The hottest Economic Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Glenn’s Substack 2318 implied HN points 02 Oct 24
  1. The US faces a serious economic crisis due to high debt levels and declining fiscal responsibility. The country has been unable to effectively address these financial issues since the 2008 crisis.
  2. Efforts to boost US competitiveness, like subsidies and sanctions, often backfire and may harm the economy more. In contrast, countries like China are gaining strength by diversifying their economies and forming new partnerships.
  3. As the US struggles, other countries are building a new economic system that doesn't rely on America. This shift might create a world where multiple powers coexist, rather than one dominant force.
Campaign Trails 5064 implied HN points 04 Oct 24
  1. Many people support Trump's idea of making America great again, but it's mostly based on nostalgic feelings about the past. They often don't really specify what that 'great' time is.
  2. Trump's idea seems to relate to the 1890s, a time known for wealth for a few and poverty for many. Most people were struggling to get by while a small number of rich people thrived.
  3. The 1890s also had serious issues with racism and restrictions on people's rights. For many, that period was quite harsh, showing that Trump's vision might not be good for everyone.
The Pomp Letter 839 implied HN points 22 Oct 24
  1. Goldman Sachs predicts a long bear market for the next decade, but some believe we're actually in a bull market. Data suggests stocks could do well in the near future.
  2. The U.S. is facing a significant increase in national debt, which affects the economy. This surge in debt could lead to currency devaluation.
  3. Long-term, the impact of currency debasement will overshadow other economic factors, like stock valuations. It’s important to stay aware of these financial trends.
Faster, Please! 639 implied HN points 26 Oct 24
  1. A semiconductor plant in Arizona is performing better than one in Taiwan, which is good news for US manufacturing growth. This means the US is making strides in producing important tech products domestically.
  2. Construction productivity is struggling, showing negative growth for decades. Long approval times and strict regulations are hurting the industry's efficiency.
  3. More Democrats are starting to support nuclear power as a cleaner energy source. This shift is important for addressing climate change and meeting energy demands, as even major tech companies back nuclear projects.
Points And Figures 586 implied HN points 24 Oct 24
  1. The stock market has experienced various crashes in the past, but today there are better systems in place to prevent a major crash like in 1987. It's still possible to see market dips, but the overall structure is stronger now.
  2. Interest rates on government bonds are rising, which could impact the stock market negatively if rates reach certain levels. Keeping an eye on these rates is important for understanding market trends.
  3. Government spending is a concern, and both political parties aren't talking about reducing it. If spending continues unchecked, it could lead to serious economic issues in the future.
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Faster, Please! 731 implied HN points 21 Oct 24
  1. Encouraging clean energy is important for the future economy. A good way to support this is through a carbon tax and removing unnecessary regulations.
  2. There's a proposal to end some subsidies for alternative fuels, while introducing a carbon tax that would go up over time. This could help make cleaner energy more competitive.
  3. It's tough to predict the best mix of energy sources years into the future. Relying on experts to decide specific energy goals may not be the best approach.
Glenn’s Substack 1099 implied HN points 20 Sep 24
  1. BRICS is working to create a new economic system that doesn't depend on the US. This means countries can trade and cooperate without worrying about US control.
  2. There is a strong desire among countries to join BRICS and work together to trade in their own currencies instead of the US dollar. This could help protect their economies from US influence.
  3. BRICS aims to foster connections between diverse nations, including rivals, to manage political issues through economic collaboration, rather than division. This could lead to a more cooperative global environment.
Faster, Please! 731 implied HN points 18 Oct 24
  1. Daron Acemoglu identified three major challenges for the American economy: aging population, artificial intelligence, and deglobalization. These issues can disrupt the job market and create labor shortages.
  2. Investing in worker skills and adaptability is crucial to meet these challenges. This includes better training and support for all workers, not just focusing on traditional manufacturing jobs.
  3. Acemoglu suggests that the government should promote technologies that help workers rather than just automate jobs. This involves creating new federal programs to enhance worker productivity and prepare for future labor needs.
Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie 899 implied HN points 10 Oct 24
  1. Hurricane Milton hit Florida and caused power outages for over 3 million people, but the damage was less severe than expected.
  2. The economy is the biggest concern for voters, with many preferring Donald Trump over Kamala Harris for handling economic issues.
  3. Inflation is rising, with food and shelter costs playing a big role, creating more challenges for Harris as the election approaches.
Points And Figures 799 implied HN points 07 Oct 24
  1. Many people wrongly believe that money from the government is free and doesn't have really costs associated with it. Government money actually comes from taxpayers, and there's no such thing as a free lunch.
  2. Loans and financial incentives, like student loan forgiveness, can create bad economic expectations and lead to bigger problems down the road. When the government gives money without a clear plan to pay it back, it burdens future generations.
  3. There are better solutions for improving education and the economy, like school choice and reducing government involvement in funding. Allowing the market to dictate provides more opportunities and encourages personal responsibility.
COVID Reason 376 implied HN points 14 Oct 24
  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.
The Transcript 139 implied HN points 21 Oct 24
  1. The economy is showing signs of resilience, with positive movements even though growth isn't super strong. People are feeling more optimistic about things improving.
  2. A drop in interest rates could lead to more business activity and investment. However, experts believe we might need more rate cuts for that to happen.
  3. Consumers are cautious but still spending. Overall, the job market remains steady, and many are waiting to see how upcoming events affect the economy.
Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future 79 implied HN points 24 Oct 24
  1. Some technologists believe they can create a world where people aren't needed, which raises concerns about everyone's role in society.
  2. There is a mindset that defines a person's value mainly by their monetary contribution, ignoring the importance of art and idealism.
  3. Political and technological systems should serve people, ensuring their safety and happiness, rather than just focusing on control and profit.
Men Yell at Me 632 implied HN points 09 Oct 24
  1. There is a concern among conservatives about the changing family structure in America. They believe that fewer children and more single-parent households are big problems.
  2. Some policies being pushed seem to aim to bring women back into traditional roles and out of the workforce. This includes things like restrictions on abortion and cuts to benefits.
  3. Forcing women to have children or marry doesn't actually solve family issues. It can lead to more problems like domestic violence and child poverty instead.
COVID Reason 495 implied HN points 05 Oct 24
  1. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects employment data from two main sources: one from employers about job numbers and another from households about overall employment. These two surveys can show different job growth trends.
  2. Recent job growth numbers claimed a large increase, but much of this was due to seasonal adjustments, masking significant job losses in the private sector.
  3. Most of the jobs added recently were actually government jobs. When looking at unadjusted data, there were a lot more government job increases than private sector jobs.
Sumit's Investment Takes 99 implied HN points 22 Oct 24
  1. There isn't just one number that shows how good or bad the economy is. You can look at things like unemployment, inflation, and GDP, but they all tell different stories.
  2. The president's actions don’t usually have an immediate effect on the economy. Many factors that affect the economy are outside their control, like market trends and global events.
  3. To really understand a president's impact on the economy, you should look at long-term policies instead of short-term data. Also, things like immigration and international relations can play a big role.
COVID Reason 475 implied HN points 03 Oct 24
  1. Hiring is way down and fewer jobs are being created. This shows that companies are worried about the future.
  2. People are not leaving their jobs as much because they feel the job market is risky. They prefer to stay where they are to avoid unemployment.
  3. The Federal Reserve is taking actions like cutting rates, but these steps won't fix the deeper problems in the job market that stem from lower demand for goods and services.
Robert Reich 19752 implied HN points 12 Jan 24
  1. The virtuous cycle of rising wages with productivity gains broke in the late 1970s, leading to stagnant incomes for most American workers.
  2. Corporate governance shifted in the 1980s, with a focus on maximizing shareholder returns, leading to massive job cuts and weakened worker bargaining power.
  3. Decline in union membership since the late 1970s has contributed to shrinking middle class as unions effectively negotiated better wages and benefits for workers.
Noahpinion 16764 implied HN points 01 Feb 24
  1. Biden should focus on a message of abundance in his campaign, highlighting the positive state of America and his policies that have contributed to it.
  2. Biden's energy policies, including embracing cheap solar and batteries, have brought abundance and climate stability, making them a crucial part of his message.
  3. Biden should run on his economic record, emphasizing the success of Bidenomics and the booming economy during his presidency compared to historical data.
Noahpinion 11000 implied HN points 22 Feb 24
  1. Japan's stock market is rallying due to foreign investment, but the real economy is struggling with recession and weak manufacturing and exports.
  2. Japan is increasing defense spending and bringing in foreign workers to address labor shortages, however, concerns remain about assimilation and potential backlash.
  3. Japan needs to focus on reclaiming its position in key industries like electronics, developing a software industry and EVs, and reforming its corporate culture to boost economic growth.
Robert Reich 24391 implied HN points 31 Jul 23
  1. Bidenomics is proving to be successful in boosting the economy and lowering inflation.
  2. The Biden administration is focused on restructuring the economy to benefit the bottom 90 percent.
  3. Bidenomics could lead to shared prosperity, potentially securing another term for Biden and control of Congress for Democrats.
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 31 Oct 24
  1. The German car industry is facing a major crisis, which could put around two million jobs at risk. This decline in the industry can have serious economic consequences throughout Germany.
  2. In the story of 'Illusion Weavers,' people realize that the power of the illusionists lies in their ability to create fear and control. By shining light on the truth, the citizens can reclaim their freedom from these shadowy figures.
  3. Media narratives are shifting as the situation in Ukraine changes. There's a growing recognition that Ukrainian forces are struggling and that public support for the ongoing conflict might wane.
Noahpinion 4705 implied HN points 18 Mar 24
  1. Productivity growth is crucial for controlling inflation, maintaining a stable economy, and improving living standards.
  2. To boost productivity growth, a combination of macroeconomic factors like full employment, investment incentives, and stable supply-side conditions is essential.
  3. Three key factors that fostered productivity growth in the 1990s were full employment, high fixed investment, and stable supply with low inflation; replicating these conditions today would require strategic policy interventions.
Pekingnology 49 implied HN points 20 Oct 24
  1. Zero-based budgeting in Anhui means starting from zero each year rather than using last year's budget as a base. This change helps focus on the actual needs and priorities of programs.
  2. During the budgeting process, Anhui discovered many overlapping policies and wasteful spending practices. This shows there was a lack of coordination between different departments.
  3. The reform aims to reduce ineffective spending and improve efficiency, which includes cutting unnecessary policies and reallocating funds to areas that need it the most.
Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future 99 implied HN points 04 Oct 24
  1. Workers in many fields, including tech, are facing pay cuts and longer workdays due to changes like returning to the office. This shift can feel like a 20% decrease in salary when you consider added costs and time.
  2. Many employers believe they don't need the human workforce because of advancements in AI and automation. But this belief ignores the reality that people are essential for gathering data and driving the economy.
  3. There is a growing movement among workers, including office employees, to demand better wages and working conditions. As more people realize they are part of the labor force, we might see significant changes in workers' rights in the near future.
Pekingnology 45 implied HN points 14 Oct 24
  1. The Chinese government is boosting its economy with a series of new policies. These changes aim to address various economic challenges and restore confidence among investors.
  2. A key focus is on improving support for private companies and addressing issues like local government debt. Recent measures are designed to create a healthier environment for businesses to thrive.
  3. Looking ahead, more specific policies are expected to be introduced. The government encourages collaboration and responsiveness to market needs to ensure effective economic recovery.
kareem 6210 implied HN points 02 Jun 23
  1. Some women who support Trump overlook his sexual misconduct allegations.
  2. The reasons given for women supporting Trump may lack logical reasoning.
  3. Supporting a leader solely for economic reasons, despite moral concerns, can have significant consequences.
Pekingnology 56 implied HN points 10 Oct 24
  1. A big economic plan is coming from China, but people need to be patient and not expect immediate results. Changes will happen over time.
  2. The government's strategy involves much more than just money; it includes a variety of policies to support different areas of the economy. This means they are looking at the bigger picture.
  3. Not every policy will show clear numbers right away. Some are about creating a better business environment and building for the future, which might take longer to see the effects.
Diane Francis 1338 implied HN points 04 Mar 24
  1. China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aimed to help poorer countries, has led many into deep debt instead of prosperity. This has turned some of these nations into vassal states rather than providing mutual benefits.
  2. Many countries that participated in BRI are facing serious economic issues and corruption scandals tied to Chinese investments. Projects often fail or are poorly managed, leaving these nations in worse situations.
  3. China's own economy is struggling, with declining exports and a high number of non-performing loans. The situation suggests that both China and its debt-laden partners are in precarious positions.
Pekingnology 33 implied HN points 08 Oct 24
  1. China's central bank is not directly supporting the stock market, so investors should be careful and avoid risky speculation.
  2. Recent policies by the government have improved investor confidence but real economic improvements will take time and continuous efforts.
  3. It's important for financial institutions to help investors understand risks and ensure that loans aren't misused to invest in the stock market.
Jeff Giesea 519 implied HN points 13 Jun 24
  1. Housing affordability is a big problem for young men, especially in their 20s and 30s. It's harder for them to buy homes than it was before, with fewer places being affordable.
  2. This issue affects not just men, but it seems to hit young men the hardest. Many feel left out of the chance for a stable future with family and home ownership.
  3. Young men can make their voices heard by pushing for changes in housing policies. Working together to demand more affordable housing can help improve their chances of owning a home.
steigan.no 8 implied HN points 22 Oct 24
  1. Norway is providing a significant amount of money, 3.2 billion euros, to support democracy in various EU countries. However, many in Norway are concerned about the lack of funding for local services like schools and hospitals.
  2. The recent EU victory in Moldova's referendum was very narrow and reflects a divided opinion among the people. Many local voters opposed joining the EU, but overseas Moldovans influenced the result in favor of it.
  3. Israel's airstrikes in Lebanon have severely damaged financial institutions linked to Hezbollah. This has resulted in civilian evacuations and heightened tensions in the region, with many people affected by the ongoing conflict.
Diane Francis 619 implied HN points 02 May 24
  1. Russia is using loopholes to avoid sanctions, making it harder to punish their economy. The West needs to tighten these sanctions and go after those helping Russia evade them.
  2. The U.S. is starting to take action against foreign banks that help Russia, focusing on countries like China and Turkey. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.
  3. There is a push to confiscate $300 billion in Russian assets frozen after the invasion. Europe needs to come together to support these efforts to apply more pressure on Putin.
Concepts of Finance 🧠 399 implied HN points 04 Apr 24
  1. Stock buybacks happen when a company uses its extra cash to buy back its own shares. This can make the remaining shares more valuable by increasing earnings per share.
  2. Buybacks can be good for investors, as they might boost stock prices without having to pay taxes on dividends right away. However, critics say companies should focus on growth and investment instead.
  3. There are downsides to buybacks too. Sometimes, management might use them to inflate their bonuses, or they might buy back shares at the wrong time, leading to poor long-term results.