The hottest Economics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Is Stripe expensive, or is Adyen cheap?

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Startups are growing faster than ever, hitting $5 million in annual revenue quicker than before. This shows that today's startups have better opportunities and strategies to scale up.
  2. Self-driving technology is making great progress, with companies like Waymo doubling their paid rides in less than a year. This suggests that self-driving cars are becoming more reliable and popular.
  3. Comparing Stripe and Adyen reveals that Stripe is investing heavily in future growth while Adyen focuses on efficiency and profits. This difference shows how each company has its own strategy to succeed in the market.

Five Possible California Events y Mi Retorno a España

Bet On It • 90 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Economics
  1. There are five possible events happening in California from December 9-24, where people can meet up. Locations include national parks and restaurants like Maria's Italian Kitchen.
  2. The author is excited to return to Spain around March 17-23, with major events planned in Madrid. They feel hopeful about Spain's future, despite its socialist background.
  3. The author believes that national parks should be privatized for better management and service. They think changes in places like Argentina and Cuba could influence this idea.

More on Altruism

David Friedman’s Substack • 80 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Economics
  1. People don't always act the way we expect when it comes to charity. For example, if you get a raise, you might donate more, but real donors often don't follow this theory and may change their donations based on their feelings instead.
  2. Folk songs often show a preference for marrying for beauty over wealth, suggesting that beauty is seen as noble. However, this often creates tension and even tragedy in the story, revealing complex social dynamics.
  3. Being in love might be related to altruism since loving someone can lead to wanting what’s best for them. But love can also involve mixed feelings, which makes it unclear how altruism plays a role in romantic relationships.

Deflation Nation?

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 13 Dec 21
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Inflation worries are often exaggerated due to flawed measurements like the Consumer Price Index (CPI). People react strongly to these numbers, but they might not tell the full story.
  2. The reported inflation rate in America is at a high of 6.8%, causing a lot of concern and discussion. It's important to look at the bigger picture and the methods used to calculate this figure.
  3. Traditional metrics may not accurately represent the current economic situation. Understanding the limits of these measurements can help in better navigating economic discussions.

Daily Chartbook #392

Daily Chartbook • 209 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Daily Chartbook provides a daily summary with 30 charts for subscribers to catch up on the day.
  2. The content of this post is for paid subscribers only, sign in or subscribe to access.
  3. Access to the Daily Chartbook is available through subscription on their website.
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High-cost AI is potentially bullish

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. High-cost AI tools like Perplexity and OpenAI are now charging much more for premium features, signaling a shift in how AI services are valued. As companies raise prices, it suggests they believe they offer significant value to users.
  2. Despite adding jobs in June, many industries still showed little growth, reflecting potential weaknesses in the overall labor market. This static situation raises questions about how strong employment will be in the future.
  3. Companies like Microsoft are laying off staff despite strong profits, indicating a change in how businesses view hiring. This trend could mean employers prioritize productivity from fewer employees, which may change the job market dynamics.

BIWEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-18 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 84 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Automation and AI are changing jobs in many industries. It could either lead to job losses or new kinds of jobs, just like what happened with tractors in farming a century ago.
  2. Students find it easier to ask ChatGPT questions instead of going to a teacher. This could mean they get less accurate answers, which is a concern for education.
  3. Economic forecasts are changing with the Federal Reserve adjusting interest rates. It’s an important factor for understanding the overall economy and its direction.

Trust as the Next Great Commodity

Kyla’s Newsletter • 85 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Trust is becoming really important and is now seen as a valuable resource. In a world where trust is low, it's crucial to find ways to invest in trust.
  2. There are different strategies for investing based on trust levels. You can focus on protection in uncertain times or on building a better system for the future.
  3. To succeed in this low-trust environment, we need to focus on realigning society by building trust, understanding truth, and reaching consensus to create a stable future.

Miniaturized Economies

Breaking Smart • 89 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. It's possible to create very small economies, even as tiny as a $1 GDP. This challenges our ideas about how big an economy needs to be.
  2. The speed and frequency of transactions can be much higher in miniaturized economies, allowing for new kinds of interactions and creative outputs, like controlling robots in imaginative ways.
  3. Miniaturizing economies might lead to smarter systems, almost like creating a form of intelligence. When economies are highly compacted, they can operate faster and more efficiently, similar to how brains function.

Gold Hits $3,400 Because Everything Is Awesome...Except Literally Everything

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 27 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Gold prices have risen significantly, signaling that the market is more unstable than it appears. It's a sign that people are starting to worry about the financial system.
  2. Even as the Fed lowers interest rates, bond yields are still going up, showing that the bond market is not reacting positively to current policies. This suggests there's a disconnect between what policymakers want and what's actually happening.
  3. Despite rising stock prices, many consumers are not financially healthy, often relying on credit to make everyday purchases. This points to a bigger issue beneath the surface of the economy.

How The NBA's New Salary Cap Actually Works (and why Adam Silver changed it)

Huddle Up • 28 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Economics
  1. The NBA has introduced new salary cap rules to promote competition and make it harder for any team to dominate for multiple years.
  2. With these changes, teams must be more careful when building their rosters, as there's less room for error.
  3. This has already impacted teams like the Boston Celtics, who had to significantly change their roster just a year after winning the championship.

The Post-Work AI Utopia We Are Racing Toward: A 7-Minute Video Intro

Crypto Good • 6 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Economics
  1. People are reacting to AI in three main ways: some fear it will destroy us, some ignore it, and some expect a vague future of abundance.
  2. Rapid AI progress is driving us toward a world where machines do most or all work, but we currently lack a roadmap for governance, money, poverty, and human purpose in that world.
  3. Thoughtful fiction and distilled briefings can offer practical blueprints for how post-scarcity societies and superintelligent AIs might be governed, helping guide real-world policy and design.

Homebuilder Earnings

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 63 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Homebuilder earnings give insights into the health of the housing market. They can show how well builders are doing right now.
  2. Tracking these earnings can help predict future trends in home prices and availability. It’s important for buyers and investors to know what's happening in the market.
  3. Understanding homebuilder performance can help people make better decisions about buying or selling homes. It helps everyone stay informed.

Race, IQ and Immigration

David Friedman’s Substack • 206 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. IQ is heritable and may differ among different races, but claims about the intelligence of Africans remain a topic of debate.
  2. The fiscal impact of immigrants is a complex issue, with data suggesting immigrants from countries with lower national IQ may have negative fiscal impacts in welfare states.
  3. Restricting immigration from low national IQ countries is debated, with considerations about the potential benefits and drawbacks in terms of societal contributions and economic impacts.

Digital tug-of-war

Working Theorys • 72 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. The debate over banning TikTok is making people more aware of digital trade. It shows how important it is in the economy, making up a big part of global trade now.
  2. Business schools, especially MBA programs, are facing criticism for not preparing students for job markets well. They're seen more as a time to learn and network rather than just a pathway to a job.
  3. Many CEOs who step down often come back, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives. This trend shows how important past experiences can be in reshaping a company's vision.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-11-10 Su

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 92 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. NVIDIA's profits are not typical. They benefit from a unique position in the market, unlike many other companies whose profits are more stable and predictable.
  2. The concept of 'safe assets' is important in understanding economic stability. They can rise in value during tough times and provide liquidity, which gives certain countries, like the U.S., a special financial edge.
  3. The current state of AI technology is useful but limited. It can handle repetitive tasks well, but it still can't solve new problems that it hasn't been trained on.

Is There a Right to Immigrate?

Fake Noûs • 324 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Economics
  1. Immigration restrictions can violate individual rights by preventing people from escaping poverty or oppression.
  2. There is a simple argument that supports the idea that immigration restrictions are typically wrong.
  3. Reasons often given for restricting immigration, like protecting jobs or culture, may not justify the harmful coercion and violation of rights that come with those restrictions.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #122

Creative Destruction • 30 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Using AI tools like ChatGPT is changing how we communicate. We're starting to sound more robotic and losing some of our human touch in conversations.
  2. There's a big gap between how much CEOs make compared to average workers. This inequality is growing and is often ignored, but it's important to recognize and address it.
  3. Startups are shifting from focusing on rapid growth and hiring to being lean and efficient, using AI to achieve more with fewer employees. This new approach is called 'botscaling.'

Persuasion Markets: A Manifesto

Three quarks • 25 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🔮 Crypto Economics
  1. Persuasion markets let people earn money by sharing their opinions. Instead of just betting on outcomes, you can now influence those outcomes and get rewarded for it.
  2. These markets work differently from traditional prediction markets. They don't need outside judges to decide who wins since they're based on the votes made by participants themselves.
  3. The goal of persuasion markets is to create fun and engaging experiences where communities can come together, share ideas, and earn value while doing what they love.

We're hiring: Daily newsletter writer

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. There's a job opening for a daily newsletter writer. The role includes finding and sharing interesting news about science, technology, and economic progress.
  2. The newsletter will focus on linking to articles, podcasts, and videos that people interested in progress will love. It's like a daily update for curious minds.
  3. To apply, you'll need a resume, a writing sample, and some links to content you think others should see. They want someone who enjoys exploring the internet and sharing cool finds.

31 well known businesses that launched during recessions.

Jon’s Newsletter • 139 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
💼 Business Economics
  1. Many successful companies were created during tough economic times. This shows that challenges can spark innovation and new ideas.
  2. Starting a business in a recession often means lower competition and the chance to fill gaps in the market. This can help new businesses stand out.
  3. The stories of these companies remind us that adversity can lead to creativity and growth, proving that tough times can produce great opportunities.

5 Insights From Warren Buffett’s 2023 Annual Letter

Behavioral Value Investor • 193 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Good long-term businesses are harder to find than you think. Predicting long-term winners isn't easy, and financial forecasts often miss the mark. Practice humility in investing and be ready to adjust your thesis.
  2. Avoid dealing with dishonest individuals. It's difficult to spot insincerity, and once dishonesty is detected, it's best to move on immediately.
  3. Markets are still prone to irrational behavior. Human nature hasn't changed, and rapid information dissemination can lead to herd mentality and market inefficiencies. Manic behavior in markets is here to stay.

($) Why is China Investigating Nvidia: Blackwell

Interconnected • 77 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. China's government is investigating Nvidia, which is unusual because they haven't gone after a foreign company like this before. This shows a shift in how they are handling international businesses.
  2. The timing of the investigation is interesting since it came shortly after Nvidia's CEO received an honorary degree and had meetings with Chinese officials. It may not be all negative for Nvidia.
  3. Despite the investigation, Nvidia plans to increase its workforce in China, focusing on research and development. This suggests they want to continue growing their presence there.

On Crashing In The Absence Of An Actual Market

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 25 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. The stock market is currently driven by factors like meme stocks and options trading, which might not reflect real market demand. This means we might not have had a genuine buyer in a long time.
  2. Meme stocks are becoming popular again, but their price rises often have no real basis in company performance. This shows a serious issue in how the market currently works.
  3. There are significant risks in the market due to the reliance on passive buying and options gamma. If these trends reverse, it could lead to a major market crash.

Buying Time

Comment is Freed • 93 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. The government is trying to slow down a financial crisis by making tough choices, but this is just a temporary fix. They've had to reverse some tax cuts and allow for more borrowing.
  2. The previous government's budget projections were unrealistic, leading to anger and concerns about how much spending was really needed. Many departments are facing serious issues.
  3. Despite these reversals, the government doesn't have much time left to make the situation better. They're in a tough spot and need to find new ways to improve the economy.

Ski Lift Pricing and the Lessons from Vail’s Challenge

Gad’s Newsletter • 70 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Skiing in the U.S. is becoming very expensive and often feels exclusive. Many ski resorts focus on making money rather than being inclusive to all skiers.
  2. The Epic Pass has changed how skiing works by giving access to multiple resorts. However, this has led to long wait times and overcrowded slopes, making the skiing experience less enjoyable.
  3. In Europe, ski resorts are often more affordable and competitive, allowing more people to enjoy skiing. This makes skiing feel less like a luxury and more accessible for everyone.

Towards An Artistic Middle Class

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Economics
  1. Art should be seen as a steady job, like any other career, instead of a do-or-die gamble. The idea is to encourage hard work over chasing fame.
  2. An artistic middle class is beginning to form, with more middle-level jobs and support for artists. This includes university programs and new ways to earn money through digital platforms.
  3. For artists to thrive together, they need to value creativity over status. They should support each other and focus on producing good work instead of competing for attention.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: An Ur-Text by George Stigler for Dark Satanic Millian Liberalism, & Related Matters...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. The market economy is seen not just for creating wealth, but for shaping character and virtues like self-discipline and resilience. This suggests that economic struggles can help people become better individuals.
  2. Some economists argue that uncertainty and risk of poverty are necessary for a society to function well. They believe without these challenges, people might not push themselves to improve.
  3. Critics of this perspective think that focusing on the hardships of capitalism ignores the real needs and experiences of everyday people. They see value in prosperity and security, not just in struggle and sacrifice.

Do WNBA Players Really Want to Be Paid What They Are Owed?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 24 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Economics
  1. WNBA players are pushing for better pay, claiming they deserve a fair share of the league's revenues, like their male counterparts in the NBA. However, the financial situation of the WNBA is complicated, as the league often operates at a loss.
  2. The WNBA has seen growth and interest, particularly with players like Caitlin Clark, but the overall revenue and profitability of the league remain low compared to the NBA. This affects players' salaries and how much they can realistically demand.
  3. Critics argue that despite the players' demands for higher wages, the underlying financial issues in the WNBA make it difficult for the league to meet these expectations without further losses.

The Great Reset: From Startups to What's Next

European Straits • 60 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Europe has struggled to create big tech companies like those in the US and China. It's due to issues like culture differences and less investment, which make it harder for companies to grow big.
  2. The US has certain advantages, such as a large market and easier access to funding, that help companies succeed. In Europe, money tends to be concentrated with a few wealthy families, making startups struggle.
  3. Even if startups seem to be fading, there's still a chance for new tech and ideas to emerge, especially with things like AI. Companies are likely to focus on efficiency rather than just rapid growth.

How Taiwan became Arrakis

Deep Into The Mundane • 17 HN points • 20 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. Taiwan's TSMC is crucial to the global economy, producing chips for major tech companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla.
  2. ASML, a Dutch company, has a monopoly on EUV lithography machines, a key technology for chip manufacturing, with machines costing hundreds of millions of dollars.
  3. TSMC's innovative 'pure-play foundry' model, led by visionary Morris Chang, revolutionized chip manufacturing, emphasizing collaboration with designers and avoiding competition with customers.

Can dissipating energy be profitable ?

GEM Energy Analytics • 79 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
💼 Business Economics
  1. Dissipating energy can actually be a business opportunity, especially when there's a lot of renewable energy that needs to be used quickly. This could be done by creating heat with electricity.
  2. The European power markets show that there is potential to earn money by providing flexible energy solutions, such as using heaters or other simple devices to quickly use excess electricity.
  3. A smarter way to approach energy dissipation is to use the heat generated from electricity for useful purposes, like district heating, instead of just wasting it.