The hottest Economics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality—The SubStack

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 461 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. The newsletter aims to make readers smarter and more informed about economic topics. It's designed to keep readers engaged and entertained while learning.
  2. Readers can expect economic insights, historical context, and thoughtful recommendations in the newsletter. The goal is to offer clarity and understanding of complex issues.
  3. The newsletter also seeks to enhance public discourse by steering readers away from sensationalism and clickbait, promoting a more thoughtful examination of current events.

The Worst Event in History of Crypto

DeFi Education • 819 implied HN points • 13 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Economics
  1. The FTX collapse is considered one of the biggest failures in crypto history. It involved issues with the exchange, the trading firm Alameda, and its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried.
  2. Bankruptcy and a major hack followed the collapse, causing significant losses for many investors. This situation raised concerns about the safety of funds in the crypto space.
  3. There are lessons to be learned from these events about risk management and the importance of due diligence when investing in cryptocurrencies. It's essential to be cautious and informed.

Daily Chartbook #265

Daily Chartbook • 1467 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. More than one-quarter of homebuyers are looking to move to a different part of the country.
  2. Mortgage demand fell to the lowest level since 1995.
  3. Sales of new homes jumped 4.4% month-over-month in July.

British empire killed 165 million Indians in 40 years: How colonialism inspired fascism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 398 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Economics
  1. British colonialism in India under the British empire caused the deaths of at least 100 million Indians in just 40 years from 1880 to 1920, and the theft of trillions of dollars in wealth.
  2. European empires' genocidal acts inspired fascist leaders like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, leading to similar genocidal crimes within their own territories.
  3. The British empire, along with causing the deaths of millions of Indians, also drained an estimated $45 trillion of wealth from India between 1765 and 1938, significantly impeding the country's growth and development.

Marriage

David Friedman’s Substack • 386 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Economics
  1. Marriage can be viewed as a partnership where both people share responsibilities like income, chores, and caring for children. It's like running a small business together.
  2. People often choose not to buy all services from outside, like cooking or cleaning, because it's easier and cheaper to do these things at home. It saves time and effort to manage these tasks within a marriage instead of hiring others.
  3. The decline in marriage rates might be linked to fewer household responsibilities and easier options for divorce, which make it less binding than before. People are adjusting to a modern world where marriage can seem less necessary.
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House Prices to Income

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 47 implied HN points • 04 Nov 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. House prices compared to incomes are important to track, but income data often comes out late and can be misleading. It's tricky to decide which income figures to use for accurate comparisons.
  2. The median household income increased to $83,730 in 2024, showing growth from the previous year. This change can affect how we view housing affordability.
  3. Currently, house prices are still high compared to historical averages, which means buying a home might be more expensive than usual. They're not far from the peaks seen during the housing bubble.

Should Cities Buy Office Buildings?

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Experienced investors are seizing the opportunity to acquire distressed office buildings due to significant investment momentum and low prices.
  2. Cities are offering incentives like tax abatements and low-interest loans to encourage the purchase and conversion of office buildings into residential spaces.
  3. Cities could benefit by investing in distressed office buildings themselves to shape the future of their urban landscapes and prevent missed opportunities, similar to what happened after the Great Financial Crisis.

Elevance's Q2 profits make Wall Street investors (and company executives) happy and wealthy

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 359 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Elevance's profits for the second quarter were better than expected, making Wall Street investors very happy. The company is on track to earn even more this year than previously thought.
  2. The company spent less on patient care compared to previous years, which boosted their profits. However, this came at the expense of providing necessary care for low-income and vulnerable populations.
  3. Elevance is growing mainly through its Medicare and Medicaid programs, while its private insurance enrollment is declining. The growth in revenue comes from premium increases and government subsidies.

China's Vanishing Wealth

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
💼 Business Economics
  1. Wealthy business leaders in China are disappearing or facing government crackdowns without clear reasons. This shows a shift towards increased government control in key industries.
  2. China's past economic growth relied on free enterprise, which helped lift millions out of poverty. Now, the current leadership seems to favor a more centralized, state-controlled economy.
  3. The government's actions against successful entrepreneurs send a warning to investors about the risks of doing business in China. Many are now hesitant to engage due to fears of losing their investments.

I really don’t care why evolution happened

Something to Consider • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🔬 Science Economics
  1. Science should help us make better choices now, not just speculate about the past. We should focus on how what we learn can improve our lives today.
  2. Understanding historical impacts like slavery can teach us more about current issues, such as trust and economic development, rather than just dwelling on the past for its own sake.
  3. Scientists should prioritize research that benefits society instead of just following personal interests. Our work should aim to make the world better and address current problems.

Top Links 641 The UK's trade deficit with the US. Low-income growth in the USA. How electrification stalled. "M: son of the century" and "The new us".

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. The UK has a unique trade relationship where it imports more from the US than it exports, leading to a trade deficit. This is unusual for a developed country.
  2. Low-income growth in the USA is a significant issue, highlighting economic challenges faced by many. It's affecting overall prosperity and living standards.
  3. Electrification efforts have hit a roadblock, indicating that progress in energy transition is not happening as fast as needed. This could impact future sustainability initiatives.

Charts & More Charts

Spilled Coffee • 36 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. The article shares 15 important charts that provide valuable insights. These charts help to understand current trends and information.
  2. These visuals are meant to give context to data that can be relevant in the near future. Readers will benefit from seeing these key trends.
  3. This content is designed for paid subscribers, emphasizing its exclusive nature and added value for those who engage with it.

Top Links 566 Power prices. How will migrants and smugglers respond to the Trump shock? Prisons of power and Keynes on fairy dust.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Cheap electricity is making US companies more competitive compared to businesses from other countries.
  2. There are interesting questions about how migrants and smugglers will react to recent changes in politics.
  3. Keynes' ideas are still being discussed today, especially regarding economic concepts like 'fairy dust.'

Beyond The Appearances.

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Economics
  1. Thinking that an ideal model must be true and then forcing facts to fit it is a common and damaging habit across religion, science, and politics. That approach suppresses evidence and treats reality as an inconvenience to be reshaped.
  2. Mathematical economics and technocratic policy can become detached from material limits like production, supply chains, and everyday human experience. Redefining metrics or relying on models instead of practical judgement leads to bad policy and misleading claims.
  3. A pragmatic, evidence-first attitude that respects messy appearances and practical constraints works better in medicine, policy and conflict than grand, a priori systems. Humility and readiness to revise theories when facts disagree are essential to avoid ideological error.

Top Links 555 Main St v. Wall St inflation. Poland and France to block Mercosur. Nigeria's demography & de Gaulle's last picture.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. There's a battle between regular people and Wall Street over inflation issues. It's important to understand how this affects everyday life.
  2. Poland and France are planning to block a trade deal with Mercosur. This could impact trade relations in Europe and South America.
  3. Nigeria's growing population is a key topic to watch. It highlights important demographic changes happening today.

Top Links 627 Is the dollar overvalued? Larry Summers feeling good. Gold & the price of a Rolex & The Rise and Fall of the Italian economy.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. The dollar's value is being questioned right now, which is important for understanding the economy. Many people are debating whether it's too high or just right.
  2. Larry Summers, a noted economist, seems optimistic about the economic outlook. His confidence might suggest some positive trends ahead.
  3. There are intriguing comparisons being made between gold prices, the cost of luxury items like Rolexes, and the state of Italy's economy. These links can help highlight larger economic patterns.

The Explosion Economy

Anima Mundi • 103 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Economics
  1. Modern capitalism creates endless cravings, but doesn't satisfy them. This means people spend more time wanting than actually enjoying what they have.
  2. Cities and technology design make it hard to escape this constant wanting. They manipulate our desires, so we feel like we always need more.
  3. Some communities are finding ways to live differently, focusing on real satisfaction instead of produced desires. They want to balance technology and personal happiness.

China's Consumption Is Not Nearly as Low as It Appears: CF40 Policy Brief

Pekingnology • 147 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. China's actual consumption levels are much higher than what many believe. When we look at how much is consumed, the gap between China and developed countries isn't as big as the spending numbers suggest.
  2. In many areas, like food and household items, China has either matched or exceeded consumption levels of developed nations. This shows that Chinese citizens are enjoying a similar standard of living in terms of basic needs.
  3. Even though there's room for improvement in quality and type of consumption, more attention should be given to boosting domestic demand. This can enhance living standards and create a balanced trade environment.

L'ONDA D'URTO

ANDREA CECCHI Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Markets react impulsively to news, creating a sudden impact with amplified effects.
  2. The current economic system relies on debt-based currencies, leading to a continuous cycle of increasing debt and the need for new debts to pay off old ones.
  3. Observing unstable curves in economic indicators may indicate a system approaching a critical phase.

Understanding How Economic Models Break Down (and a Highly Profitable Trading Strategy!)

DeFi Education • 759 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Economics
  1. Crypto market relies on capital flow. Without enough users investing and using protocols, they can't function well.
  2. Supply and demand are key. If there's not enough capital to meet the demand, economic models can break down.
  3. Some protocols like algorithmic stablecoins can fail fundamentally. They need constant user trust and large investments, or else their value collapses.

Wings Over India: Manufacturing Our Aviation Future

Tigerfeathers! • 37 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. India has a rich history and potential in aviation, but has mostly imported planes instead of building its own. It needs to revive its aviation manufacturing to not just operate, but also create aircraft.
  2. Building aircraft can boost India’s engineering talent and confidence, making the country more self-reliant. This is key for both economic growth and national security, especially when it comes to defense.
  3. Investing in aircraft manufacturing can bring economic benefits, reduce travel costs, and inspire future generations to dream bigger. India has the talent, but it needs to take bold steps to realize its aeronautical ambitions.

Short Takes #2

Am I Stronger Yet? • 125 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. AI is not being adopted as fast as people expected, even for bad uses like fraud. Many tasks can still be done by hand, and the real-world impact of AI is still evolving.
  2. The healthcare industry may offer more opportunities for AI than coding. A lot of money is spent on admin tasks in healthcare, and AI could help make this easier.
  3. Despite advancements in AI, radiologists still have jobs because their roles involve complex tasks that are hard to fully automate. There are many factors that influence job security in the field.

U.S. Banking Fears, USDC post-mortem + March Q&A

DeFi Education • 539 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. There are concerns about the stability of U.S. banking, and this has created a sense of fear in the market. Many people are worried about what might happen next.
  2. The USDC cryptocurrency faced serious issues recently, raising questions about its reliability. Some are analyzing what went wrong and what it means for the future.
  3. In a time of crisis, quick actions and communication from venture capitalists helped to calm the situation. It shows how important leadership and support can be during financial troubles.

Top Links 607 Uncertainty in energy markets. Nike dashing for cash & the strange absence of the state.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Energy markets are facing a lot of uncertainty right now, making it hard to predict what will happen next. This can affect prices and availability for consumers.
  2. Nike is trying to gather cash quickly, signaling possible financial issues or a need for investment. This could impact their future decisions and strategies.
  3. The government seems to be less involved in addressing current economic challenges, leaving some questions about their role and support during these times.

Top Links 579 How bad is Russia's inflation? The history of the slurpee & junk playgrounds.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Russia is facing serious inflation issues, and it is important to understand how badly it is affecting the economy.
  2. There is a fascinating history behind the slurpee and junk playgrounds that explores their cultural significance.
  3. Banks and private credit firms are forming new partnerships, which could change the financial landscape.

A lot of times you just need more bidders

Something to Consider • 19 implied HN points • 14 Jul 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Having more bidders in an auction often leads to better outcomes. More bidders means a higher chance that someone will value the item enough to buy it.
  2. In auctions, it's usually better to have more bidders than to have perfect control over the auction. More bidders can drive up the price and lead to better allocation of goods.
  3. Collusion is less likely to happen when there are many bidders competing against each other. More competition means it's harder for bidders to secretly agree on lower prices.

*Pro-Market and Pro-Business*: The Sheldon Richman Conversation

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Sheldon Richman was once a left-libertarian but has changed his views over time. It's interesting to see how people's beliefs can evolve as they learn more.
  2. The conversation touches on important topics like markets, business, and capitalism. Understanding these ideas can help us navigate our economy better.
  3. The speaker has been critical of left-libertarianism for years but finds Sheldon’s change in perspective notable. It's important to stay open to new ideas and discussions.

AI: Productivity vs Performance

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. AI can create both big opportunities and greater inequalities in the workforce. While some people will thrive, others might struggle even more.
  2. Current pay models based on time may not work well anymore. Focusing on how much work gets done, rather than just hours worked, could be better for both companies and employees.
  3. The future job market may see more freelancers and solopreneurs. Schools should prepare students for entrepreneurship, as many people might choose to work for themselves.

Top Links 583 Europe's disinflation is real. Elon Musk's state-like powers. Standing with crypto & Nigerian Japa.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Europe is experiencing real disinflation, meaning prices are rising more slowly than before. This could impact the economy positively as inflation decreases.
  2. Elon Musk is being discussed for having almost state-like powers due to his influence and control in various sectors. This raises questions about the power of individual leaders in today’s world.
  3. There is a growing support for cryptocurrencies, particularly in Nigeria, where many people are looking for better opportunities, often referred to as 'Japa.' This highlights a trend of using crypto for economic mobility.

Your ideas for improving capitalism

The Novelleist • 445 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Employee ownership and cooperatives can help create a fairer economy. When workers own part of their companies, they may feel more invested in their success.
  2. Protecting housing as a basic need is important. Just like utilities, housing should be safe from big corporations that inflate prices and make it hard for everyday people to afford a home.
  3. Encouraging pro-social behavior, like investing in renewable energy, can help tackle climate change. Companies can be incentivized to do better for the environment and communities.

Top Links 623 The billionaire rally. NYC's taxi-insurance Ponzi scheme. Obvious bollocks about sterling assets & monster wolves in Japan.

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. There's a strong focus on the impact of billionaires on the economy, hinting at a rally or surge among them. This suggests wealth concentration is becoming a big topic of discussion.
  2. The mention of a proxy involving NYC's taxi-insurance points to issues around trust in financial systems and possible schemes that hurt everyday people.
  3. References to rumors about sterling assets and unusual wildlife in Japan show how sometimes wild stories can capture attention, but they might not hold any truth.

Top Links 622 Trump's big choices. President-Fed interactions. Lifting the wind siege & how reinsurance trimmed its wildfire exposure.

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. High tariffs imposed by Donald Trump can be seen positively by some who believe it helps protect American jobs.
  2. Interactions between the President and the Federal Reserve are crucial for understanding economic policies.
  3. Reinsurance companies are finding ways to reduce their risks from wildfires, showing how the industry is adapting to climate challenges.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #21

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Google is making seven small nuclear reactors to power its AI data centers. This is a big step for clean energy in tech, aiming for carbon-free power by 2035.
  2. The US economy is doing really well compared to other rich countries. It's growing faster and has better output per person than places like Europe and Japan.
  3. SpaceX successfully caught a returning rocket in mid-air. This shows how technology can make amazing ideas a reality.

Mercury's High Risk, High Rewards Strategy Runs Into Regulatory Reality

Fintech Business Weekly • 163 implied HN points • 25 May 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Mercury is trying a bold strategy by taking on risky clients, which can bring high rewards but also big challenges. They might face pushback from regulators because of this approach.
  2. The CEO of Mercury has personally asked for special permission to work with OnlyFans, showing their commitment to controversial business opportunities.
  3. Evolve's bank holding company seems to be in financial trouble, indicating that not all fintech companies are succeeding in this high-risk environment.

No, Capitalism Did Not Make America the Richest Country

Erik Examines • 268 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. America's wealth didn't come solely from capitalism or hard work; other factors played big roles too. There are many things we often overlook when we talk about America's economic success.
  2. Many Europeans didn't come to America only to escape oppression. They actually had other options within Europe, and they were often seeking better land and opportunities instead.
  3. The U.S. had vast resources like fertile land and coal, which helped it industrialize faster than many European countries. These natural advantages were a key reason for America's economic power.

Daily Chartbook #242

Daily Chartbook • 1388 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Mortgage rates dropped to 6.78% from 6.96% last week.
  2. Recent growth in real average hourly earnings may lead to an increase in mortgage applications.
  3. U.S. auto loan rejections have significantly increased recently.