to be.

How UnitedHealth became Goliath, Medusa and mythical sirens all wrapped into one

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Industry Corporate Influence Public Health Economic Impact
  1. UnitedHealth has grown to be one of the biggest companies in the world, worth nearly half a trillion dollars. It has more members than the population of many countries, showing just how large its impact is.
  2. UnitedHealth is more than just an insurance company; it employs thousands of doctors and has various services like pharmacies and clinics. This makes it a big player in the healthcare industry.
  3. The article suggests it's important to understand how companies like UnitedHealth affect our healthcare costs and decisions about care. Their influence is significant, and we need to be aware of it.

Warring kingdoms

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 334 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💾 History Economic Impact
  1. Labour's deputy leader highlighted the financial impact on working people under successive Conservative governments.
  2. The UK's urban economies have suffered from significant underperformance, leading to a cumulative loss in wealth for the average person.
  3. The majority of UK cities experienced growth in employment but not in productivity, resulting in a 'growthless recovery' with various factors at play, such as Brexit and infrastructure decisions.

Debt Ceiling Threats Gets Ugly

cryptoeconomy • 609 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debt Ceiling Government spending Legislation Economic Impact
  1. Debt ceiling is approaching, and the government is trying to scare voters with extreme consequences like starving schoolchildren and financial market defaults.
  2. Negotiations involve significant spending cuts, particularly from rolling back spending to last year's level and applying a 1% annual cap for the next 10 years.
  3. If government spending reduces by roughly 50%, it could lead to a surplus to pay down debt, suggesting a need to cut unconstitutional and unnecessary programs.

💉💊🧬 From AI to Ozempic: How health innovation can strengthen the US economy

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Economic Impact Health Implications
  1. Health innovations like AI-powered drug discovery and new weight-loss drugs (like Ozempic) can significantly improve health outcomes and lead to longer, better lives.
  2. The economic impact of health innovations can be substantial, positively affecting the economy by increasing labor force participation, reducing absenteeism, and improving overall health leading to potential GDP growth.
  3. Poor health not only affects individuals but also has broader economic implications such as lowering labor force participation, increasing absenteeism, and reducing potential labor force growth due to early death from disease.

AI Steals the Show at WEF 2024

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 319 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Workforce Education Regulation Economic Impact
  1. AI was the main topic at the World Economic Forum in Davos, showing how important it is becoming. Everyone talked about how we need to adopt AI quickly and talk about its effects.
  2. Education and retraining workers are key issues with AI's rise. Many discussions focused on how people can learn new skills to keep up with the changing job market.
  3. In India, only 26% of the workforce is exposed to AI, much lower than in advanced economies. This means there's a lot of room for growth in using AI in local jobs and industries.

Inside Russia: Economists describe impact of Western sanctions and Ukraine war

Geopolitical Economy Report • 538 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Russia Ukraine war Neoliberalism Economic Impact
  1. Economists in Russia observe the country's deepening integration with Asia and its shift away from neoliberal economics.
  2. Despite Western sanctions and the war in Ukraine, Russia's economy has been relatively resilient with only a minor decrease in growth.
  3. Russian economists are increasingly adopting anti-neoliberal positions, emphasizing state controls and redistribution as crucial for economic survival against sanctions.

The LOOP NOW Coalition sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to introduce bipartisan legislation to begin reducing Americans’ exposure to absurdly high out-of-pocket requirements.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 719 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medical Debt Legislation Insurance Economic Impact
  1. Many Americans, even those with health insurance, are struggling with high medical debt. This situation affects around 100 million people.
  2. The LOOP NOW Coalition is urging Congress to pass laws that lower out-of-pocket costs for healthcare. They want to limit annual expenses for medications and treatments.
  3. Currently, out-of-pocket health costs can reach over $9,000 for individuals, which makes it tough for families to afford necessary care. The coalition is working with lawmakers from both parties to tackle this issue.

The Bank of England's Jonathan Haskel on Inflation, Productivity, Brexit, and More

The Overshoot • 511 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
💰 Finance Inflation Productivity Brexit Monetary Policy Economic Impact
  1. The Bank of England is grappling with the challenges of high inflation, low GDP, and rising unemployment due to tight labor and energy markets.
  2. There is significant uncertainty in economic forecasts, leading to a cautious approach in monetary policy decisions.
  3. Brexit has had a major impact on the UK's productivity growth and economic performance, with factors like weak business investment and health-related inactivity contributing to the situation.

Private Equity Explained

Concepts of Finance 🧠 • 939 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
💰 Finance Investments Private Equity Funds Capital Markets Economic Impact
  1. Private equity firms invest in existing businesses to help them grow and become more profitable, sharing in the profits as a result. It's like giving your friend's business a boost with your investment.
  2. These firms raise money from wealthy individuals, pension funds, charities, and banks to create a fund for their investments. This means they pool money from different sources to make bigger investments.
  3. Private equity can create jobs and drive economic growth, but it also has a reputation for being tough on company management and workers during operational changes. Understanding its impact helps you see how it can touch everyone's life.

BYD operates on a different pace than everyone else

TP’s Substack • 27 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💼 Business Automotive Technology Innovation Market Trends Economic Impact
  1. BYD is launching many new models quickly, with around 8 new ones expected soon. This shows they are operating at a fast pace compared to other car makers.
  2. They are introducing exciting features like Lidar and powerful motors on their vehicles, which will improve performance and technology. This means buyers will have more options for advanced features.
  3. Legacy car manufacturers need to speed up their development processes to keep up with BYD and other Chinese companies. If they don't adapt quickly, they risk being left behind in the evolving auto industry.

Britain's austerity has millions of losers

System Change • 432 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Economic Impact Government debt Public Services Climate change
  1. Austerity in Britain has negatively impacted public services and public sector employees.
  2. The economic policy of austerity has failed and led to a significant decrease in real wages for British workers.
  3. High public debt in Britain is a consequence of economic policy failure and does not directly impact the funding of public services.

Endgame #2

The Dollar Endgame • 319 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
💰 Finance Currency Bonds Market Analysis Economic Impact Government shutdown
  1. Japan is facing challenges with its currency and bond market, with the USD/JPY crossing critical levels and the market pressuring the Yen amidst debt concerns.
  2. The US bond market is experiencing significant turbulence, with record lows in various instruments and rising yields posing challenges for investors.
  3. China is grappling with an economic slowdown fueled by a declining property market and potential need for widespread bailouts, leading to concerns about the country's economic future.

An Honest Day's Work Can Take Days

Building Something Old • 139 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💼 Business Labor Market Workforce Development Economic Impact
  1. There's a big shortage of skilled workers in the U.S., especially in vital industries like construction and manufacturing. Many companies are struggling to fill jobs and this could hurt the economy if not addressed.
  2. Apprenticeships are making a comeback as they provide a good path for young people to learn trades and earn money while gaining experience. This old-school method of training is seen as an effective solution to the current labor crisis.
  3. There are many reasons why apprenticeships are more appealing now, including high demand for skilled workers and rising costs of college. More and more people are realizing that trades can offer good careers without the burden of student debt.

Europe angry that US profits from Ukraine proxy war while destroying EU economy

Geopolitical Economy Report • 458 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Energy crisis Economic Impact Global Alliances
  1. EU leaders are frustrated that the US is profiting from the Ukraine proxy war by selling weapons and expensive natural gas, causing economic distress in Europe.
  2. The US prioritizes its new cold war with China over EU interests, leading Europe to feel like an afterthought in US policy.
  3. Historically high energy prices in Europe are threatening to bankrupt industries, pushing companies to consider moving their operations to the United States.

Australia's coming housing bust

Asian Century Stocks • 275 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
💰 Finance Housing Market Interest Rates Economic Impact Market Trends
  1. Australia's housing market has experienced a long boom driven by various factors like low interest rates, commodity exports, and immigration.
  2. The affordability of Australian properties is a concern with high housing market values, low rental yields, and high household debt compared to income.
  3. Rising interest rates, declining job market, and decreasing migration from mainland China could lead to a potential housing market slump in Australia.

Can we measure soft power?

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Soft Power Geopolitics Cultural influence International relations Economic Impact
  1. Soft power is about a country's influence through culture and lifestyle, not just military or economic strength. Researchers created a soft power index to measure this influence in various countries.
  2. South Korea topped the soft power rankings, surprising many since it’s not always viewed as a global leader. Countries like Germany and China also ranked higher than the US, which many might not expect.
  3. The study suggests that soft power can affect financial markets and exchange rates. Countries with strong cultural influence and global reach might see less fluctuation in their currency values.

Generation Z Arrives

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Generational Trends Political engagement Social justice Economic Impact Civic Responsibility
  1. Generation Z is making a big impact worldwide, standing up against governments and reshaping workplace expectations. They're pushing for better work-life balance and more meaningful jobs.
  2. This generation is very tech-savvy and cares deeply about social issues like climate change. They tend to adopt pets instead of having children, showing a shift in traditional family values.
  3. Politically, Generation Z is leaning towards more government involvement in solving problems and supporting progressive causes. They're not just a future generation; they're already influencing change today.

Life in the Lower Leagues

The Commonplace • 715 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🎾 Sports Football Fan culture Team Dynamics Economic Impact
  1. Where you are born often determines the football team you support - geography is destiny.
  2. Growing up with local town football leaves a lasting imprint and connection, even if you try to distance yourself.
  3. Lower league football reflects the connection between fans and players, where hope and support can make a difference, showing the importance of optimism and perseverance.

An open letter to Congress: Is health care at a tipping point?

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care Policy Reform Economic Impact Transparency
  1. Health care costs are rising rapidly, putting financial pressure on employers. Many companies might struggle to afford these increased costs, which could lead to bigger changes in the health care system.
  2. The recent health care law aims to make pricing and quality data more accessible. This means employers can now better compare health care providers and make informed choices about where to direct their health care spending.
  3. There's a shift towards valuing better health outcomes rather than just more services. This change could transform the health care industry by encouraging competition based on quality and efficiency.