The hottest Economic Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Xu Gao on Establishing a Govt-Market Relationship with Chinese Characteristics

Pekingnology • 64 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Income Inequality Government Role Trade Relations
  1. Xu Gao believes the government should play an active role in the economy, especially during crises. He suggests that when markets fail, government intervention is necessary to stabilize them.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of addressing income inequality, arguing that the government needs to redistribute wealth more effectively. This will help ensure social harmony and allow all citizens to benefit from economic growth.
  3. Gao also highlights that targeted government policies can promote industrial development. He points to China's new energy vehicle industry as a successful example of how strategic support can lead to significant economic advancements.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 19.01.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Criticism Public Health Economic Policy Military Affairs
  1. Many are worried about how governments might deal with future pandemics. They want better plans to handle health crises than what happened during COVID-19.
  2. A recent investigation found that the BBC did not adequately report on the UK's military support for Israel's actions in Gaza, raising concerns about media transparency.
  3. There is a growing sense that society is becoming more controlled and less free, reminiscent of George Orwell's '1984', with instances of censorship and the monitoring of public opinions.

China's Ticking Time Bomb

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Economic Policy Geopolitical Issues Debt crisis
  1. China is facing a huge economic crisis with a massive debt burden. Many people can't pay for their homes, and this is leading to protests and bank failures.
  2. The real estate market in China has really struggled, causing a lot of social unrest. People feel they can no longer rely on owning property to secure their financial future.
  3. China's investments in other countries are in trouble, creating a global financial risk. This situation might lead to a loss of influence and potential instability within China itself.

Fukuyofuturism

Reactionary Feminist • 7 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology International relations Cultural Trends History Economic Policy
  1. The future we expected, like the rise of technology and economic growth, hasn't turned out as we imagined. Places like Skelmersdale show how plans for a better world can fail.
  2. Events like Trump's 2024 election have made people rethink ideas about democracy and global progress. It seems history isn't finished yet, and changes could happen fast.
  3. The views of thinkers like Fukuyama and Faye highlight differences in how Europe might shape its future. These differences are important to consider, especially as Europe's political landscape changes.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Japan Reality Check #5: Are start-ups and VC a good investment in Japan?

Japan Optimist • 176 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
💼 Business Investing Venture Capital Start-ups Economic Policy Entrepreneurship
  1. Japan's start-ups and venture capital outperform global peers with a 18% net IRR per year in the decade before COVID.
  2. Japan's venture capital ecosystem attracts top talent and continues to grow, showing a 7% outperformance over TOPIX.
  3. Japan's government actively supports entrepreneurship and innovation, aiming to create '100 Unicorns by 2027' through public-private partnerships and deregulation.

Destroying Trump's Economic Argument

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 20 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Government Economic Policy Political strategy
  1. Many people voting for Trump might hurt their own economic interests. Past examples, like Brexit, show that voting against one's own benefits can lead to long-term regret.
  2. The U.S. economy is performing well under Biden, with growth and low unemployment. This progress may not be recognized by everyone in time to prevent a potential shift back under Trump.
  3. Billionaires and their influence can lead to chaotic economic policies. Their motivations often center around their own goals rather than the well-being of the average person.

王向偉：重振經濟--多研究些問題 少談些主義

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 157 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Economic Policy Foreign Relations Leadership Human Rights Reform
  1. China's economy is facing challenges but leaders are committed to opening up and revitalizing it.
  2. The role of private businesses and foreign companies is crucial for China's economic growth.
  3. Efforts are being made to address concerns of entrepreneurs and improve the legal and investment environment in China.

Maybe Appalachia is Secretly Pining for Elizabeth Warren

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Economic Policy Social Issues
  1. Democrats are really unpopular in Appalachia, where the Republican Party dominates. The shift from a blue to a red region shows there are big challenges for Democrats there.
  2. Economic populism is being suggested as a solution for Democrats in regions like Appalachia. Some believe that focusing on issues like corporate power might help regain trust with voters.
  3. However, there's doubt about whether voters truly care for populist policies like those of Elizabeth Warren or whether they just want good economic outcomes without the political jargon.

October 28, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Government Role Historical Analysis
  1. The stock market crash of 1929 marked the end of the economic boom of the 1920s, leading to severe impacts like high unemployment and food waste. Many people struggled to find jobs, and farmers had to let crops rot because prices were too low.
  2. President Hoover tried to fix the economy by cutting taxes and government spending, which didn’t help struggling Americans. Instead of providing public works, he believed private charity was the solution.
  3. Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal aimed to help everyone, not just the wealthy. It created jobs and set up regulations that supported workers and civil rights, helping the country recover from the Great Depression.

Kishida May Raise Corporate Taxes, Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 319 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
💰 Finance Taxation Corporate Governance Investment Economic Policy
  1. The Japanese government is considering raising corporate taxes after years of lowering them, due to disappointing outcomes such as insufficient investment and wage hikes.
  2. The need to finance a significant increase in defense spending is a major factor in the potential corporate tax hike, as relying on deficits is seen as irresponsible.
  3. Japan has a significant amount of retained earnings due to low shareholder power, leading to companies not reinvesting the cash in the economy.

China clarifies its beef import investigation

Beijing Channel • 6 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International Trade Economic Policy Agriculture Regulation Diplomacy
  1. China's Ministry of Commerce has started an investigation into beef imports due to a big increase in imported beef that is hurting local cattle farmers.
  2. The investigation was prompted by requests from multiple industry groups worried about the impact of rising imports on their livelihoods.
  3. China emphasizes that the investigation is not targeting specific countries and that normal trade will continue during the probe.

Some Democrats Think the Disease is the Cure

I Might Be Wrong • 14 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democratic Party Political strategy Voter Behavior Economic Policy Populism
  1. Working class voters are increasingly leaning towards the GOP. Democrats need to rethink how they connect with these voters since their current approach isn't working.
  2. There are two main ideas on why Democrats are losing touch: some say it's cultural, while others believe it's due to neglecting economic issues of the working class.
  3. Populist economic strategies, which try to appeal to working class concerns, haven't worked in recent elections. Just because these ideas are popular doesn’t mean they will lead to electoral success.

Postponomics: Kishida Punts On Startups and Income Redistribution

Japan Economy Watch • 259 implied HN points • 07 Dec 22
💼 Business Startups Taxation Government intervention Funding Economic Policy
  1. Kishida's administration has postponed crucial decisions on tax breaks for startups and corporate tax hikes, potentially hindering economic growth and income redistribution.
  2. Access to funding remains a significant challenge for startups in Japan, impacting their growth potential compared to other countries. More support is crucial for new companies to thrive.
  3. Government actions such as expanding angel tax credits and implementing R&D tax credit carry-forwards can significantly boost support for startups and innovation in Japan.

Disinflation vs Deflation Explained

Concepts of Finance 🧠 • 159 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
💰 Finance Economic Policy Inflation Deflation Interest Rates Investment Strategies
  1. Disinflation means prices are still going up, but not as fast as before. It's a slowdown in inflation, which can be seen as a good sign for the economy.
  2. Deflation is when prices actually fall, which can seem good for prices but often leads to negative effects like less spending and economic slowdown.
  3. A balanced approach is crucial. Some inflation is often healthy for the economy because it encourages people to spend and invest, avoiding the risks linked to both disinflation and deflation.

Former econ official says "trillions" to come, but be patient

Pekingnology • 56 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💰 Finance Economic Policy Market Analysis Government Regulation Investment strategy Macroeconomics
  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.

Where inflation comes from

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💰 Finance Inflation Statistics Economic Policy Consumer behavior Labor Economics
  1. Inflation measurement is complex and changes in how we calculate it can significantly impact our understanding of the economy. Small adjustments can make us feel either richer or poorer.
  2. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is crucial for economic policies, affecting everything from Social Security benefits to tax brackets, which makes its measurement a point of political debate.
  3. Various methods and indexes, like the PCE and the chained CPI, aim to capture price changes accurately, but they each have strengths and weaknesses in addressing real-life consumer experiences.

I Want Whatever the BLS is Smoking

startupdreams • 105 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Government Agencies Statistics Job Market
  1. BLS job numbers are consistently revised downward after initial high estimates, indicating potential inaccuracies in reporting.
  2. Comparison between BLS and ADP job reports show contrasting trends in new job creation, causing skepticism in the accuracy of BLS data.
  3. Analysis of full-time and part-time job numbers over a year reveals concerning trends, like growth in part-time jobs rather than full-time jobs.

A glimpse into the ongoing "zero-based budgeting" fiscal reform in Anhui

Pekingnology • 49 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fiscal policy Budgeting Government reform Public Administration Economic Policy
  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.

Zelensky is literally selling Ukraine to US corporations on Wall Street

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 09 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Neoliberalism Economic Policy Class conflict
  1. Ukraine's President Zelensky is opening up the country to US corporations on Wall Street for exploitation through a selloff program.
  2. Zelensky invited foreign corporations to invest billions in the country's projects, emphasizing economic opportunities.
  3. Critics liken Zelensky's actions to extreme neoliberal policies, highlighting concerns over labor rights and economic inequality.

Most Inflation Stories Don't Add Up

Economic Forces • 10 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💰 Finance Inflation Price theory Economic Policy Market Trends
  1. Understanding whether inflation is caused by supply issues or increased demand is key. Supply-driven inflation leads to less output, while demand-driven inflation increases prices and output together.
  2. Nominal GDP growth is a useful measure to determine the cause of inflation. When nominal GDP increases alongside inflation, it usually indicates demand-driven inflation.
  3. Asking sellers why prices are rising often misses the real cause. Increased demand can look similar to supply issues, so it's important to analyze economic data carefully.

Did China Destroy Globalization?

Japan Economy Watch • 239 implied HN points • 22 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Globalization Trade Populism Economic Policy
  1. Globalization has not been destroyed, but governments in the US and Europe are facing challenges in pursuing new trade agreements due to protectionism.
  2. Blaming China for rising protectionism overlooks the main issues, such as technological advancements and the shift towards services, leading to a decline in manufacturing jobs.
  3. Importance lies in addressing the root causes of worker distress, like job loss and wage suppression, with adjustments and mechanisms to alleviate these challenges.

The End Of The End of History?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 28 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Movements Elections Economic Policy Social Issues
  1. There's a lot of political unrest happening globally. People are frustrated with mainstream parties and are turning to extreme leaders across the political spectrum.
  2. Economic issues, like inflation, are making voters unhappy and driving them to support radical parties. When people's wallets are affected, they often blame current leaders and seek change.
  3. Many individuals now think in a 'zero-sum' way, feeling that someone's gain is their loss. This mindset is pushing some to support more aggressive political movements, like fascism.

Former econ official exhorts confidence in recent policymaking

Pekingnology • 45 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  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.

The Missing Theory of This Election Is “People Don’t Know Shit”

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Behavior Political trends Economic Policy Partisan Politics
  1. Voters often say they care about the economy, but many seem confused about how it's really affecting them. Even when things are getting better for some, others feel left behind.
  2. Despite claims of economic struggles, data shows that poor and middle-class wages have risen. People might be reacting based on their personal feelings instead of the overall statistics.
  3. The election results might suggest that people are responding to their frustrations rather than the real economic facts. Misunderstandings about economic conditions could lead to poor political decisions.

Putin-flation

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 07 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Economic Policy War Politics Energy Policy
  1. Russia's actions have led to severe inflation in many countries, impacting economies worldwide. This inflation is more harmful than some sanctions against Russia.
  2. Germany is particularly affected due to its heavy reliance on Russian energy. This dependence has harmed its economy and could lead to significant challenges this winter.
  3. While many countries face economic downturns, the U.S. is less impacted due to its resources. Still, experts predict that the U.S. may enter a recession soon.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 01.12.2024

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Trade policy Military conflict Economic Policy Human Rights
  1. The situation in Syria is tense, with strong international forces involved, making it a focal point of global conflict. Syria's challenges are compounded by the involvement of various militias and foreign nations.
  2. Donald Trump has made threats against BRICS countries regarding their financial independence from the US dollar. This could lead to significant economic changes, not only for those countries but also for American consumers.
  3. Germany is facing economic issues that are causing industries to shift operations to China. This move may have long-term effects on employment and the balance of economic power in Europe.

The Great De-Globalization

Diane Francis • 319 implied HN points • 14 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Economic Policy Geopolitical Tensions Global Economy
  1. De-globalization is speeding up due to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Countries are changing their trade practices and looking for new suppliers to avoid shortages.
  2. The world might split into two trade blocs led by the US and China. This division could drive up prices and limit choices for consumers.
  3. China is facing several internal issues that could hurt its economy. If it continues to support Russia, China risks losing its trade partners and investors.

Former PBOC Research Chief Attempts to Calm Stock Market Frenzy

Pekingnology • 33 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
💰 Finance Stock Market Economic Policy Monetary Policy Market Regulation
  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.

The Race to Win the Industrial Revolution

Material World • 218 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
💼 Business Green Technology Economic Policy Manufacturing Subsidies
  1. A small company in northern Britain, AMTE, has a significant history in battery technology development.
  2. The US Inflation Reduction Act offers hefty subsidies for manufacturers, causing companies like AMTE to consider relocating production.
  3. The UK faces a challenge in determining its industrial strategy amidst global competition in green technology subsidies.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 21.11.2024

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Military Strategy Economic Policy Public Opinion Government Accountability
  1. China's recent bond sales in dollars have attracted a huge amount of interest, indicating strong market demand. This move could signal a more competitive stance against the U.S. in the global dollar market.
  2. A majority of Ukrainians now favor peace talks with Russia to end the ongoing conflict, highlighting a shift in public opinion. Many believe that negotiations could lead to a more stable resolution, despite ongoing military actions.
  3. Recent leaks revealed a secret British military plan aimed at prolonging the conflict in Ukraine. This includes various strategies to keep Ukraine engaged in fighting, showing a heavy commitment to support Ukraine despite the challenges.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 22.10.2024

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public funding Military Affairs Elections Geopolitics Economic Policy
  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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 16.12.2024

steigan.no • 3 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Geopolitics Economic Policy International relations
  1. The Munich analogy, often used in political discussions, oversimplifies complex current events by comparing them to past conflicts, which may not be relevant today.
  2. In the Ukraine war, military actions appear inevitable as both sides perceive each other as existential threats, raising concerns about the potential for wider conflict.
  3. Recent studies predict a more severe pandemic than COVID-19, emphasizing the risks of using fear to impose compliance with stringent measures in the future.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 31.10.2024

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Economic Policy Social Issues Media influence
  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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 10.11.2024

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Relations Diplomacy Economic Policy Political Commentary
  1. Tanzania and Russia are working to strengthen their economic ties, focusing on investment in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and energy. This cooperation could lead to new opportunities for both countries.
  2. Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump expressed their willingness to engage in talks after Trump's election win. They believe that U.S.-Russia diplomacy is vital for global stability and resolving ongoing conflicts.
  3. Recent reports suggest that an alleged antisemitic incident in Amsterdam may have been misrepresented. Instead of being unprovoked, the violence was reportedly a response to aggressive behavior from fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Why the postwar prosperity was not atypical

America in Crisis • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Labor Market Taxation Income Inequality Cultural Evolution
  1. Real wages for working class people grew slower after the 1970s due to economic policies, like tax cuts, since the Reagan administration.
  2. The post-war US economic success wasn't solely due to lack of foreign competition; trade only increased after mid-1960s tariff reductions.
  3. Shift away from high-productivity manufacturing jobs doesn't explain wage stagnation; the decrease in share of income going to working class started around 1980.

Where Did The Jetsons Hide Their Drug Addicts?

Code and Context • 2 HN points • 29 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Artificial Intelligence Economic Policy Social Issues Public Health
  1. New technologies like self-driving cars can feel amazing, but they sometimes ignore real problems like homelessness. This contrast shows that while we celebrate innovation, we can't forget about those who are struggling.
  2. Programs like Universal Basic Income (UBI) can help people in need find financial stability. Supporting education and job training can also create better opportunities for those affected by all these changes.
  3. It's important for tech companies to create solutions that help solve social issues. By investing in projects that assist vulnerable communities, we can build a future that includes everyone.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 09.10.2024

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Political strategy Economic Policy Public Opinion
  1. BlackRock is using Italy to gain more influence in Europe. This shows how countries can become pawns in larger financial strategies.
  2. The Norwegian government is reducing financial support for electricity while planning to take a record dividend from the national grid operator. This suggests a focus on profits over helping people with high energy costs.
  3. There are hidden discussions in the West about ending the war in Ukraine. Many now realize that a compromise might be the best way forward to stabilize the region.