The hottest Economics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Most important stories of 2023: Gaza, Ukraine, China, BRICS, dedollarization, bank crises, inflation

Geopolitical Economy Report • 617 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Economics
  1. The most important stories of 2023 included Gaza and Ukraine wars, US-China tensions, BRICS expansion, de-dollarization movement, inflation crisis, and bank collapses.
  2. Countries worldwide are making efforts to move away from the US dollar to challenge its dominance in global trade and geopolitical influence.
  3. US involvement in geopolitical events such as tensions with China, coup plots in Peru, and Mexico's stance on US relations continue to shape international dynamics and relations.

Top Links 820 YKK the global zipper company. Hit over the head by scale. The global history of the Tortilla.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. YKK is a global leader in zippers and has perfected its supply chain over many years. This shows how important logistics is for big companies.
  2. The history of the tortilla highlights its cultural significance and how food shapes societies. It's interesting to see how something so simple has deep roots.
  3. The importance of scale is clear in business; larger companies often have advantages, but they also face unique challenges. Understanding this can help smaller businesses compete.

Losing Friends, Hobbling Manufacturing Businesses & Workers, & Sabotaging Growth with One Inept Chaos-Monkey Tariff Trick

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 438 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Trump's tariffs have hurt U.S. manufacturing workers by making their products less competitive compared to foreign goods. This has led to frustration among both workers and company managers.
  2. The uncertainty caused by Trump's chaotic trade policies has made it hard for businesses to plan and has created a hostile environment for international trade. This unpredictability can lead to increased costs for consumers.
  3. Many experts believe that Trump's trade deals not only fail to reduce the trade deficit but also risk slowing U.S. economic growth. The long-term effects may include lower wages and a weaker economy for American households.

The Bear Cave #280

The Bear Cave • 513 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. New reports suggest issues at several companies, including financial mismanagement and misleading statements. It's a reminder to research thoroughly before investing.
  2. There have been significant executive resignations at companies like Trex and Lanvin Group. Frequent leadership changes can signal instability in a company.
  3. The SEC is looking into various companies, hinting at potential undisclosed investigations. Keeping an eye on SEC updates could help investors make better decisions.
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Fear Not

The Better Letter • 511 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Fear sells and makes money, driving many market predictions based on fear.
  2. Investors face fear daily, driven by narratives over data, making them susceptible to fear-mongering.
  3. Long-term investment is crucial; while fear may lead to short-term moves, the market trends upwards over time, favoring investment.

Top Links 815 Is the US housing market on the brink? How the Houthis import oil. Beating cancer & Chris Clark on the end of modernity.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. The US housing market may be facing serious issues. People are curious about whether it could be on the brink of a major change.
  2. There's information on how the Houthis, a group from Yemen, import oil. This sheds light on their operations and impacts on the global oil market.
  3. The topic of beating cancer and discussions on modernity suggest a broader look at health and societal changes. These discussions can help us understand current challenges.

Top Links 807 Vietnam's manufacturing boom. Chongqing: China's motorcycle capita. The Walls Do Not Fall.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Vietnam's manufacturing sector is growing rapidly, making it an important player in global production. This boom shows how the country is developing its economy.
  2. Chongqing is known as the motorcycle capital of China, highlighting its significance in the motorcycle industry. This is a fun fact about a major city in China.
  3. The mention of myths and art from figures like Mark Rothko suggests that art can represent deep, universal ideas rather than just specific stories. It's about connecting with broader themes in humanity.

Top Links 795 How global bond markets closed for low-income borrowers and then reopened. Selling ICE fossils to Russia. China's AI competition & One Art.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Global bond markets have shifted, closing previously to low-income borrowers, but they have now opened up again. This change can affect how governments of poorer countries manage their debt.
  2. The topic of selling fossil fuels to Russia is being discussed, highlighting the complexities of international trade and its implications on climate change.
  3. China's competition in AI is growing, showing how important technology is in today's world economy and how it can impact various sectors.

Top Links 749 Tanning and the tariffs. How small boats are getting bigger. Liverpool and the unmaking of Britain.

Chartbook • 629 implied HN points • 25 May 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. The leather industry in the US is facing challenges due to tariffs, which can affect the prices of products made from leather.
  2. Small boats are getting bigger, which might change how we think about fishing and travel at sea.
  3. The history of Liverpool is highlighted as a key part of understanding the changes in Britain.

What Manufacturing Production Is Not Good For

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 468 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Chasing factory jobs is not a good solution for job creation anymore. Most manufacturing is highly automated now, so there are fewer jobs that don’t require a degree.
  2. Unions play a key role in improving job quality in manufacturing. Strong unions can make even lower-skill jobs more stable and better paying.
  3. The future of work is shifting away from manufacturing jobs. Instead of looking to bring back old factory jobs, we should focus on rebuilding institutions that support workers across all industries.

Top Links 791 How war displaced tariffs from the news agenda. Gold in China. Roman sewerage & hapax legomenon.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
📰 News Economics
  1. Wars often shift the focus away from economic issues like tariffs. This change affects how we view global trade.
  2. Gold is becoming increasingly important in China, which suggests shifting economic interests there.
  3. Roman sewer systems show how ancient civilizations managed waste, giving us insight into past engineering and public health.

Top Links 799 Slum Song. The markets reward Israel. Scattered Spiders are coming for your groceries and living in the first century of world wars.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Israel's markets are doing really well after their recent conflict, with their currency and investments leading globally. It's a noticeable shift from their situation before the conflict.
  2. The ideas of living in a troubled world today are compared to the challenges of the first world wars, reflecting ongoing global issues.
  3. There is a mention of businesses, like grocery stores, facing unique challenges which may suggest a shift in consumer behavior or economic conditions.

Credit Access at Fannie & Freddie

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 147 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are changing credit score rules, which could help more people access mortgages. This is a positive step, especially for those with lower credit scores.
  2. There's a concern that past events, like the 2008 financial crisis, make people wary of easing lending standards. Many people still express fear about potential risks in the mortgage market.
  3. The current changes to mortgage access are different from the past crisis. Ensuring loans are available to responsible buyers could boost homeownership and help stabilize the housing market.

Top Links 752 Phases of economic history/ascendant economic ideologies. China's renewables megabases & how banana bunches are organized.

Chartbook • 600 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. There are 752 important phases in economic history that show how economies have changed over time.
  2. China is creating large renewable energy projects, which could have a big impact on its energy future.
  3. An interesting way to understand economics is to look at how bananas are organized, showing how we can learn from everyday things.

Top Links 782 America's largest firms employ fewer workers. Three housing crises not one. Less money for science and conscious walking.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Big companies in America are hiring fewer workers than before. This trend can change the job market.
  2. There are actually three different housing crises happening at the same time, affecting people's living situations.
  3. Funding for science is decreasing, and people are becoming less aware of their surroundings while walking.

Central Bankers Blaming the Victims

cryptoeconomy • 884 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Central bankers are blaming people for inflation to divert attention from their own actions
  2. The 'Greedflation' narrative sets the masses against each other while the elite benefits
  3. Inflation is being driven by government greed and printing of trillions, impacting the public negatively

Top Links 766 No tariffs on vintage. The turbine crisis. Hayek's bastards and Blue Jerusalem.

Chartbook • 543 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. There are currently no tariffs on vintage items, making it easier to buy and sell them. This can benefit collectors and businesses alike.
  2. The turbine crisis is a significant issue, which may impact energy production and prices. It's important to stay informed about how this affects the economy.
  3. Hayek's ideas continue to provoke discussions, along with topics related to cities like Blue Jerusalem. Understanding these concepts can help in navigating modern economic debates.

This Is What Fairer Trade with China Looks Like

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1080 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. There are differences in the tariffs that companies like Gap and H&M pay compared to platforms like Temu and Shein. This raises questions about fairness in trade practices.
  2. Brands like Shein and Temu are gaining a lot of attention through aggressive advertising on social media and other platforms.
  3. There is a culture emerging around 'haul' videos, where influencers showcase their purchases from these low-cost retailers, promoting consumerism.

Why Is GBTC Killing Itself?

The Bitcoin Layer • 471 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Grayscale's decision to charge a higher management fee for GBTC resulted in massive outflows and selling pressure on bitcoin.
  2. Competitors offering lower fees attracted investors away from GBTC.
  3. The exodus from GBTC and selling pressure by Grayscale are impacting bitcoin's price.

Top Links 767 The surge in global steel production that is not glutting global markets. Fiscal federalism in Nigeria and the MidEast AI play.

Chartbook • 529 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Global steel production is currently rising without causing an oversupply in the market. This means that while more steel is being made, it's still being used effectively.
  2. The reduction in traded steel suggests that overcapacity issues are more about political decisions than actual economic needs. It's not just about making stuff; it's also about how countries manage their resources.
  3. Fiscal federalism in Nigeria and the role of AI in the Middle East are important topics worth exploring. They show how local and technological changes can impact economies.

Top Links 793 Stablecoins and MMF compared. China Investment Corp in retreat. Biology & air-conditioning & not knowing yet wanting-to-know.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Stablecoins are similar to money market funds and provide a way to manage digital assets safely.
  2. China Investment Corporation is pulling back from some markets, indicating possible economic shifts.
  3. There is a growing interest in the links between biology and technology, especially in areas like air-conditioning.

Links - 01/22/2024

Value Investing World • 471 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Information is usually gathered quickly, with most of it obtained in the beginning.
  2. High uncertainty can lead to low prices in investments.
  3. Investors often seek certainty and avoid uncertain situations, but prices may rise with it.

Substack And The Rise Of The Degenerate Economist

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 61 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Independent publishing platforms are upending financial media by letting direct, high‑conviction voices build audiences and monetize their work, so truth and freedom of speech are winning followers.
  2. Contrarian analysts who backed precious metals and other nonconsensus trades were vindicated, and their accuracy has driven growing readership and revenue for independent writers.
  3. Legacy financial outlets will have to adapt by bringing in independent voices and more balanced, merit‑based commentary or they’ll keep losing viewers while independents gain influence.

The Romance Novel Edition

Why is this interesting? • 965 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Economics
  1. Romance novels offer escapism and predictable happy endings that many readers enjoy during tough times. They have become popular among diverse groups of women, from stay-at-home moms to college students.
  2. The romance genre focuses on female pleasure and sexuality while challenging societal views about women's desires. It mixes fun storytelling with important cultural discussions.
  3. Romance novels are a big business, outselling even the Bible. Many readers are not just fans—they are part of a community that engages with the genre through discussions, fan fiction, and events.

Kremer Patent Auctions

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Patents are meant to reward inventors, but they can lead to inefficiencies and high drug prices. Finding a balance is important to encourage innovation while ensuring access.
  2. Kremer's idea of patent auctions could help by allowing the government to buy patents, making drugs cheaper and more available to everyone while still fairly compensating inventors.
  3. Collusion among companies can be a concern in patent auctions, but even with this risk, the potential benefits of better research funding could outweigh the drawbacks of higher prices from collusion.

China Is Overtaking America. In an Electric Car.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 343 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. China is rapidly advancing in the electric vehicle market, overtaking major companies like Tesla. It's now the largest EV maker in the world.
  2. The Chinese government is strategically hoarding resources and controlling supply chains, giving them an edge in technology and manufacturing.
  3. Industry leaders, like Ford's CEO, recognize the seriousness of this competition and the potential risks of falling behind China in the automotive sector.

Shakespeare the economist.

The Common Reader • 992 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Economics
  1. Shakespeare understood economics really well. He used themes like wealth and trade in his plays to show how money affects human relationships.
  2. His work highlights the moral issues of money, like debt and lending. For example, in The Merchant of Venice, the harsh realities of financial need lead to serious conflicts.
  3. Shakespeare's stories reflect the changing social dynamics of his time. The rise of the middle class and trade had a big impact on society and he captured that in his writing.

Solving Greece's demographics

The Greek Analyst • 259 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Economics
  1. Greece is facing a serious demographic challenge with a declining population and a growing gap between births and deaths.
  2. The country's Total Fertility Rate has been below the replacement level for four decades, posing a significant threat to its future population size.
  3. The government is implementing measures such as tax incentives and improved parental policies to address the demographic issue, but more ambitious and bold solutions are needed to turn the situation around.

OpenAI is too cheap to beat (redux)

The AI Frontier • 59 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. Data and infrastructure are really important for companies like OpenAI. They collect a lot of data, which helps them improve their models faster than others.
  2. OpenAI is cheaper for fine-tuning models compared to using your own infrastructure. This means most companies will find it more cost-effective to use OpenAI's services instead of trying to run their own setups.
  3. Even though open-source models have potential, big companies will likely stay ahead due to their ability to serve models quickly and cheaply. Switching to a different system is hard and expensive, making it tough for smaller players.

Top Links 796 The sanctification of small business. How gold is displacing coca. A German drought and the first lawnmower.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Small businesses are being viewed as really important in America right now. This change may need more discussion to understand its impact.
  2. Gold is becoming a substitute for coca in some areas. This transition could have significant effects on local economies and social structures.
  3. A drought in Germany is impacting daily life, even influencing things like lawn care. Understanding such environmental changes is crucial.

China massively overbuilt high-speed rail, says leading economic geographer

Pekingnology • 415 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Economics
  1. China has built an extensive high-speed rail network, but many lines are not being used enough, leading to large financial losses.
  2. The planning and construction of high-speed rail lines often ignore actual passenger demand, resulting in projects that are not economically viable.
  3. Some high-speed rail stations are located far from city centers, making them inconvenient for travelers, which adds to the overall problem of underutilization.

ChatGPT5 drops

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. ChatGPT5 can help students with creative projects, like making a virtual wax museum about economists. It offers guidance on how to set it up and what to include.
  2. The idea is to create interactive exhibits for each economist, showcasing their contributions and ideas in an engaging way. This makes learning about them more fun and relatable.
  3. Even though ChatGPT5 can generate useful starting materials, students still need to put effort into developing their projects. It’s about teamwork between AI and human creativity.

✨🎈 If the AI boom goes bust, then what?

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. Bubbles in the economy can sometimes lead to positive changes. They might seem scary, but they can drive innovation and infrastructure.
  2. The current boom in AI might look like a bubble, but it could still create benefits in the future, even if some companies fail.
  3. Investors shouldn't always fear bubbles; they can lead to significant advancements and growth in the economy.

Addictibility is the Meta of Consumer Capitalism

Inland Nobody • 80 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Addictibility is everywhere in modern products, not just in substances like drugs. Companies are designed to make things that keep us coming back for more, often without us even realizing it.
  2. There’s a spectrum of addictibility from engaging to addictive. Many forms of entertainment and social media hit the sweet spot of grabbing our attention and making it hard to walk away.
  3. It's difficult to regulate products designed to be addictible because defining boundaries is tricky. We need to find a way to reduce temptations while balancing innovation and consumer freedom.

Austerity for Fertility

Bet On It • 301 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
🚌 Education Economics
  1. Lower birth rates are a big concern, and some economists now think we need policies to raise them. They believe reducing government spending on education could help with this issue.
  2. Educational austerity suggests that cutting funding for non-STEM majors may lead to women finishing their studies sooner and starting families earlier.
  3. The idea is not about opposing education but rather focusing financial support on areas that might boost birth rates while reducing wasteful spending.

Top Links 785 China in the gold market. Information Spillovers Within Couples. The cost of children & the PRC and Bretton Woods.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. China is buying more gold than it publicly admits, which can affect the market significantly.
  2. Goldman Sachs forecasts that the price of gold could reach $4000 by mid-2026 based on this increased demand from China.
  3. Understanding these trends can help investors anticipate future changes in the gold market.