The hottest Economic Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

NOTE TO SELF: On Katie Martin's "Magnificent Seven" Today

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 353 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
💼 Business Economic Policy
  1. The 'Magnificent Seven' tech companies are dominating the market, making up 31% of the S&P 500. Their growth is impressive but it raises concerns about economic fairness.
  2. These companies are not just innovating; they're also extracting a lot of money from their positions in the market. They often make profits through platform fees and controlling access to resources.
  3. Investors need to look deeper into each company's story. Some are thriving due to strong tech advancements, while others are more about squeezing profits out of their current advantages.

Futarchy, Distortions from Hedging, and Other Thoughts

Something to Consider • 79 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. Futarchy is a new way to make decisions where people vote on what they want to achieve, but experts decide the best way to get there using prediction markets. This means we focus on outcomes instead of specific policies.
  2. When people are risk-averse, they might prefer safer options, and this can affect the choices made in a futarchy setup. It’s important to balance between achieving high goals and taking on too much risk.
  3. Even though prediction markets are useful, they can be skewed by people's efforts to hedge against risks. This means prices might not always reflect the true chances of outcomes, but they can still provide valuable information.

This Week in Canada: Carney and Trump’s Bromance Was Nice While It Lasted

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 394 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. Mark Carney and Donald Trump had a friendly relationship that recently took a turn for the worse. Trump increased tariffs on Canadian imports, putting pressure on Canada.
  2. Trump's move to raise tariffs is seen as a way to push Canada into negotiations regarding the fentanyl crisis. He warned that these tariffs could go even higher if Canada doesn't cooperate.
  3. Carney stated that Canada will work hard to meet the tariff deadline while also protecting its workers and businesses. This situation reflects the complexities of U.S.-Canada relations.

The Trump EO on Grant Payments

Points And Figures • 959 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. Many states and cities are worried about funding due to Trump's Executive Order on grant payments. They are concerned about how they will manage their budgets.
  2. A lot of government money goes to projects that might not be necessary or useful. There's a big issue with wasteful spending, which affects those who genuinely need support.
  3. Startups, especially in the medical field, are worried about losing funding because of this order. It makes it harder for them to develop new treatments and grow their businesses.
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How did Nvidia find itself in a lose/lose game?

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
💼 Business Economic Policy
  1. Nvidia is facing a dilemma with its GPUs: if they wear out quickly from heavy use, companies might falsely report profits, but if they last longer, companies might look better financially overall.
  2. Investor concerns about GPU durability and accounting practices are causing tension in the market, leading Nvidia to defend its position with a memo.
  3. The ongoing debate around hardware depreciation could significantly impact Nvidia's profitability and the financial health of major tech companies.

🆙 A pro-progress Trump agenda: what's realistic?

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. Establishing a Moon base could offer valuable resources and opportunities for economic development. It can also strengthen national security by ensuring access to those resources.
  2. We should let AI develop without heavy regulations so it can flourish like the internet did. Striking a balance between monitoring safety and allowing growth is key.
  3. A focused national policy on AI is important to prevent mixed regulations across states, promoting American leadership in this rapidly evolving field.

Counting Materials

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 814 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🔬 Science Economic Policy
  1. The use of materials in the U.S. has evolved significantly since 1970, with some materials seeing reduced demand while the economy grows. This shows that it's possible to become more efficient in using resources.
  2. Many materials used today are sourced from other countries, meaning the U.S. is consuming but not producing everything. This raises questions about the sustainability of relying on foreign resources.
  3. As global living standards rise, the demand for materials will increase. It's important to manage these materials wisely to minimize environmental impact while still supporting industrial growth.

New York’s Death Wish

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 41 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. Progressive economic policies like rent controls, higher taxes, and city-run enterprises are likely to reduce housing quality and drive wealthy residents and businesses away, which could shrink tax revenue and strain the city’s finances.
  2. Softer policing combined with rising poverty is likely to increase crime, pushing more people toward private security or even vigilantism when public safety feels inadequate.
  3. If these trends repeat past urban declines, New York’s cultural and economic vibrancy could erode and the poorest residents will suffer the most, with hope for outside intervention but a pessimistic near-term outlook.

What Xi Believes

ChinaTalk • 919 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Economic Policy
  1. Xi Jinping believes Chinese modernization should focus on people's needs rather than just economic growth. He criticizes Western models for causing inequality and promotes a version that fits China's unique culture and history.
  2. The Chinese Communist Party is essential for Xi's vision of modernization. He insists that without the Party's leadership, China cannot succeed and stresses the need for discipline within the Party.
  3. Struggle is a key theme for Xi, who sees it as vital for the Party's survival and China's progress. He encourages a proactive approach to risks, stating that avoiding challenges can lead to decline.

How minimum prices for ride-sharing can be counterproductive

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 937 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. When minimum prices are set for things like rides, it can actually make drivers wait around more without getting paid, which ends up lowering how often they drive.
  2. Even if the pay seems higher, drivers may not earn more overall because they spend less time actually working when demand drops due to higher prices.
  3. In the end, customers often pay more and get fewer rides, which doesn't help anyone in the long run; it's like paying drivers to do nothing while traffic increases.

The Federal Reserve Today: Caught Between Political Theatrics, Economic Uncertainty, & Its Own Institutional-Personnel Caution

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 322 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
💰 Finance Economic Policy
  1. The Federal Reserve is struggling with economic uncertainty and political pressures, which makes decision-making tough. They're cautious about how tariffs and other factors will affect the economy.
  2. Current economic conditions, like a weakening job market and inflation, might push the Fed to cut interest rates soon. However, they need to see more evidence before taking action.
  3. Trump’s past choices for Fed leadership are impacting the current situation. His preference for a consensus-builder over a strong policy leader has resulted in paralysis at the Fed.

Fed Pivots to More Hikes, More Pain

cryptoeconomy • 648 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
💰 Finance Economic Policy
  1. The Federal Reserve is planning more interest rate hikes and tightening measures, signaling potential economic pain.
  2. Despite initial expectations of a pause in rate hikes due to economic impacts not yet fully realized, Fed Governor Waller is advocating for further hikes to curb inflation.
  3. Quantitative Tightening, the reversal of money printing, may be the next step for the Fed despite past failures, raising concerns of potential economic disruptions and widespread impacts.

Bigger State Doesn’t Mean Bigger Bureaucracy

Erik Examines • 358 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. A bigger government doesn't always mean more bureaucracy. Sometimes, more money just flows through the same systems without needing extra workers.
  2. Smaller governments can create more confusion by pushing tasks to local groups or private companies, leading to more regulations and complexity.
  3. Clear standards and smart designs in government can help manage complexity better than just trying to shrink the size of the state.

President

Venture Prose • 539 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Economic Policy
  1. Being a president comes with immense challenges like managing debt, dealing with administrative issues, and navigating societal tensions.
  2. To make a country like France attractive, competitive, and profitable, leaders need to focus on positive impact, simplicity in implementation, and clear accountability.
  3. France has the potential to excel in areas like nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and education, but effective automation and addressing system abuse are essential for profitability.

Zohran Mamdani WILL freeze the rent (on World Cup tickets!)

Unreported Truths • 40 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. The new mayor says he will govern as a Democratic socialist and favor collectivist policies over rugged individualism.
  2. He intends to use price controls—like freezing World Cup ticket prices—rather than letting supply and demand set prices.
  3. Critics warn these approaches could harm New York’s economy and make life harder for taxpayers and workers.

The Econoboi Poverty Debate

Bet On It • 80 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. A recorded livestream called “The Econoboi Poverty Debate” is available for people who missed the live event.
  2. The post was published on Nov 21, 2025.
  3. The post invites viewers to watch the replay and notes the event was “quite fun,” indicating positive engagement and interest.

⏩💳 How faster growth can offset America's debt problem. Really.

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. Faster economic growth can help reduce America's huge debt. If the economy grows by 3-5% each year, it can balance out the debt problems.
  2. Reforming big entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare is essential. Doing so can both lower future spending and make these programs work better.
  3. While some people are skeptical about economic growth solving debt issues, it shouldn't be completely dismissed. A stronger economy can really aid in cutting down debt over time.

The Greatest Illusion

Phillips’s Newsletter • 97 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Economic Policy
  1. Trade specialization does not guarantee peace and security between nations. Just because countries trade a lot doesn't mean they won't go to war.
  2. The idea that economic ties will lead to friendship and reduce conflict has been proven wrong. History shows that war can break out despite strong trade relations.
  3. Countries need to rethink their strategies and vulnerabilities in a changing world. Relying solely on global trade might limit their independence and security.

C-Span Washington Journal

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 42 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
💰 Finance Economic Policy
  1. A guest discussed the 2026 housing market outlook on C-SPAN Washington Journal.
  2. The conversation covered basics about where the housing market is headed and the key factors that led us here.
  3. The roughly 45-minute segment included live caller questions and a link to watch the full discussion.

The Asia Century

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics 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.

Am I a Democrat or a Republican?

The Novelleist • 836 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. It's okay to mix ideas from both Democrats and Republicans. You can believe in a strong economy while also caring about worker rights and environmental issues.
  2. Labels like 'Democrat' or 'Republican' can limit how we think about solutions to problems. Focusing on what we want to achieve together can help us find common ground.
  3. Instead of being stuck in party lines, we should talk about real solutions that improve people's lives. Working together is better than arguing over which side is right.

Nixon, Gore, the paths not taken

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  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.

Strategic Funds

Points And Figures • 692 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economic Policy
  1. The idea of a Strategic Wealth Fund (SWF) and a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) is seen as bad because they could go against individual freedoms and lead to misuse of taxpayer money.
  2. Government can't truly invest money; it can only spend what it collects from taxes or borrows. This means investments made by the government aren't genuine investments.
  3. Bitcoin is still mostly potential and hasn't proven its real-world value. Critics argue that despite years of development, it lacks practical uses in everyday life.

The Bull Case (Is That Nothing Matters Anymore)

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 64 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
💰 Finance Economic Policy
  1. Inflation may keep driving up prices, while governments avoid taking responsibility. This could hurt middle and lower classes over time.
  2. Market behavior might not reflect real economic data anymore, so a sudden surge of cash could lift stock prices drastically without waiting for the economy to catch up.
  3. Even if a downturn happens, it might end quicker than expected. The market has changed, and old rules about valuations may not apply anymore.

On the Political Economy of Mendacity in 21st Century America

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 330 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. Economic analysis can sometimes feel like a performance rather than a serious discussion. People in media might act like they believe things that aren't true.
  2. Immigration can boost a country's economy, but some policies can slow down growth. If certain negative policies continue, economic growth could be very low.
  3. Even when people know the truth about economic issues, they still might not say it. This creates a situation where misleading information can seem credible.

Central Banking in the Age of Chaos-Monkey Tariff Threats: It Would Not Be That Hard for Fed Governor Chris Waller to Do His Job Professionally

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
💰 Finance Economic Policy
  1. Fed Governor Christopher Waller should push for an end to tariff chaos, which creates inflation risks. It's important for him to act professionally and prioritize stability.
  2. Current interest rates may need to go down since they could be too high for economic growth. The Fed should be cautious and not cut rates hastily amid ongoing tariff issues.
  3. The Federal Reserve's credibility relies on resisting political pressure. They should remind the Executive that stable economic policies need changes in how the government operates.

Money Market Update

Concoda • 237 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
💰 Finance Economic Policy
  1. The recent debt limit uncertainty is making it harder for banks to get the money they need, which will likely push interest rates up. We can expect funding pressures in money markets to grow.
  2. The Federal Reserve plans to cut down on reserves, which means banks might have to compete more for cash. This could lead to the Fed needing to step in with measures to pump money into the system.
  3. Demand for U.S. Treasury bonds is holding steady despite fiscal worries. However, if concerns about the economy rise again, it could lead to changes in investment behavior.

Infographics: The Shadow Cash Market

Concoda • 313 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💰 Finance Economic Policy
  1. The shadow cash market involves various types of private transactions that are not easily tracked or regulated. This means that a lot of money moves around without official oversight.
  2. Overall, the liquidity in this market can act like bonds, providing a kind of security and stability for those involved. It’s an alternative way to manage and access funds.
  3. Understanding this market is important as it has impacts on the economy. It helps people see how money flows in ways that aren’t always visible.

How Long Can the Fed’s Independence Last?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 217 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. The Federal Reserve's independence is being challenged due to political pressures, especially from figures like Donald Trump.
  2. Critics believe current Fed policies have worsened income inequality and fear they could lead to inflation.
  3. Some economic experts argue that the Fed's bond-buying programs primarily benefit Wall Street rather than the general public.

How Young Canadians Lost Faith in Justin Trudeau

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 751 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. Young Canadians are feeling financial stress, even with good jobs, due to high costs of living and taxes. They're finding it harder to buy homes and plan for the future.
  2. There's a noticeable shift in young voters moving away from Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party towards the Conservative Party. Many feel that their economic worries aren't being addressed.
  3. Issues like high housing costs and inflation are making young people rethink their political loyalties. They are prioritizing financial stability over previously supported values.

Our elites are so mediocre

Unreported Truths • 68 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. The leaders in finance and tech stayed quiet during the Covid lockdowns, prioritizing their profits over public welfare. They could have spoken up to help the economy but chose not to.
  2. Many executives from various industries avoided speaking out because they feared losing their jobs. They thought it was safer to stay in their lanes during that chaotic time.
  3. The actions taken during the pandemic led to a wealth gap, benefiting the rich while harming the working class. This self-centered behavior seems to echo the troubling decisions seen in the Epstein scandal.

Chartbook 338 You don’t exit the force field, you alter your position within it.

Chartbook • 700 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. You can't just leave a difficult situation; you have to find a better way to deal with it. This means finding a new position or approach within the existing challenges.
  2. Different countries react differently to major events, like Brexit or Trump's policies, reflecting their unique economic power roles. For instance, when news breaks, some currencies soar while others crash based on local reactions.
  3. The way countries negotiate and manage their economic rules greatly impacts reform efforts. A left-leaning government in the U.S. or elsewhere would face specific challenges shaped by these dynamics.

Top Links 639 Buybacks over investment in the US military-industrial complex. The Indian economy shifts gear. RAND on burden-sharing & Britain's wars of decolonization.

Chartbook • 557 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. There's a discussion about how companies are focusing more on buybacks instead of investing in important areas like the military complex. It raises questions about the priorities of businesses.
  2. The Indian economy appears to be making significant progress. This could indicate shifts in global economic dynamics and growth in emerging markets.
  3. A report from RAND explores how countries share defense responsibilities, particularly relating to Britain's historical wars. This could provide insights into current international relations and military commitments.

Tariffs, Chaos, & the G6: I Watch Adam Posen as an Eloquent Cassandra on the Economic Wages of Pluto-Populist Trade-Policy Folly

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. Tariffs can harm regular American families by increasing prices and creating uncertainty. They may seem like a good idea to support local industries, but they often backfire.
  2. The U.S. is becoming more isolated in global trade because of unpredictable policies. Other countries will easily find new trade partners, leaving the U.S. at a disadvantage.
  3. The chaos caused by tariffs leads to significant financial burdens on lower-income households. The overall economic impact will hurt many people, especially those with less money.

Monetary Policy Is Monetary Piracy

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 28 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
💰 Finance Economic Policy
  1. State-run monetary policy acts like theft because creating money for private banks concentrates wealth with insiders and helps cause recurring financial crises.
  2. Money and banking should be separated from the state; legal tender laws and special banking privileges (like protections for fractional-reserve lending) enable monetary piracy and should be repealed so people can choose competing currencies.
  3. A free market for money, grounded in private property and competition, would produce sounder money and make financial actors accountable to customers rather than the state.

✨⏩ JD Vance offers an accelerationist AI vision in Paris

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. JD Vance spoke about how technology can empower workers instead of taking their jobs away. It's important to focus on how AI can help people do their jobs better.
  2. He emphasized the need for more support in areas that are less technologically advanced. Investing in the heartland can help create a balanced economy.
  3. Vance's speech addressed the idea of balancing innovation with careful development. It's crucial to ensure that the rapid growth of AI doesn’t lead to negative social impacts.

The Typology of China Envy

Taipology • 202 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Economic Policy
  1. China has made huge progress, lifting 800 million people out of poverty, and now its economy is too big to ignore. This might change global power dynamics.
  2. Different people have strong and varied opinions about China's growth and political policies, ranging from skeptics to supporters, and these views are shifting as China becomes a more prominent player in the world.
  3. The situation in Taiwan is complex, and while there’s concern about potential conflicts, there’s also hope that China will prioritize peace due to its economic interests.

In the latest leftoid failure to understand basic economic principles like supply and demand, Berlin Greens demand consumer price caps on ice cream

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 238 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy
  1. Politicians often think they can make things cheaper just by making rules, but that doesn't really work. Prices are linked to demand and market realities, not just laws.
  2. High energy costs are making everyday items, like ice cream, more expensive. These costs are impacted by the policies that some politicians support.
  3. If the proposal for cheaper ice cream is put into action, it could actually raise prices even more. Ice cream shops may need to charge more for other items to cover losses, leading to higher overall costs.