The hottest Economic Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

December 29, 2024

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Civil Rights Human Rights Economic Policy Environmental Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100, dedicated his life to human rights and was a significant figure in American politics.
  2. During his presidency, Carter focused on civil rights, environmental protection, and human rights in foreign policy, making many impactful reforms.
  3. After leaving office, he continued to promote peace and health through the Carter Center, showing a commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

René Girard and the Port Strike Revelation

Neckar’s Notes • 75 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Issues Economic Policy Political Conflict Crisis Management
  1. The port workers' strike revealed deeper issues in American labor and efficiency. This moment showed how tensions in our culture can be tied to economic inequalities.
  2. Harold Daggett's comments during the strike hint at a reluctance to hide labor practices that benefit the few. His straightforward approach sparked conflict and public backlash.
  3. The situation highlights a contradiction in capitalism where avoiding competition is crucial for success. This creates tension between unions and innovation in industry, leading to larger societal implications.

The Asia Century

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Economic Policy
  1. The main competition in geopolitics is between the U.S. and China, with some experts predicting a return to an Asia-centered world economy. This means that countries like China and India might regain their historical economic dominance.
  2. China still has strong economic momentum, but its growth may face challenges due to increased competition and internal issues like high youth unemployment and economic mismanagement.
  3. Regions like ASEAN are rising in importance and could offer new economic opportunities, as they are already a major trading partner with the West and have diverse economies.

It's Christmas (Chaos), All Over, Again

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 32 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💰 Finance Market Trends Economic Policy Investing Strategies Market Analysis Financial Risks
  1. The market reacted sharply after the Federal Reserve cut rates, but this might not be a good sign for investors. Historically, market crashes often happen after rate cuts, indicating potential risks ahead.
  2. There are concerns about high levels of leverage in the market, especially in options and cryptocurrency. This borrowing can make market movements more extreme and unpredictable.
  3. The current market euphoria might be misleading, as past patterns suggest a sudden downturn could come. It's important to be cautious and not ignore the reality of valuations and economic conditions.

Trump’s Taiwan Tariff Shock

Taipology • 102 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Foreign Relations Economic Policy Election Impact Political Commentary
  1. Trump has proposed very high tariffs on chips from Taiwan, which could hurt many businesses that rely on these products. This move is seen as harmful, especially for Taiwan, which has been a strong ally.
  2. People online are really upset about Trump's tariffs, criticizing the decision and questioning its economic logic. It seems like some are even saying it might lead to more inflation in the U.S.
  3. There are concerns that Taiwan needs to start thinking for itself instead of just following U.S. demands. Building more chip plants in the U.S. could be ruinous for Taiwan's economy.
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Nixon, Gore, the paths not taken

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Presidential elections Fiscal Responsibility Political theory Government actions
  1. The end of the postwar economy was marked by stagflation due to the end of the gold standard in 1971 and fiscal deficits, impacting inflation and unemployment.
  2. The 1960 election acknowledged the risk of deficits on gold reserves, foreseen by Nixon, while Gore in 2000 aimed to maintain fiscal responsibility and pay down debt from surpluses.
  3. Political decisions from the 1960s to the 2000s reveal a shift in economic policies, with the consequences of deficit spending, tax cuts, and financial instability influencing different presidencies and shaping economic outcomes.

Inflation is Bad, Actually

Economic Forces • 7 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💰 Finance Inflation Macroeconomics Price theory Taxation Economic Policy
  1. Some people think inflation is good because it helps prevent deflation, but this argument is weak. Deflation can be harmful mainly when caused by poor policies, not just by falling prices.
  2. Inflation is often compared to a hidden tax because it decreases the value of money. Unlike regular taxes, people might not realize their purchasing power is being reduced until they feel the effects.
  3. Overall, inflation can create confusion and make economic decisions harder. It undermines the value of money as a reference point, leading to more mistakes and inefficiencies in both personal and business finances.

January 2, 2024

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Civil Rights Economic Policy Government actions Culture Wars
  1. President Biden gave the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 Americans who have shown great service to their country, focusing on civil rights and community service.
  2. Biden emphasized unity and progress in response to a tragic attack in New Orleans, while Trump and Musk are trying to deepen cultural divides in America.
  3. The political scene is shifting again as Trump returns to hardline stances on immigration and culture wars, while Democrats continue to focus on economic recovery and workers' rights.

Debating China's Industrial Policy + Jordan in London

ChinaTalk • 592 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Industrial Policy Economic Policy
  1. Industrial policy in China is a contentious issue, with supporters believing in state intervention for progress and critics arguing for a free market approach.
  2. The debate between economists Lin and Zhang reflects the tension in China's economic thinking on the role of the government versus the market.
  3. Xi Jinping's industrial policies are shaped by the Party's political will to surpass the West in GDP and technology, balancing between state intervention and market forces.

The US Is Now on Track for a $3.5 Trillion Deficit in 2025

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 28 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Budget National Debt Government spending Economic Policy Fiscal Responsibility
  1. The US government is expected to have a $3.5 trillion deficit in 2025, which is the largest peacetime deficit ever. This means spending is much higher than the money coming in.
  2. There is little chance that Congress will cut spending significantly. Most government spending is on essential programs like Social Security and defense, which people don't want to lose.
  3. As the debt grows, it might lead to higher interest rates and economic problems for consumers and businesses, but it seems unlikely that people will support major budget cuts until they feel the impacts more directly.

The Biggest Challenges Ahead for Our Startup Ecosystem

Midwest Humble • 9 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups Investment Entrepreneurship Economic Policy Leadership
  1. There is a need for more startup capital in Michigan. Founders and investors want to see faster progress, and having more options for funding can help.
  2. Building a strong community and culture is important for startups. Events and collaboration can help people connect and create new opportunities.
  3. Storytelling is essential for success. Sharing local achievements can improve recognition and support, helping to brand Michigan's startup ecosystem better.

Q3 2024: Clock Starts Anew

Interconnected • 46 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Economic Policy Investment Strategies
  1. The new fund started on October 1, focusing on technology related to cloud computing and AI. This means the fresh investments will reflect the latest strategies and insights.
  2. Big tech companies like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are showing strong growth, indicating a possible recovery in the cloud market. This is an exciting time for investing in these sectors.
  3. With the upcoming U.S. elections and economic changes, there may be market fluctuations. It's better to stay calm and stick to long-term investing rather than reacting to short-term news.

On Insurance

Something to Consider • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
💰 Finance Insurance Risk management Economic Policy Behavioral Economics
  1. Moral hazard happens when people take more risks because they have insurance, like thinking they can be careless if they have fire insurance. This means insurance can't cover every behavior to keep premiums fair.
  2. A better way to provide insurance is to focus on events that you can't control, like natural disasters, rather than paying out for specific losses. This keeps people motivated to protect their property since their actions impact their safety.
  3. Government assistance can be more effective if it's tied to things outside a person's control, like race or family status, rather than just income. This way, people are still encouraged to work hard because their benefits don’t change based on their work efforts.

The Beveridge curve and cultural evolution

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Labor Market Inflation Taxation Government spending
  1. Beveridge curves show the relationship between job vacancies and unemployment rates, highlighting changes in the labor market over time.
  2. Economic policies, such as tax laws and deficit spending, can impact factors like wages and inflation, influencing the overall economic environment.
  3. Cultural evolution in business practices is influenced by economic conditions and government policies, shaping the economy and labor market dynamics.

Chindia Ruins Russia

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Economic Policy Diplomacy
  1. Russia's economy is suffering due to price caps on its oil, leading to a big financial gain for China and India, who buy oil at lower prices.
  2. China and India are increasing their energy imports from Russia while maintaining a neutral stance on the war in Ukraine, which is helping reshape global power dynamics.
  3. Despite being rivals, China and India are benefiting from Russia's struggles, showing a stark contrast between their economic growth and Russia's shrinking economy.

If It Talks Like An Idiot, If It Walks Like An Idiot, It Most Likely Is An Idiot.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Economic Policy International relations Historical context
  1. The idea of America’s global power is weakening, and there are emerging economies that challenge its dominance. This shift could lead to less reliance on the US dollar.
  2. Many believe that past actions and choices in American leadership have damaged the working class and unions. This has made the American market less appealing to both workers and foreign investors.
  3. Trump's tough talk about trade doesn't represent strength; instead, it highlights a fragile position in the global economy. His approach may not succeed against established trading groups like BRICS.

Revisiting Stock Buybacks

Fish Food for Thought • 6 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Finance Investments Corporate Governance Market Analysis Economic Policy
  1. Companies that buy back their stock instead of investing in research and development may reduce innovation. This can lead to fewer new products and a weaker market position in the long run.
  2. Stock buybacks can be a sign that a company thinks its shares are undervalued, but many companies end up overpaying for their own stock. This means that, sometimes, buybacks might not be a good investment.
  3. Critics say buybacks manipulate stock prices and benefit top executives more than long-term investors. Instead of improving the company's health, these practices could hurt its future growth and stability.

Ukraine's Zelensky sends love letter to US corporations, promising 'big business' for Wall Street

Geopolitical Economy Report • 438 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Neoliberalism Foreign Relations Corporate Influence Economic Policy International Trade
  1. Ukrainian president Zelensky is actively seeking investment from US corporations like BlackRock, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs, encouraging them to do business in Ukraine.
  2. Zelensky's government has implemented aggressive anti-worker policies, limiting union rights and encouraging a pro-corporate environment.
  3. Western governments and corporations are planning aggressive neoliberal reforms for Ukraine, aiming to privatize and deregulate industries with the help of powerful entities like BlackRock.

Is that a stock or a religion?

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💰 Finance Investing Cryptocurrency Market Trends Economic Policy Technology
  1. MicroStrategy is a small software company that has invested heavily in bitcoin. It keeps buying more bitcoin by using money it raises, even though its software business alone can't fund these purchases.
  2. Investors seem to trust MicroStrategy, allowing it to have a high market value compared to the actual worth of its bitcoin. This trust lets the company keep buying more bitcoin, which keeps pushing its stock higher.
  3. The company's strategy could backfire if the market changes. If it needs to pay back debts in cash, it might be forced to sell bitcoin or shares, which could hurt its value.

💪🏽 New Format. New Opportunities.

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 3 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Employment Social Issues Economic Policy Community Engagement
  1. The newsletter is changing to provide more practical resources rather than commentary. This means it will be sent more regularly with useful information.
  2. Youth incarceration rates have dropped significantly since the 1990s, showing that communities can create better solutions when they demand change.
  3. There are various job and fellowship opportunities available that focus on social good, climate change, and equity in college sports.

Not a Lehman Moment

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Market Trends Economic Policy Risk management
  1. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) wasn't as dramatic as Lehman Brothers in 2008, but it did show flaws in the banking system. Unlike Lehman, SVB's issues came from poor management rather than widespread systemic problems.
  2. Government reactions were swift this time, which helped contain the fallout. They extended deposit insurance to all SVB depositors to prevent panic, but this crisis highlighted the need for stricter banking regulations.
  3. The financial market is in turmoil again, and more banks might struggle due to rising interest rates. While this isn't a repeat of 2008, it serves as a reminder that there need to be safeguards in place to protect the economy.

G2 World: West and China

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy International relations Economic Policy Global Security
  1. China is becoming more influential in the world by forming new diplomatic relationships, especially in Central Asia and the Middle East. This shift helps China secure resources and trade routes.
  2. The conflict in Ukraine has weakened Russia's global standing, allowing countries like China and India to gain access to Russian resources at lower prices. As a result, China's influence continues to grow while Russia struggles economically.
  3. The global landscape is evolving into a bipolar world with the West and China as the main players. Both sides focus on economic stability and infrastructure development to support their interests.

Julebrev til abonnentene våre

steigan.no • 23 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Policy Economic Policy International relations Media Analysis
  1. The organization has created important discussions about major events like the Libya war and the COVID-19 response. They believe these issues impact people daily.
  2. They aim to provide original content instead of just translating articles. This will help offer unique insights on the challenges facing society.
  3. To grow and have more writers, they need financial support from readers rather than relying on wealthy donors. Every small donation helps maintain their independence.

Xi Jinping Seeks To Ban “Socialism with Japanese and Singaporean characteristics,” Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 319 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Economic Policy Foreign Relations Government Institutions
  1. Deng Xiaoping sought advice from Japan and Singapore to help China's economic miracle by focusing on export-led industrialization and attracting foreign companies for modern industries.
  2. Japan demonstrated the effectiveness of industrial policy to upgrade industries quickly and the importance of combining state action with market discipline to avoid economic pitfalls.
  3. China leveraged exports and foreign companies, following the examples of Singapore and Japan, to grow its economy, create higher-tech exports, and improve living standards.

How To Cut $2 Trillion Of Fat From The Federal Budget

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 30 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Budget Government spending Economic Policy Political Commentary
  1. The U.S. government needs to cut $2 trillion from its budget to avoid financial disaster. This is important for maintaining democracy and economic health.
  2. To save this money, we can eliminate wasteful agencies, cut unnecessary spending, and reduce low-priority programs. It’s crucial to make these cuts soon to prevent further debt growth.
  3. The proposed savings can be grouped into three main areas: cutting unnecessary bureaucracies, downsizing defense spending, and reducing entitlement programs. Each area has specific targets for savings.

Washington's $300 billion dilemma

The Dossier • 303 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Sanctions Economic Policy Global Economy International Law
  1. Western powers imposed sanctions on Russia by freezing $300 billion of Russian assets in the US and Europe, aiming to weaken the Russian economy, but the impact on the Russian war effort has been limited.
  2. The idea of seizing Russia's frozen $300 billion stash is being considered by the Biden Administration and Congress as a punitive measure, but legalizing such action through Congress is required.
  3. Seizing the $300 billion would be an unprecedented event with potential far-reaching consequences, including implications on the U.S. dollar's status as a global reserve currency and market signals about its stability.

Are Sanctions Working?

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sanctions Economic Policy Foreign Relations International Law War Strategy
  1. Sanctions against Russia have hurt its economy but not enough to stop its war efforts. Russia's GDP might even be doing okay compared to countries that imposed the sanctions.
  2. Many Russian individuals and companies have found ways to dodge sanctions. While some assets are frozen, actual confiscations that would hurt the oligarchs have been limited.
  3. Energy sanctions are starting to take effect, with Russia's oil revenues dropping significantly. If these trends continue, it could weaken Russia's ability to sustain its war efforts.

Animal Spirits

Net Interest • 15 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investment Regulation Market Trends Corporate Finance Economic Policy
  1. There's a feeling of optimism in the finance world right now, with a lot of excitement and positive energy among investors.
  2. Many financial leaders believe that changes in regulations could lead to better conditions for banks and companies, making it easier for them to operate.
  3. Executives are hopeful for the future, driven by recent strong performances in the stock market and a more patient regulatory environment.

December 11, 2024

Letters from an American • 16 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Political speech Tax policy Government Regulation Employment
  1. Biden contrasted his economic approach with Trump's supply-side economics, highlighting the success of creating over 16 million jobs during his term. He believes growth should come from the middle and bottom of the economy.
  2. He emphasized that the previous supply-side policies mostly benefited the wealthy and left the middle class struggling, suggesting that tax cuts primarily helped the rich while public investment was cut.
  3. Biden warned that if Trump reinstates old policies, it could harm economic progress made in recent years, urging voters to recognize the positive effects of his administration's investments in the American people.

This Ticker is the New Game

Malt Liquidity • 17 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Cryptocurrency Economic Policy Trading Strategies
  1. The value of things is often based on attention rather than real productivity. People might buy trendy items as a bet on their popularity instead of actual worth.
  2. Change can lead to uncertainty, and while it may feel uncomfortable, it can also create opportunities for innovation and improvement.
  3. Social media has shifted how people perceive discussions and opinions, sometimes prioritizing profit over rational thought and leading to unhealthy behaviors in society.

The Shape of Things To Come

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 100 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voter Behavior Political Analysis Economic Policy
  1. Voters feel that the Democratic Party no longer represents the working class, leading to a sense of distrust. Many are struggling economically and expect more from their leaders.
  2. Democratic leaders deny that they have abandoned workers and continue to focus on fundraising, which creates wealth for politicians and affects their ability to serve the public.
  3. Both political parties are stuck in a cycle of shifting populist candidates without making real changes to help people. This pattern could continue unless a new party emerges that truly addresses the needs of everyday citizens.

Congestion pricing reduces driving. That doesn't make it a good idea.

Economic Forces • 8 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Economic Policy Transportation Urban planning Environmental Impact
  1. Congestion pricing reduces the number of cars on the road, but this doesn’t automatically make it a good policy. We need to think about its overall impact on society.
  2. Different drivers react differently to congestion charges. Some can easily switch to other transport options, while others can't, so we see varying effects on traffic.
  3. How the money from congestion pricing is used is really important. If it is spent wisely on things like infrastructure, it can benefit everyone. But if not, it might just be wasted.

Cannibal Spirits

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 22 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💰 Finance Market Trends Investment Strategies Economic Policy Risk management Monetary Policy
  1. Markets can go both up and down, which is a natural part of freedom in trading. It's important to understand that fluctuations are normal.
  2. The term 'animal spirits' is often used to explain market behavior, but many believe it's overused and doesn't accurately describe what's really happening.
  3. There's a perception that the financial system is rigged, relying heavily on inflation and debt, which can create skepticism about the true state of the markets.

The Slow Death of AC Transit

The Discourse Lounge • 531 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Transportation Economic Policy Local Governance Environmental Impact
  1. AC Transit has faced a decline in ridership over the years due to funding cuts and neglect.
  2. Efforts are needed to increase funding for AC Transit and prioritize bus services over suburban rail projects.
  3. Long-term solutions include reforming funding priorities, restoring lost bus lines, and promoting public transportation over private shuttles.

The True Shape of America's Debt & Deficit "Burdens"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 261 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Government spending National Debt Political Economy
  1. Debt-to-GDP ratio in the U.S. has fluctuated over the years, with significant changes under different administrations.
  2. The U.S. could manage its debt by matching program spending to taxes in the future, allowing it to gradually diminish.
  3. The current U.S. deficit is a concern as it exceeds the optimal level, posing a risk for the future due to political and economic factors.

December 4, 2024

Letters from an American • 16 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Government Regulation Social Welfare Political Ideologies Elections
  1. The debate over wealth distribution in America has been ongoing, with some believing that the wealthy shouldn’t have to support the poor, while others insist that government should ensure fair opportunities for everyone.
  2. From the early 20th century to around 1981, there was a consensus that government regulation and support were necessary to help the middle class thrive and to prevent major economic crises.
  3. The economic policies under recent administrations have shifted back towards deregulation and tax cuts for the wealthy, with significant implications for social programs and the middle class.

Two visions of America: Bedford Falls and Pottersville

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Social Impact Political Ideology Government intervention Income Inequality
  1. The movie 'It’s a Wonderful Life' showcases two visions of America through Bedford Falls and Pottersville, illustrating the impact of individual actions on the community.
  2. The film emphasizes the importance of economic stimulus and the difference in societal outcomes between stakeholder capitalism (Bedford Falls) and shareholder primacy (Pottersville).
  3. There is a social contrast between SC (Bedford Falls) and SP (Pottersville) economic cultures, impacting birth rates, marriage rates, and family formation trends in America.

The Aftermath

The Last Bear Standing • 22 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💰 Finance Market Trends Economic Policy Investment strategy Trade Analysis Stock Performance
  1. After the election, the stock market jumped a lot, especially small and tech stocks, showing a positive reaction to the new leadership.
  2. Different companies reacted in various ways; some like energy stocks did well due to traditional support while others, like solar, saw drops.
  3. Concerns about tariffs and manufacturing shifts are growing, with many companies considering moving production out of China to avoid potential issues.

EU confesses 'our prosperity was based on China & Russia': cheap energy, low-paid labor, big market

Geopolitical Economy Report • 398 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Economic Policy Security International relations
  1. European prosperity relied on cheap energy from Russia and China's market
  2. EU is facing a crisis due to increased cost of living and competitiveness in global markets
  3. Europe acknowledges a shift away from US security and towards becoming dependent on US energy

DRAFT: How Can We Deal wiþ Zombie Neoliberal Ideas?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 445 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Neoliberalism Economic Policy Government intervention Political Ideologies Historical Analysis
  1. The text discusses the persistence of neoliberal ideas despite criticism.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of industrial policy in addressing societal challenges.
  3. The comparison between the Western market-focused approach and the developmental states of East Asia is highlighted.