The hottest Economics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Making Money

The Odin Times • 196 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
💼 Business Economics
  1. Venture capitalists aim for exit strategies rather than profitable products
  2. European founders and investors should focus on building profitable businesses over valuations
  3. Some industries may struggle to raise traditional VC funding, leading to new business opportunities

Projects don't pencil.

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 231 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. When projects don't pencil, it can relate to high costs or other factors, but it doesn't always explain the larger market trends clearly. Builders often focus too narrowly on costs without considering broader economic influences.
  2. There's a constant shift in the number of projects that pencil versus those that don't, depending on market conditions. Just because many projects aren't penciling doesn't mean that new projects won't be started; it can often indicate changing circumstances.
  3. Understanding why projects aren't penciling is complex. Costs, demand, and other factors all play a role, but it's important to avoid oversimplifying the reasons behind these changes.

Weekly Wrap

Syncretica • 157 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Phosphorus is a new concern due to lithium battery materials collapsing.
  2. Consider managing economic and financial entanglements with China.
  3. Energy modeling needs to focus on distribution and geopolitical shocks.

SHARKTOPUS VS PTERACUDA

ANDREA CECCHI Newsletter • 176 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. The world's economic system is based on creating continuous debt to repay previous debt.
  2. War serves multiple purposes, including economic gain and destruction.
  3. Wars are often viewed as a 'racket,' benefiting certain entities at the expense of others.

Wall Street Investors Enter Single Family Rentals

Arpitrage • 339 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Large institutional investors are entering the single-family rental market, which affects housing affordability. They often buy homes in high-demand areas, leading to concerns about rising house prices.
  2. These big investors have cost advantages over small landlords. They can charge lower rents due to better management and bargaining power, which can help some renters find affordable housing.
  3. The overall impact of these investors on home prices is mixed. While they might push prices up in certain markets, their presence can also increase rental availability, benefiting some renters despite potential price hikes.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Risk of Ruin Podcast

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 21 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🎙 Podcasts Economics
  1. The episode breaks down what's been messing up the housing market and the reforms aimed at fixing it.
  2. Two very different homebuilders are already putting recent west-coast reforms into practice, showing policy changes are leading to real activity on the ground.
  3. A home's right is attached to the lot, and because that right is currently scarce, turning lots from single-home to multi-home rights is extremely valuable. Small design details matter, but mechanisms that multiply homes per lot act like a money printer.

7 Thoughts About Substack's $100M Series C

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Substack has shown resilience by not giving up when venture funds didn't favor it. They managed to cut costs and eventually raised more funds, which helped them grow.
  2. The new valuation of Substack indicates high expectations for growth. However, they might struggle to maintain such growth without additional support beyond just subscription increases.
  3. Substack's move into advertising could help them grow revenue but might also change the overall user experience. It’s a balance between making money and keeping the platform enjoyable for users.

Using ChatGPT-4 for a new price discriminating hurdle for my workshops

Scott's Substack • 98 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Price discrimination involves selling the same service at different prices to different consumers based on specific criteria that can't be easily manipulated.
  2. Creating pricing hurdles, like costly actions or essays, can help target different groups of consumers effectively.
  3. Using ChatGPT-4 to assess essays for pricing eligibility can introduce a fair yet complex system, combining an honor system approach with a touch of randomness.

Investing Update: Hedge Fund Buys & Holdings

Spilled Coffee • 28 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. The stock market has recently seen a decline, with all major indices dropping for three weeks in a row. Even strong earnings from companies like Nvidia couldn't change the downward trend.
  2. Many popular tech stocks are significantly below their record highs, indicating market struggles. Investors are feeling cautious as market breadth has hit a two-year low.
  3. Despite the pullback, November is usually a strong month for stocks. Observing key stock levels and certain companies can provide insight into the market's next moves.

Top Links 554 Defending the Fed. Betting on investment. China in Peru & Pakistan's counterinsurgency campaign.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. The Federal Reserve plays a crucial role in managing the economy, and there are discussions about its actions and decisions. Understanding how the Fed works can help people make sense of economic changes.
  2. Investing is a key topic, indicating that people are looking for ways to grow their money even in uncertain times. Betting on good investments can lead to financial gain in the future.
  3. China's involvement in countries like Peru shows its global influence. Additionally, Pakistan's counterinsurgency efforts highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining security and stability.

In Data Science for Non-STEM Majors, Is Learning-by-Watching Live Calculating Possible? Likely? Reasonable to Expect?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🚌 Education Economics
  1. Students today need basic data science skills to succeed after graduation. It's like letting them leave school without knowing how to read or write.
  2. Teaching data science can be tricky because students have different backgrounds. Some find it confusing, while others think it's too basic.
  3. It's important to keep trying to teach data science. Finding the right way to do it is necessary for better education and understanding.

China's Putin Problem

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Economics
  1. China is trying to distance itself from Russia due to the negative impact of Putin's actions on its reputation and economy. Xi Jinping is making cautious moves to show he's not fully aligned with Moscow.
  2. A meeting between Xi and Biden could help improve China's international standing and address shared concerns about Russia's nuclear threats. It could also lead to better trade relationships for China.
  3. China faces serious domestic challenges, including economic downturns and issues with foreign investment. Xi needs to address these problems and find a way to mend fences with other nations.

✨ The future of AI and the US economy, according to Goldman Sachs

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Goldman Sachs sees AI improving productivity, but not as a big game changer right away. They think its impact will be more like the rise of personal computers and the internet.
  2. While AI might boost GDP growth in the coming years, it will mostly help with efficiency by automating easier tasks. The real economic benefit might take some time to show up.
  3. There’s a lot of uncertainty about how AI will play out, with both potential upsides and realistic challenges. Many companies are testing AI, but significant impacts may still be a few years away.

It's All Hitting The Fan Now

OK Doomer • 235 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. People are starting to feel uneasy about the state of the world, as many issues are becoming urgent and visible. It can be overwhelming to watch everything unfold.
  2. There's a growing sense of vindication among those who warned about these issues, but it still feels strange and not entirely satisfying. Many are wishing they had done more to prepare.
  3. It's important to take action and help others during these challenging times. Preparing for potential crises can make a difference and support your community.

Fertility Links

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Having a large family isn't just about genes; social factors and peer influence play a big role in family size. Changes in culture can lead to shifts in how many children people choose to have.
  2. U.S. education policies may unintentionally delay family planning by encouraging young people to stay in school longer. This can create a lifestyle that is not very conducive to having kids.
  3. Population density doesn’t seem to strongly affect fertility rates. Family-oriented people often prefer living in suburban or rural areas, which may be why we see lower fertility rates in cities.

Committee size is the same as efficiency: the central bank versus the legislature

Demodexio • 264 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Smaller committees are usually more efficient than larger ones. A tiny group can make decisions faster than a big group full of different opinions.
  2. Fiscal policy can be more effective than monetary policy, especially during tough economic times. Governments can take action on economic issues more quickly when they have a smaller legislative body.
  3. To manage complex government tasks better, we might need more specialized committees. A focus on smaller, efficient groups could help create better laws and address the needs of a diverse society.

The Hidden Constraints on HOT Lanes

Bet On It • 105 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. HOT lanes have strict rules to keep traffic moving, like needing to maintain a minimum speed. If the lanes are too slow, the company operating them can face financial penalties.
  2. The profit for companies managing HOT lanes can be limited because they have to share excess earnings with the government once they reach certain profit levels. This makes them less likely to take risks.
  3. Even though these lanes are better than regular roads, government rules still make them less efficient. There are many ideas for improvements that aren't being tried, like charging tolls during busy times.

Who’s raising, IPO updates, and what company is buying Grok?

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Shein is planning to go public in Hong Kong, which is exciting news for investors. Although a US listing would be preferred, there is optimism about the move.
  2. Several companies have recently raised significant funding, including Bilt, which is known for its unique rent payment system. They reached a new valuation of $10.8 billion with a recent $250 million funding round.
  3. Grok 4, the new AI model, shows strong capabilities but also raises concerns about its reliance on the views of its founder, Elon Musk. This has led to questions about how competitive it will be against other AI models.

Top Links 592 The upside of inflation. Warhammer and the British economy & the Cesarean boom.

Chartbook • 271 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Inflation can have positive effects on the economy. It's important to understand how it can sometimes benefit different sectors.
  2. The Warhammer gaming franchise is linked to the British economy in interesting ways. It shows how cultural phenomena can impact financial trends.
  3. There has been a rise in the rate of Cesarean births, often referred to as a boom. This trend raises questions about healthcare practices and preferences.

The Antidote

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. The speech emphasizes the importance of free market principles for policy success and individual liberty.
  2. Entrepreneurship programs are being influenced by social justice ideals, imposing artificial limits on innovation.
  3. Successful companies focus on fulfilling customer needs to drive growth and prosperity.

What Homes Are Missing, again?

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 231 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. There is a significant shortage of homes in the U.S., estimated at around 15 million. This is due to various factors like vacancies and the rising number of adults per home.
  2. Vacancies have dropped over the years, and we might be short about 5 million vacant units needed to keep rent inflation stable.
  3. Population growth has slowed since 2008 and has likely affected housing demand, which adds pressure to the existing housing shortage.

Intro to Economic Life 101

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 680 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Economic life can be confusing, especially for teenagers and in different societal contexts.
  2. There are common misconceptions about 'the economy' that many people unquestioningly accept.
  3. The interconnectedness of different economic scales and systems can lead to confusion and speculation in financial markets.

Top Links 542 King coal. How Europe is still buying Russian gas. Big money is not speaking up for Harris & the Empresa de China.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Economics
  1. Europe is still buying Russian gas despite the ongoing conflict, showing a complicated relationship with energy sources.
  2. Global coal consumption has hit record highs due to rising electricity demand around the world.
  3. There seems to be a lack of support from major investors for politicians like Harris and companies like Empresa de China.

People Cannot Wrap Their Heads Around Exponentials

Jay's Data Stream • 5 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Economics
  1. People struggle to intuitively grasp exponential growth, so they underestimate how fast things like infections or price inflation can accelerate.
  2. Personal feelings about being "behind" often don't match the data; younger generations can feel poorer even when inflation-adjusted measures show they're better off at the same age.
  3. Each generation tends to feel it will be worse off than the previous one, a recurring pattern driven by perception, cognitive biases, and economic shifts like housing-price inflation.

Real Talk about Race and Murder Rates

Handwaving Freakoutery • 1233 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. The key to solving the murder problem in the United States lies in repairing the family unit across all demographics.
  2. Murder rates in the US do not correlate with gun ownership by race; 'it's the guns' is not explanatory for the differences in murder rates.
  3. Single motherhood, particularly the absence of fathers, is a major factor in predicting high murder rates across different racial demographics in the US.

From Google Blogger to Substack: Coming Soon!

Musings on Markets • 899 implied HN points • 25 Mar 22
💼 Business Economics
  1. The author started blogging in 2008 and has written over 600 posts on finance topics since then. This blogging experience has helped him rethink his views and develop new ideas.
  2. He is moving his blog from Google Blogger to Substack because it allows him to easily transfer his old posts and offers a better format for readers.
  3. Both platforms will continue to host his posts, and he encourages readers to choose between them while assuring that the experience will remain similar.

Top Links 585 Mexico's laborious economy. VW exits Xinjiang. Bibles are booming. Joan Robinson on time & history.

Chartbook • 271 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Mexico works a lot, making it the second biggest economy in the OECD by total hours worked, surpassing countries like Germany.
  2. Volkswagen has decided to leave Xinjiang, reflecting changing business strategies in sensitive regions.
  3. There is a rising interest in Bibles, indicating a shift or demand in religious materials.

🚫 AI, job licensing, and upward mobility: A Quick Q&A with … economist Vincent Geloso

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Income mobility issues in the U.S. are mostly caused by regulations, not just technology or automation. More rules can make it harder for people to change jobs and improve their lives.
  2. Access to jobs has become tougher due to increasing occupational licensing. This means people in low- and middle-income jobs face more barriers to enter their professions.
  3. Markets play a big role in income mobility, sometimes even more than social networks. Open markets help more people succeed, while strict regulations can hold them back.

Top Links 611 Trump's threat to affordable cars. Why trust small business? The world's most important boy scouts & revisiting the Maginot line.

Chartbook • 243 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Trump's tariffs will make affordable cars harder to find in the US. This is because the cost of making these cars will go up.
  2. Trusting small businesses is important for our economy. They often provide better service and creativity compared to larger corporations.
  3. Revisiting historical events, like the Maginot Line, can teach us valuable lessons. It's a reminder of how preparation and strategy matter in facing challenges.

What Would Hayek And Mises Think About Mamdani?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 29 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Central planning often leads to negative outcomes, as seen in historical examples like Cuba and Venezuela. People may crave free services, but they usually come with hidden costs and challenges.
  2. Utopian ideas of socialism may sound good, but they ignore real-world economic issues like high rents and prices. Hayek and Mises argued that such plans don't align with everyday realities.
  3. Government-run businesses tend to lack variety and quality, which can make life harder for everyone. History shows that centralized control rarely works well in practice.

STORIES WE TELL OURSELVES - PART II – THE MISSISSIPPI SCHEME 1716-1721 (A TALE IN FIVE CHAPTERS)

Reflections on "Going Down Tobacco Road" and Investing • 176 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
💾 History Economics
  1. The story is about the Mississippi Scheme in 1716-1721 and the madness of crowds.
  2. John Law, an economist, proposed paper money and a bank that led to a speculative frenzy.
  3. The frenzy resulted in a booming stock market, with individuals from all social classes participating in the speculation.

The Satisfaction of Paying Bills

Kamui Whisky Newsletter • 176 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
💼 Business Economics
  1. Paying bills can bring a deep sense of satisfaction, especially after overcoming financial hurdles in a startup.
  2. Paying invoices quickly can have a positive impact on relationships with contractors, small businesses, and vendors.
  3. Prioritizing timely payment of invoices and bills is not only responsible but can also be a rewarding practice.

Letter #66: Pony Ma (2021)

A Letter a Day • 176 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
💼 Business Economics
  1. A good internet product must have applications to create value when used by people.
  2. New values are derived from the network as more users interact with the product.
  3. The CBS Trinity of Consumer, Business, and Society is crucial for innovation in the digital world.

American Economic History Midterm This Friday!

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 199 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🚌 Education Economics
  1. The midterm exam will focus on the readings, so doing them is key to doing well. It's designed to be easy if you're prepared.
  2. The course looks at American economic history through various significant episodes instead of a continuous timeline. This approach highlights important events and their impacts.
  3. Upcoming weeks will cover topics like immigration, feminism, and the rise of Silicon Valley. Each week connects historical discussions to current economic issues.

Shrinking Hierarchy

David Friedman’s Substack • 224 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Agoric institutions are where most people are self-employed and work together more like a community of entrepreneurs. This helps reduce reliance on traditional companies.
  2. Technological advancements are making it easier for individuals to create and share their work without the need for companies, like self-publishing or AI helping in content creation.
  3. As technology improves, it reduces costs and complexities of doing business. This means more people could work independently in the future, even if big companies still exist.