The hottest Economics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Daily Chartbook #300

Daily Chartbook • 1545 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. The share of for-sale homes with price drops is at its highest level in a year.
  2. Redfin's Homebuyer Demand Index has dropped to its lowest level in a year.
  3. Jobless claims remained unchanged at 209k, but continuing claims rose more than expected for the 3rd week in a row.

AI Roundup 143: Agent provocateur

Artificial Ignorance • 54 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. Amazon is suing a startup called Perplexity because it claims the company's AI browser agent is making purchases on its site without permission. This could change the rules for how AI can act on behalf of people.
  2. OpenAI's CFO mentioned a federal 'backstop' for AI financing, which triggered backlash and clarified that the government won't bail out AI companies financially. This situation highlights the tension between supporting tech growth and managing risks.
  3. Nvidia, once dominant in AI chips, is facing challenges as the US restricts chip sales to China. This situation shows the growing divide in technology between the US and China, and the competitive pressures both countries are experiencing.

Earnings: Hyperscalers, AMD, ALAB, ANET

Mule’s Musings • 122 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Hyperscalers are large tech companies that significantly impact the market. They are key players in the tech industry.
  2. AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) is a prominent company in semiconductor technology. They create powerful processors and graphics cards.
  3. Companies like ALAB and ANET are also notable in the tech space, focusing on different innovations and solutions.

Top Links 605 The story of FRED. Africa's looming debts. The world of copper & art in airports.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. FRED is an important economic tool that helps track data over time, starting in the 1960s with economist Homer Jones. It shows how data can help understand the economy better.
  2. Africa is facing significant debt challenges, and awareness of these issues is crucial for global economic stability. It highlights the financial struggles many countries are experiencing.
  3. The connection between copper and art in airports showcases how different economic sectors can intersect. It's interesting to see how materials and art affect spaces we use every day.
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Top Links 589 How US arrivistes do it better. Exceptionalism weighed. Sino-Saudi ties. The global cotton boom and slavery in Egypt.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. US exceptionalism can be seen in how new arrivals succeed differently compared to other countries. It shows a unique approach to opportunity and wealth.
  2. Understanding Sino-Saudi relationships is important for seeing how global politics are formed today. These connections affect trade and influence between nations.
  3. The global cotton industry has a dark history tied to slavery, especially in Egypt. This highlights ongoing issues of human rights in worldwide supply chains.

Top Links 574 Gold stumbles. How Trump cost Boeing $3 billion. The UK's bitcoin haul. Beak capitalism.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Gold prices are struggling and have not been performing well recently. This trend is something to watch in financial markets.
  2. Former President Trump had a significant impact on Boeing, costing the company around $3 billion. This shows how political decisions can affect big businesses.
  3. The UK has seen a notable increase in Bitcoin income, which highlights the growing interest in cryptocurrencies in the region.

A Techno-Trad Take on Fertility

Shakos Metaheuristics • 176 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Economics
  1. We need modern incentives to encourage women to have more children.
  2. Childcare workers are undervalued and underpaid, affecting the childcare infrastructure.
  3. Economic solutions, such as better wages and government support, can help increase fertility rates among women.

The Cloud Wars Update: Who’s Winning the AI-Driven Growth Battle

Tanay’s Newsletter • 126 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Azure is growing fast and took the biggest share of new cloud spending, showing Microsoft is strong in AI. They likely gained from being closely linked with OpenAI.
  2. Even with high demand for AI, all three companies face limits in their capacity to deliver. This means they have a backlog of orders they can't fill right now.
  3. Investment in AI is a big focus for all these companies, with plans to spend a lot of money on infrastructure and technology to meet growing demand.

Top Links 568 Stock markets in the 2nd Trump Presidency. How emering markets emerged. Indian food inflation & the global wine glut.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Stock markets might struggle to reach new highs during Trump's second term compared to his first term.
  2. Emerging markets have become more prominent in the global economy, showing their growth potential.
  3. Food inflation in India and oversupply in the wine market are significant trends affecting consumers today.

Beyond Prediction: Shaping Your Work Story in an Uncertain World

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 488 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. There are seven main stories shaping how we think about the future of work. Each one explores different trends and possibilities, like technology, job loss, and education.
  2. We can't predict exactly what will happen, but we can choose which narrative we want to believe in. Our choices can shape our future work experiences.
  3. Lifelong learning and adaptation are becoming essential. As technology changes, we need to keep learning to stay relevant in our jobs.

Infographics: The TGA Drawdown

Concoda • 367 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. The U.S. government is depleting its bank account during a debt limit issue. This means they have less money available to spend.
  2. There are flows and processes involved when the government runs out of money. Understanding these flows can help clarify the financial situation.
  3. The information is presented in both dark and light mode, which makes it easier for different people to read and understand.

From inheritance liability to investment incentive

Japan Optimist • 294 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
💼 Business Economics
  1. Japan has a large stock of financial assets but they are not being effectively utilized.
  2. There is a significant opportunity to channel inheritance funds towards investments for Japan's future.
  3. Reforming the gift and inheritance tax systems can allow individuals to self-direct wealth towards projects for future prosperity.

SLOSH SLOSH

ANDREA CECCHI Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Maintaining the illusion of liquidity is crucial to the system's survival
  2. The Reverse Repo system creates the illusion of liquidity in the financial system
  3. Dismantling the current economic system is complex and requires careful balance

Patents and National Power

ChinaTalk • 370 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. Patents are important for protecting inventors and fostering innovation. They give inventors exclusive rights to their creations, which encourages more people to invent and share new ideas.
  2. The U.S. patent system differs from other countries because it allows anyone to apply for a patent, making it more accessible. This has helped create a culture of innovation and economic growth in America.
  3. Recent changes in patent policies have made it harder for inventors to protect their ideas, which could slow down innovation. It's important for the U.S. to strengthen its patent system to maintain its leadership in technology and innovation.

2024 Annual Letter: Generational Company, Generational Wealth

Interconnected • 354 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Investing in technology, especially in areas like AI and cloud infrastructure, can be a promising way to build wealth over time. It's important to focus on companies with strong fundamentals that are expected to grow for many years.
  2. Tariffs and geopolitical events can greatly impact investment strategies, so it's crucial to seek out portfolio positions that are less sensitive to such changes. This helps in managing risks and stabilizing returns.
  3. Building generational wealth means finding robust companies that will still thrive in the future. Personal experiences can shape how we view long-term investments and what makes a company worth investing in.

Top Links 649 Dollar overvaluation. Ethiopia's precarious economic reforms. Kashmir and panzootic threats.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. The dollar is currently overvalued, which could have serious economic impacts. This means that the dollar's strength might not reflect the true value of the economy.
  2. Ethiopia is facing challenges with its economic reforms. These reforms are crucial for the country's future stability and growth.
  3. Kashmir is experiencing threats from panzootic diseases. This situation poses risks to both human health and local wildlife.

Steve Keen: "On the Origins of Energy Blindness”

Building a New Economics • 137 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🔬 Science Economics
  1. Nate Hagens' podcast 'The Great Simplification' discusses the critical role of energy in human civilization and the potential for ecological overshoot to lead to major changes for humanity's survival.
  2. The concept of 'Energy Blindness' is explored in a conversation between Nate Hagens and Steve Keen, tracing back to Adam Smith, known as 'the Father of Economics'.
  3. The podcast conversation between Nate Hagens and Steve Keen is available both in audio and video formats for different preferences.

A Friendly Appeal to the Unconvinced

Bet On It • 171 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Governments often fail to effectively address social problems due to mismanagement of economic principles. They usually implement policies that sound good but don’t actually help.
  2. A lot of current government actions may sound good, but they lead to negative outcomes. This shows that just fixing individual issues isn't enough; we need to rethink the overall role of government.
  3. If markets are better at creating positive outcomes than governments, then reducing government power could lead to better solutions for society.

Daily Chartbook #272

Daily Chartbook • 1519 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Freight rates have increased but not as much as in previous years
  2. Geopolitical risks are leading to more mentions of 'reshoring' in corporate earnings calls
  3. The Credit Managers Index report for August shows signs of weakness

Introducing Geopolitical Economy Report: Multipolarista is evolving

Geopolitical Economy Report • 378 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Economics
  1. Multipolarista has evolved into Geopolitical Economy Report, a new independent media outlet for original journalism and analysis on international politics and economics.
  2. Geopolitical Economy Report is expanding with new team members and exciting projects planned including a regular show featuring economists like Michael Hudson and Radhika Desai.
  3. Editor-in-chief Ben Norton explains the changes and continuity in a video and podcast available on the platform.

Daily Chartbook #286

Daily Chartbook • 1441 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Monthly housing payments have reached a new all-time high at $2,661
  2. Used car prices are unlikely to 'crash' soon due to under-production of cars
  3. Credit card utilization rate is increasing but still below historical levels

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 56

Why is this interesting? • 180 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Economics
  1. AI is making it really hard for new college grads to find jobs, even those with fancy degrees.
  2. People in Syria are now using metal detectors to search for gold after being free from the harsh Assad regime.
  3. Many startups fail, and there's a lot of confusion in the new media about how to get noticed.

Top Links 606 Trump wants the canal back. The cost of crime in LatAm. Economists at war & debating La Notta.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Trump is expressing a desire to regain control of the Panama Canal. This idea could stir up discussions about historical land control in the Americas.
  2. Crime costs in Latin America are significant and have a big impact on society and the economy. Understanding these costs is crucial for finding ways to improve safety and living conditions.
  3. There seems to be ongoing debates among economists about certain financial issues. These discussions can help us see different perspectives on economic policies and their effects.

Business and Economics links, 1/12

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Co-founder relationships are really important for startup success. If co-founders don't get along, it can lead to the startup failing.
  2. Economic analysis often relies on metaphors, which can lead to different interpretations. It's normal for people to disagree about economic ideas.
  3. The debate over resource prices shows that neither side always wins. Long-term data suggests that market dynamics can be complex and unpredictable.

Will You Get to Retire Before The World Ends and Humanity Goes Dark?

OK Doomer • 161 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Many people have a dream of retiring comfortably, similar to how grandma lived her later years, but it's important to recognize that this might not be the reality for most of us.
  2. The financial industry promotes the idea of an easy retirement, but many experts suggest that it's becoming increasingly unlikely for people to achieve that goal.
  3. Being honest about retirement prospects is crucial, as it respects people's time and helps them prepare better for the reality of their financial futures.

Top Links 615 The great wealth avalanche. Chinese white-collar salary cuts. North Virginia, data centre capital of the world & My Beautiful Laundrette revisited.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. There is a significant shift in wealth distribution happening, which is often referred to as a wealth avalanche. This means that a lot of money is moving, impacting people's financial situations.
  2. In China, many white-collar workers are facing salary cuts, which can be tough for them and the economy. This situation can lead to broader economic effects.
  3. North Virginia has become a key hub for data centers, showing how technology and data management are growing in importance. This shift highlights the changing job market and investment opportunities.

Letter from Santiago

Things I Didn't Learn in School • 275 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
💼 Business Economics
  1. The demand for lithium and copper is predicted to increase significantly due to the rise of electric vehicles.
  2. Chile, rich in copper and lithium, faces challenges with flat export volumes, political instability, and crime.
  3. The shift to electric vehicles will impact commodity prices, inflation, and stock values, influencing global economies.

Bitcoin Tech Talk #382

jimmysong • 137 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. Citation Cartels manipulate the number of citations to boost university rankings in mathematics.
  2. Fauxductivity refers to tasks that appear productive but are actually not, and 'just-in-time' vs 'just-in-case' optimization is discussed.
  3. Education Consultants help wealthy individuals' children gain admission to top colleges, charging high fees and manipulating institutional preferences.

Top Links 572 Tariffs & toys. The Trump non-linearity. A Miami real estate mystery. Keeping the Panama Canal open.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Tariffs can impact holiday shopping by raising prices on various goods. This might make things like toys more expensive for consumers.
  2. There are unique stories, like the mystery surrounding Miami's real estate market, that highlight interesting trends in the economy.
  3. Global issues, such as keeping the Panama Canal open, show how interconnected our world is and why these logistics matter for trade.

Toward Shores Not Yet Visible

Lewis Enterprises • 275 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Examine the system of finance and ensure it is secure and correct
  2. The realms of finance and politics are interconnected and cannot be separated
  3. Our relationship with time, money, and the economy is undergoing significant changes

Top Links 613 The surge in big tech capex. The shipbuilding boom. Litigating butter chicken. Are we entering post-literate society?

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Big tech companies are investing a lot in their capital, which is changing the economy in significant ways. It's interesting to see how this trend has developed over the last 15 years.
  2. There is a noticeable rise in shipbuilding, suggesting that the industry is picking up. This could mean more jobs and trade opportunities in the future.
  3. The concept of a post-literate society is being discussed, raising questions about how we communicate and share information today. It makes you think about the impact of technology on reading and writing.

Daily Chartbook #261

Daily Chartbook • 1519 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Homebuyers are turning to newly built single-family homes due to low inventory.
  2. Auto production is above 2019 levels and likely won't increase much.
  3. Wholesale used-vehicle prices rose slightly in August compared to July but are still lower than in August 2022.

AI Surrenders to the Military-Industrial Complex

Nonzero Newsletter • 463 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. AI companies, like Anthropic and Meta, are increasingly collaborating with the military. This shift shows a blending of technology and defense strategies, especially regarding competition with China.
  2. Despite its focus on AI safety, Anthropic has decided to work with the Pentagon. This suggests that even companies with more ethical beginnings can be drawn into military alliances.
  3. The rise of the AI industry's influence in national security is seen as ironic. Many believe cooperation between the US and China in AI could be better for global stability than escalating tensions.

Linkpost for February

Thing of Things • 137 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🔬 Science Economics
  1. Long-term monthly payments and lump sum cash transfers are both effective ways of helping people, but short-term monthly payments are less effective.
  2. The Copenhagen Consensus Center has identified twelve programs that are more cost-effective than unconditional cash transfers for addressing global poverty.
  3. Malaria vaccines may be less cost-effective than bednets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention due to logistical challenges and similar efficacy.

Crypto Cannot Avoid The Iron Laws of Economics

Points And Figures • 506 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Economics
  1. Cryptocurrency operates under economic principles just like any other market. If costs to create or maintain it exceed profits, it won't succeed.
  2. A recent study highlights that cryptocurrencies may struggle to scale due to high security costs, making them potentially less efficient than traditional financial systems.
  3. While cryptocurrencies aimed to remove the need for legal systems and intermediaries, they still require a level of trust that can be expensive and complex to maintain.